Last week, we were delighted to host the return of the Harris Debate, this year asking the important questions about the surveyor’s duty of care during times of great housing demand.

This episode of The RICS Podcast comes to you live from the event, moderated by Lord Bichard of Nailsworth KCB, and featuring a panel with Dr Wei Yang OBE, Faraz Baber FRICS, Charlotte Neal MRICS, Fiona Fletcher-Smith and Joey Aoun.

With firsthand perspectives from industry experts and practical ideas for catalysing change, this episode offers an opportunity to engage with the issues shaping the future of housing, and the moral balance at the heart of the solution to the housing crisis.

This episode of The RICS Podcast covers:

• The ethical responsibilities of surveyors and built environment professionals in addressing the housing crisis
• Confronting the challenges of delivering affordable, high-quality housing amid financial, regulatory, and political pressures
• The importance of community engagement and local authority leadership in sustainable housing development
• Innovative financial strategies and public-private partnerships to unlock housing supply and investment
• Highlighting solutions such as repurposing vacant homes and retrofitting existing stock for immediate impact

Dr Wei Yang OBE 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/wei-yang-obe-84771b26/

Faraz Baber FRICS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/faraz-baber-frics-mrtpi-539ba518/

Charlotte Neal MRICS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlotte-neal-a9603a6/

Fiona Fletcher-Smith

https://www.linkedin.com/in/fiona-fletcher-smith-0b22302a1/

Joey Aoun

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joey-aoun-0a469aa3/

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/

There are a great number of reasons to take pride in being a surveyor, and much to do in order to make that pride accessible to all who wish to join the industry.

This week on The RICS Podcast, we’re joined by Morag Angus FRICS, Diana Massawa MRICS, Tim Kenny AssocRICS and Maarukh Abbas, who take us through the most rewarding aspects of the profession, and the EDI work that could make entry into surveying more universally feasible.

This episode of The RICS Podcast covers:

• What draws people to the surveying profession, and its most rewarding aspects
• The ‘hidden societal barriers’ to entering the industry
• Routes to qualification in different territories
• The impact that surveyors make through their roles and through local community work
• What sets us apart from other careers, and the traits of a great surveyor

Morag Angus FRICS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/morag-angus-ma-hons-dip-ls-frics-31666b3b/

Maarukh Abbas

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maarukh-abbas-80974716b/

Diana Massawa MRICS

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

Tim Kenny AssocRICS

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

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 future of the built environment relies on us teaching the right skills to those currently aspiring to work in the profession.

In this episode of the RICS Podcast, host Kevin Keane FRICS is joined by Jane Sykes MRICS and Babatunji Adegoke MRICS to explore the essential skills shaping the future of the surveying profession and the built environment. 

They’ll cover the dynamic between hard skills and soft skills, highlight strategies for fostering inclusivity at all career stages, and the value of continuous development in an ever-evolving workplace.

This episode of The RICS Podcast covers:

• The evolving landscape of surveying and built environment professions, with an emphasis on new technical skills such as sustainability and digital technologies.
• The critical balance between technical expertise and essential soft skills like emotional intelligence, communication, and collaboration.
• Changing entry routes and opportunities to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion across the surveying profession.
• The challenges and opportunities associated with digital competence, continuous learning, and adapting to rapid technological change.
• The importance of professional culture, supportive development programs, and collaborative approaches to nurture adaptability, curiosity, and lifelong learning within the field

Kevin Keane FRICS 

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

Jane Sykes MRICS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jane-sykes-mrics-mcipd-59a8671b2/

Babatunji Adegoke MRICS

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

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/

Surveying is a rich profession with a long-spanning, illustrious history that stretches back to medieval times, and it’s a key area of focus for Professor Carl Chinn MBE.

This special episode of The RICS Podcast delves into the roots of the profession, as Professor Chinn MBE shares with Suki Bell FRICS his findings on how surveying has evolved across generations, and the key figures who’ve influenced the industry as we know it today.

This episode of The RICS Podcast covers:

• The historical origins of surveying, tracing back to early medieval land surveys
• The evolution of surveying techniques and tools, notably the use of plane tables and the role of engravers in creating maps
• The professionalisation and diversification of surveying in the 18th and 19th centuries
• The pioneering contributions of female surveyors like Irene Martin and Evelyn Perry

Suki Bell FRICS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/suki-bell-frics-chair-of-the-rics-lpa-birmingham-44695620/

Professor Carl Chinn MBE

https://www.linkedin.com/in/prof-carl-chinn-mbe-7577441b4/

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/

Work experience forms a vital part of many aspiring surveyors’ early career, and this episode of The RICS Podcast focuses on how to find, and make the most of, work experience opportunities.

Toby Stewart is a student member of RICS and student at the University of Aberdeen, and he’s joined by RICS candidate Danny Waters, and members Norman Hutchinson FRICS and Fiona Stoddard MRICS to discuss the skills that students bring to firms, strategies for seeking placements, and how to balance academic commitments with work obligations.

This episode of The RICS Podcast covers:

• Where students can find more information on work experience opportunities
• Tips for students preparing for work experience
• Managing a healthy employer-student relationship
• Balancing academic commitments with work experience opportunities

Toby Stewart

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

Danny Waters

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

Fiona Stoddard MRICS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/fiona-stoddard-393141105/

Norman Hutchinson FRICS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/norman-hutchison-a0244219/

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/

Small to medium enterprises (SMEs) are an essential part of the built environment, providing opportunities for young professionals to enter the industry.

