New Zealand’s ‘Central Interceptor Tunnel’ project represents a huge step towards upgrading the territory’s infrastructure for decades to come.

Central to its success is this week’s guest on The RICS Podcast, Dr Inoka Withana Gamage MRICS, Principal Contracts and Commercial Manager at Jacobs New Zealand.

In this member profile, Inoka talks us through the delivery of such a major project, the importance of collaboration, and how commercial and contract management plays its role in one of New Zealand’s largest landmark projects.

This episode of The RICS Podcast covers:

• The engineering and delivery complexities behind New Zealand’s largest wastewater infrastructure project, the Central Interceptor Tunnel
• The importance of collaborative working and stakeholder engagement in delivering major infrastructure
• Leadership lessons and the value of practical, adaptable management plans in large-scale projects
• The role of commercial and contract management in mitigating risk and ensuring project success
• Professional growth, continuous learning, and advice for early-career professionals in the built environment sector

Dr Inoka Withana Gamage

https://www.linkedin.com/in/inoka-withana-gamage-722a4b2b/?originalSubdomain=nz

Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors:

https://www.rics.org/uk/

RICS Podcast Page

https://www.rics.org/podcast/

Kieran Halliwell

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kdhalliwell/

The diverse future of our built environment industry relies on converting a broad university intake into an inclusive community of professionals.

In this episode of The RICS Podcast, Machel Bogues heads up a panel with Matthew Fedigan FRICS, Sybil Taunton and Lucy Day. With a breadth of experience and backgrounds, our guests weigh in on the barriers that need breaking for new, diverse talent to transition from education into the profession as a whole.

This episode of The RICS Podcast covers:

• Examining the barriers that might prevent diverse talent from transitioning from higher education into the built environment
• The impact of gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic background on access, progression, and experiences within the sector
• Preparing students for successful careers through practical skills development, placements, and apprenticeships
• The role of mentorship, visibility, and support networks in fostering inclusion 
• How industry-wide collaboration, cultural change, and accountability can drive greater access and equity within the profession

Diversity and the Built Environment:  student experiences and challenges with accessing the labour market: https://www.ciob.org/sites/default/files/2025-08/Diversity%20and%20the%20Built%20Environment%20Pipeline%20REPORT_.pdf

Sybil Taunton

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sybil-taunton-97261246/

Machel Bogues

https://www.linkedin.com/in/machel-bogues/

Matthew Fedigan

https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-fedigan-837a8822/

Lucy Day

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucy-day-4b0834251/

Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors:

https://www.rics.org/uk/

RICS Podcast Page

https://www.rics.org/podcast/

Kieran Halliwell

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kdhalliwell/

The Jewry Wall Museum plays a core role in Leicester’s history, and RICS member Emily Thorpe Jones MRICS has been the Project Manager on the it’s revamp since 2022. 

In this first member profile episode of The RICS Podcast, Emily speaks with Podcast Lead Kieran Dhunna Halliwell to share the complexities behind managing  a major heritage conservation project, and the collaborative efforts required to balance historical preservation with modern visitor experiences. 

This episode of The RICS Podcast covers:

• The transformation and revitalization of the Jewry Wall Museum as a significant Roman heritage site in Leicester
• Complexities and rewards of managing large-scale heritage conservation projects, including overcoming contractor insolvencies and logistical challenges
• Collaboration among project managers, conservation officers, archaeologists, artists, and specialist contractors in delivering successful outcomes
• The evolving role of technology in the surveying profession and its impact on heritage projects
• The crucial role of community engagement and public advocacy in preserving and valuing historic buildings for future generations

Modus LiDAR Article

https://ww3.rics.org/uk/en/modus/technology-and-data/harnessing-data/lidar-preserving-historic-monuments.html

Emily Thorpe Jones MRICS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-thorpe-jones-a62a68154/

Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors:

https://www.rics.org/uk/

RICS Podcast Page

https://www.rics.org/podcast/

Kieran Halliwell

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kdhalliwell/

SMEs play a key role in developing the next generation of surveyors for an ever-evolving industry, mentoring them and fostering a culture in which they grow.

In this episode of The RICS Podcast, we hear from Craig MacDonald FRICS, Jodie O'Connor MRICS, Marina Gerogieva MRICS and Callum Saville MRICS, as they discuss strategies for bridging the skills gap, professional development, and how SMEs are helping to shape the future of surveying.

This episode of The RICS Podcast covers:

• The unique challenges and opportunities faced by small to medium enterprises (SMEs) in developing the next generation of surveyors
• The impact of digital tools, automation, and emerging technologies on training, efficiency, and professional growth within the industry
• The value of mentorship, open communication, and constructive feedback in supporting early-career professionals
• The importance of curiosity, adaptability, and continuous learning for both new and experienced surveyors
• Strategies for fostering a supportive and innovative culture that encourages ownership, responsibility, and professional development

Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors:

https://www.rics.org/uk/

RICS Podcast Page

https://www.rics.org/podcast/

Kieran Halliwell

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kdhalliwell/

The Conflict Avoidance Process is a fast-growing tool in resolving disputes while avoiding the costs of both arbitration and litigation, making it invaluable if used correctly.

Two firm advocates heading up the Conflict Avoidance Coalition are RICS’ own Martin Burns, and Kier’s Jim McCluskey FRICS, who discuss how CAP provisions can be integrated into contracts to help shift towards more cooperative project management.

