Reinforced concrete transfer slabs have become a frontline building safety concern, particularly in medium and high-rise mixed-use and residential schemes. 

In this episode of The RICS Podcast, host Gary Strong FRICS is joined by Patrick Hayes, Trevor Rushton FRICS and Nick Knight MRICS to unpack the emerging risks around reinforced concrete transfer slabs. 

They explore what transfer slabs are, why they have become a critical building safety concern in the UK, and how issues such as punching shear, historic design practices, and incomplete records affect today’s risk profile.

This episode of The RICS Podcast covers:

• What reinforced concrete transfer slabs are, where they are typically found, and why they’ve emerged as a building safety issue
• How punching shear and concentrated loads create risks not fully covered by historic codes and standard design practice
• The roles and responsibilities of those responsible for identifying, assessing, and managing transfer slabs
• Practical approaches to assessment and mitigation of risk around transfer slabs

Gary Strong FRICS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-strong-bsc-hons-frics-fciarb-c-builde-fcabe-fcila-b52667b/

Patrick Hayes FIStructE

https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-hayes-b23b5778/

Trevor Rushton FRICS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-rushton-15348222/

Nick Knight MRICS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-knight-77277064/

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 MIPIM Challengers initiative creates space for the next generation of professionals to share fresh ideas and new perspectives, and this year’s winners include Betsy Brady and Ioana Orzea.

Betsy & Ioana join James Fiske on this episode of The RICS Podcast to share their approach to rethinking embodied carbon as an asset, how we can educate others on driving sustainability in real estate, and young professionals’ drive to decarbonise the built environment.

This episode of The RICS Podcast covers:

• Treating embodied carbon not as a one-time cost, but as a resource to be managed and amortised over a building's lifecycle
• The MIPIM Challengers showcasing how younger professionals are driving creative solutions to decarbonise the built environment
• The importance of measuring and tracking carbon emissions throughout a building's entire lifecycle
• Upskilling professionals by developing consistent carbon pricing methodologies and creating career paths focused on carbon management
• Strategies for measuring, reducing, and accounting for embodied carbon

This episode was first released on 14 April 2025.

James Fiske

https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-fiske-bcis/

Betsy Brady

https://www.linkedin.com/in/betsy-brady-853348148/

Ioana Orzea

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ioana-orzea-60637813a/

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/

George Clarke HonRICS is an architect, television presenter, campaigner and educator whose position allows him to bridge gaps between the built environment and those less acquainted with the construction industry.

In this episode of The RICS Podcast (originally broadcast in December 2024), George joins Emma Martin MRICS and Ayo Ajayi MRICS as they discuss his passion for construction, the industry’s image, the value of work experience and how to make progress with diversity in construction.

This episode of The RICS Podcast covers:

• George’s influences to get involved with construction
• The impact of media on public perception of construction and the built environment
• What it means to work in the public interest
• George’s passionate campaigning for social housing
• How evolving technology impacts the work of  built environment professionals

George Clarke

https://georgeclarke.com/

Ayo Ajayi

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayo-ajayi-7356376a/

Emma Martin

https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-martin-arcadis/

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/

In light of the renewed global energy crisis following the conflict in Iran, we’re re-releasing one of our most pertinent episodes. Originally recorded during a period of greater market stability, this discussion between Roger Esson MRICS, Amit Patel MRICS, Jenny Stanning and Stephen Thompson FRICS explores how the surveying profession can help drive the transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy systems.

The conversation highlights the continued reliance on oil and gas, the importance of professional standards, and the role surveyors play in supporting infrastructure change and workforce reskilling. As geopolitical pressures reshape the energy landscape, these insights are more timely than ever, offering a clear perspective on how surveyors can lead in building a more resilient, sustainable future.

This episode of The RICS Podcast covers:

• The surprising amounts of energy still being derived from oil and gas
• RICS members’ roles in transitioning to a greener energy mix and a more sustainable future
• How to get young kids, particularly young girls, interested in construction and STEM
• The role of standards in the energy transition

Amit Patel

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amit-patel-902a341a/

Jenny Stanning 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-stanning-40217539/

Roger Esson

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

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/

As RICS introduces the refreshed continuing professional development (CPD) framework effective from January 2026, it’s important to know what this means for day‑to‑day professional practice. 

In this episode of The RICS Podcast, Charles Golding MRICS is joined by Olga Turner Baker MRICS to set the scene for those changes, and explore how the new RICS Member App can help keep professionals up to speed on their CPD throughout the year.

This episode of the RICS podcast covers:

• What has and hasn’t changed in the RICS CPD framework for 2026
• The shift from not only counting hours, but also focusing on relevant, adequate and appropriate CPD
• The introduction of mandatory topics on sustainability, AI/technology, and ethical and professional standards
• How to plan and record CPD more effectively, including practical strategies to avoid the year‑end rush and recognise more of the learning you already do
• Using the new RICS Member App and online resources to plan, track and document CPD and learning outcomes

Information about the new CPD app and where to download it 

https://www.rics.org/surveyor-careers/career-development/continuing-professional-development

Olga Turner Baker MRICS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/olga-turner-baker-mrics-well-ap-non-exec-director-128b5729/

Charles Golding MRICS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-golding-23512b175/

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/

This episode is part of RICS Legal Landscapes, a limited podcast series developed by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors which is CPD-compliant and designed to support professional development across the surveying profession and the broader built environment.

Gateway 3 is the final, mandatory checkpoint under the Building Safety Act 2022 for higher risk buildings (HRBs) in the UK

This episode of the RICS Legal Landscapes series dives into what Gateway 3 really means in practice, as both a regulatory hurdle and as a decisive moment of legal accountability, commercial viability and building safety. 