In this episode of The RICS Podcast, industry leaders from the surveying and built environment sector share candid insights into the realities of running and growing small to medium enterprises (SMEs).

Jennifer Hobart MRICS is joined by Dominic Doig FRICS, Zaman Sheikh AssocRICS and Sean Pearson AssocRICS to share how SMEs are adopting new technologies, balancing growth with quality, and innovating within the industry.

This episode of The RICS Podcast covers:

• The unique challenges and opportunities of running and growing an SME in the built environment sector
• Leadership, management skills, and effective delegation for sustainable business success
• Adopting new technologies to improve efficiency and remain competitive
• Sector-wide talent shortages and the role of SMEs in providing diverse training and career opportunities
• Strong, long-term client relationships and maintaining high service quality in a competitive market

Jennifer Hobart MRICS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-hobart-mrics-b6954552/

Dominic Doig FRICS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominic-doig-a2b72b19/

Zaman Sheikh AssocRICS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/zaman-sheikh/

Sean Pearson AssocRICS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-pearson-65241442/

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/

Fellowship represents not an end-state of the surveying profession, but a next phase of your journey - how do you know when it’s time to attain it?

In this episode of the RICS Podcast, Tammy Harrison-Round FRICS guides a discussion with Chris Smith, who recently earned his FRICS designation, and Jamie Collins MRICS who’s currently preparing to undertake it.

You'll learn their personal experiences, motivations, and the challenges they faced along the way, plus strategies for success on your own path to FRICS.

This episode of The RICS Podcast covers:

• Personal journeys and motivations for pursuing the FRICS designation
• Insights into the FRICS application process, including challenges, strategies, and practical advice for success
• The importance of mentorship, networking, and giving back to the surveying profession
• Overcoming self-doubt and breaking stereotypes about who can achieve fellowship and when in their career
• The broader impact of FRICS on professional recognition, confidence, and the ability to influence and inspire others in the industry

Tammy Harrison-Round FRICS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammy-harrison-round-frics-726a8894/

Chris Smith FRICS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-smith-frics-03aba029/

Jamie Collins MRICS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-collins-515874214/

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/

One of the widest-reaching impacts that can be seen from surveyors’ work is the sustainable growth of global infrastructure.

In this episode of the RICS podcast, host Kieran Halliwell is joined by Tom Haithwaite, a surveyor whose work is transforming public infrastructure in Peru. 

Tom shares his experiences navigating cultural differences, implementing sustainable solutions, and the lasting impact that well-executed public projects can have on society. 

This episode of The RICS Podcast covers:

• The complexities and challenges of developing public infrastructure, particularly healthcare facilities, in Peru
• The importance of early stakeholder engagement and understanding local needs to ensure successful project outcomes
• Balancing cost efficiency, functionality, and user experience in public sector construction projects
• Integrating sustainable technologies and practices despite budgetary and operational constraints
• The value of international experience and transferable skills in driving impactful change in other nations

Thomas Haithwaite MRICS
https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-h-b4542961/

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/

Mental health and wellbeing is a key pillar in today’s world, and while it’s historically been more challenging for men in construction to be open, there’s more vital support now than ever before.

Tomi Laguda leads a deep and honest discussion on The RICS Podcast this week with Scott Pearshouse MRICS, as he shares his own mental health journey in construction, and Mark McBride Wright, who shares essential steps we can all take to foster a safer working environment for everyone.

CONTENT WARNING // This episode of The RICS Podcast discusses sensitive topics surrounding suicide to raise awareness for those affected - if you or someone that you know is in need of support, resources can be found in the ‘Links and References’, or Samaritans are available to call free at 116 123.

This episode of The RICS Podcast covers:

• Major day-to-day pressures on men’s mental health
• Identifying the signs that you, or someone you know, should seek support
• Our collective responsibility for changing the culture to one where mental wellbeing is prioritised
• Leaders’ roles in creating a more open, safe and welcoming workplace 

Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors:

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

RICS Lionheart

https://www.lionheart.org.uk/

Mark McBride Wright

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

Tomi Laguda

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom%C3%AD-l-9a0782139/

Scott Pearshouse MRICS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-pearshouse-mrics-b3391952/

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/

Every infrastructure project requires the work of a surveyor, and when developing economies and public opportunity this role is akin to that of a ‘silent hero’.

In this episode of the RICS Podcast, host Kieran Halliwell is joined by Dorothy Natukunda MRICS, Principal Government Valuer at Uganda’s Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development. 

This special member profile tracks her route into the industry, landmark work on the Standard Gauge Railway project, and how she’s balancing technical demands with empathetic stakeholder engagement to bring the project to life.

This episode of The RICS Podcast covers:

• Dorothy’s journey into surveying and her influential role in Uganda’s Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development
• The complexities and human impact of land acquisition for major infrastructure projects, such as the Standard Gauge Railway
• The importance of proactive stakeholder engagement and transparent communication in public sector valuation work
• The influence of international standards like RICS on local practice and professional development in Uganda
• The evolving opportunities for women and young professionals in the surveying and valuation profession

Dorothy Natukunda MRICS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/natukunda-dorothy-mrics/

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/