This episode of The RICS Podcast covers:

• Conflict Avoidance Process (CAP) as a timely, cost-effective alternative to traditional dispute resolution methods
• The importance of early intervention when addressing potential disputes
• Numerous benefits of CAP, from swift resolutions to lower costs
• The role of the Conflict Avoidance Coalition and the Conflict Avoidance Pledge in promoting more collaborative practices in the construction industry
• Potential for CAP to become a standard clause in construction contracts

Martin Burns

https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-burns-36a14226/

Jim McCluskey

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmccluskey/

Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors:

https://www.rics.org/uk/

RICS Podcast Page

https://www.rics.org/podcast/

Kieran Halliwell

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kdhalliwell/

Welcome back to The RICS Podcast! We enjoy showcasing the work of RICS members on our episodes and in this special update we’re previewing what’s to come in the next few months.

Kieran Dhunna Halliwell, the show’s Podcast Lead, shares a brief update on what we’ve published so far, and what’s happening behind the scenes as we prepare for more interviews, member profiles, and CPD-focused episodes.

If you’d like to contribute to the show, and suggest what you’d like to see from future content, be sure to get in touch via the form on the RICS podcast page.

Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors:

https://www.rics.org/uk/

RICS Podcast Page

https://www.rics.org/podcast/

Kieran Halliwell

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kdhalliwell/

The built environment and construction sectors should be a space for all to feel welcome and to belong, and with June being Pride month it’s an apt time to evaluate how that looks in the industry.

In this week’s episode of The RICS Podcast, Sharon Slinger FRICS is joined by Scott Wilkinson FRICS and Mark Bennett AssocRICS to discuss the current atmosphere for the LGBTQ+ community, and how we can work together to encourage a safe and inclusive industry for all.

This episode of The RICS Podcast covers:

• The importance of bringing your whole self to work in construction 
• What employers and colleagues can do to to create safe, inclusive environment for all
• The solutions to educating professionals on key inclusivity issues

Sharon Slinger FRICS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-slinger-4190a619/

Scott Wilkinson FRICS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottleewilkinson/

Mark Bennett AssocRICS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-bennett-mciob-assocrics-49a84318/

Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors:

https://www.rics.org/uk/

RICS Podcast Page

https://www.rics.org/podcast/

Kieran Halliwell

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kdhalliwell/

Through impactful, engaging and fulfilling projects, surveying continues to provide an incredibly unique career path to those who consider themselves fortunate to be in the profession.

In this episode of The RICS Podcast, Florence Andrews MRICS hosts Vincent John Harney MRICS & Iona Lennon AssocRICS in sharing the experiences that make surveying such a joy, and how we can pass that enthusiasm on to future generations.

This episode of The RICS Podcast covers:

• How we connect with the next generation of surveyors
• The evolving role of surveyors in sustainability
• Memorable challenges that our panel have overcome
• The diverse paths through which one can enter the profession

Florence Andrews MRICS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/florence-andrews-9595481/

Vincent John Harney MRICS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/vinceharney/

Iona Lennon AssocRICS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/iona-lennon-mciob/

Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors:

https://www.rics.org/uk/

RICS Podcast Page

https://www.rics.org/podcast/

Kieran Halliwell

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kdhalliwell/

The built environment industry will be more effective to all if diverse voices are included, which intensifies the very present need for greater equity and inclusion. But, what does this look like in practice? How can organisations contribute to cultivating a more inclusive industry? 

Nathan Spencer is Director at UKREiiF, and he joins RICS’ Sybil Taunton to discuss strategies for leading the industry towards a more inclusive environment, and the long-standing importance of social value as awareness grows around matters of diversity, equity and inclusion.

This episode of The RICS Podcast covers:

• How greater representation improves the built environment industry
• Examples of organisations and leaders making great, positive impact
• How to diversify voices being put forward for opportunity 
• Putting an organisation’s moral compass over profits

Sybil Taunton

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sybil-taunton-97261246/

Nathan Spencer

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-spencer-b5925386/

UK REiiF

https://www.ukreiif.com/

Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors:

https://www.rics.org/uk/

RICS Podcast Page

https://www.rics.org/podcast/

Kieran Halliwell

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kdhalliwell/

The demands of a Chartered Surveyor now have evolved since the desired qualities of years past, both in terms of skills & competency, and a surveyor’s character.

This week on The RICS Podcast, President of Alexandra Capital, Alexandra Faciu MRICS joins Craig Ross MRICS, who is Associate Director for Safety and Security at Diriyah Company. They dive into the assurance that competency provides to surveyors throughout the profession, and how the demands in the industry have changed across their time as surveyors.

This episode of The RICS Podcast covers:

• The evolving competencies required of chartered surveyors from adaptability to changing industry demands
• How mentorship and internal support programs help develop surveying professionals in their early careers
• Regional differences in surveying practice and regulation, with particular mention of the UK, Middle East, and North America
• The necessity for a growing focus on sustainability throughout the industry

Alexandra Faciu MRICS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandrafaciu/

Craig Ross MRICS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-ross-c-build-e-mcabe-csmp%C2%AE-m-ismi-mrics-msyl-6195a3112/

Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors:

https://www.rics.org/uk/

RICS Podcast Page

https://www.rics.org/podcast/

Kieran Halliwell

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kdhalliwell/