Gary Strong FRICS is joined by building surveyor Graeme Manley MRICS and construction lawyer David Savage to unpack Gateway 3, why it’s often called the ‘point of no return’ for clients and duty holders, and what legal responsibilities arise if a building fails to secure a completion certificate. 

This episode of The RICS Podcast covers:

• The role of Gateway 3 as the final pre‑occupation checkpoint for Higher Risk Buildings (HRBs)
• How responsibility and accountability crystallise at Gateway 3 for clients, principal designers and principal contractors
• The legal and commercial consequences of failing Gateway 3, including a range of criminal sanctions 
• The importance of the ‘golden thread’ of information, accurate as-built records, change control, and digital systems
• Practical steps for surveyors, developers and building owners to plan for Gateway 3 from day one.

Building Safety Act information centre:

https://www.rics.org/news-insights/building-safety-act-information-centre 

Gary Strong FRICS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-strong-bsc-hons-frics-fciarb-c-builde-fcabe-fcila-b52667b/

Graeme Manley MRICS

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

David Savage

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

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/

Amid high housing costs and construction challenges, the UK Government's 1.5 million new homes target by July 2029 is an ambition impacted greatly by macroeconomics, planning reform, and a shifting market.

In this episode of the RICS podcast, Tony Mulhall MRICS, senior specialist, land and resources at RICS is joined by Simon Rubinsohn, Chief Economist at RICS, to unpack the economics behind the Government’s ambitions. 

We’ll hear the origins of the ‘300,000 homes per year’ figure, why it’s more totemic than concrete, and how interest rates, gilt markets and political uncertainty are shaping mortgage costs and housebuilder confidence.

This episode of The RICS Podcast covers:

• Origins and limitations of the 300,000 homes per year target 
• How interest rates, gilt yields, and political uncertainty are influencing the pace of housebuilding
• The balance between supply-side planning reforms and demand-side support 
• The impact of rising construction costs, skills shortages, and the struggles of modern methods of construction on delivery capacity
• The role of government intervention on land value capture and development viability

Simon Rubinsohn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-rubinsohn-43124162/

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 new RICS professional standard ‘Responsible use of artificial intelligence in surveying practice’ represents a pivotal shift in how professionals understand and use artificial intelligence in the surveying industry.

Ahead of the standard coming into effect on 9 March 2026, Chris Alder, Senior Executive Officer for Standards and Regulation at RICS, is joined by Nella Pang MRICS, Managing Director at Omega R‑E Ltd and member of the RICS Commercial Property Professional Group Panel, and James Garner FRICS, Head of AI and Data at Gleeds and part of the Construction Professional Group Panel. Together, they explore common misconceptions about AI, its potential to transform the sector, and the ethical issues that every surveyor should keep front of mind.

This episode of The RICS Podcast covers:

• Definitions of the many variations and use cases of AI tools in the profession
• The role of the ‘human in the loop’, maintaining responsibility for the work that’s undertaken with AI assistance
• How AI helps surveyors in more creative aspects of their roles
• The increased dangers of cybersecurity which come with the advent of new technologies

James Garner FRICS: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesgarner1976/

Nella Pang MRICS: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nella-pang-mrics-0m3gar3/

Chris Alder: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-alder-b528822a/

James Garner’s AI newsletter - Project Flux: https://www.projectflux.ai/

RICS Professional Standard - ‘Artificial Intelligence in the natural and built environment sector’: https://www.rics.org/profession-standards/rics-standards-and-guidance/conduct-competence/responsible-use-of-ai

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/

In this episode of the RICS Podcast, Jon Rowling is joined by conservation experts Karen Gwilliams FRICS, Joanne Williams MRICS, and Sam Wheeler MRICS to explore what it takes to safeguard the UK’s historic buildings. 

We find out about the rewarding projects in heritage surveying, the growing skills gap in traditional crafts and conservation surveying, and how technology & AI are changing the future of the sector.

This episode of the RICS Podcast covers:

• The rewarding nature of working on historic buildings
• The growing skills gap in traditional crafts and conservation surveying
• Practical pathways into a career in historic building conservation
• How climate change, flooding, and extreme weather are affecting historic buildings
• The evolving role of technology and AI in assessing, monitoring, and managing heritage assets

Jon Rowling

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-rowling-41a09329/

Joanne Williams

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-williams-364468b1/

Karen Gwilliams FRICS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-gwilliams-8834a220/

Sam Wheeler MRICS

https://www.pha-building-conservation.co.uk/profile.htm

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 month of Ramadan begins in February, observed by many professionals in the built environment and other corporate industries.

In this episode of the RICS podcast, membership DEI manager Tomi Ayede is joined by Gohar Nawaz, land and development manager for Kandore Properties in Nottingham, and Amir Latif MRICS, portfolio manager at M Latif and Sons in Birmingham, to explore what it means to be a surveyor observing Ramadan. 

How can we support Muslim colleagues and build considerate workspaces during the month of fasting, prayer, and reflection?

This episode of the RICS Podcast covers:

• How observing Ramadan shapes the daily routines, wellbeing, and work patterns of Muslim surveyors in the built environment
• Practical ways employers and colleagues can support fasting staff, including flexible hours and meeting etiquette
• Common myths and misconceptions about Ramadan and fasting
• Inclusive policies and practices to consider during Ramadan

On Thursday 26 February, join RICS Matrics Birmingham, RICS Matrics Nottingham, and Muslims in Real Estate (MiRE) for a special Iftar evening at RICS Birmingham.

Book your place: https://www.rics.org/training-events/networking-events/rics-matrics-birmingham-nottingham-iftar-event-muslims-real-estate

Tomi Ayede

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

Gohar Nawaz

https://www.linkedin.com/in/goharnawaz-property/

Amir Latif MRICS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amir-l-225b58106/

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/