The Role

The President’s Role

The successful candidate will follow a three-year leadership pathway, serving initially as Senior Vice President from March 2027, progressing to President Elect in January 2028, and, subject to satisfactory performance, assuming the office of President in January 2029.

This progression is designed as a developmental journey, providing the opportunity to deepen knowledge of RICS, strengthen governance and leadership capabilities, and gain experience representing the Institution at the highest levels. As the role evolves, so too do the responsibilities, culminating in the office of President, who serves not only as RICS’ most senior ambassador but also as Chair of Governing Council.

As Chair of Governing Council, the President will:

• Lead the work of Governing Council, including agreeing agendas and meeting schedules in partnership with the Chair of the RICS Board and the Chief Executive, and chairing meetings held both in person and virtually.
• Facilitate Governing Council’s oversight of RICS’ strategic direction, performance against business plans, and achievement of organisational objectives.
• Foster a culture of constructive challenge, collaboration and consensus-based decision-making across the Council.
• Promote effective communication and accountability between Governing Council and its delegated bodies, including the RICS Board and the Standards and Regulation Board (SRB).
• Oversee the effectiveness and performance of Governing Council and its members, including leading annual reviews of the Presidential Team, and Board Chairs.
• Ensure Governing Council receives the information and assurance required to fulfil its responsibilities effectively.
• Support the induction, development and ongoing effectiveness of Council members.
• Champion governance arrangements that are appropriate for a global professional body and support the maintenance of robust and independent regulation.
• Seek assurance, through the SRB, regarding the effective operation of arbitration and dispute resolution appointment functions.

It is important to note that the President’s role is a non-executive governance position. Responsibility for the day-to-day management of RICS, including operational delivery and implementation of the business plan, rests with the Chief Executive and the RICS Board.

In addition, the President undertakes a number of responsibilities under the RICS Regulations, including:

• Presenting diplomas and awards, both in person and virtually.
• Seeking assurance regarding the effective operation of arbitration and dispute resolution appointment functions.
• Undertaking other ceremonial, regulatory and ambassadorial duties as required.

Governing Council

Governing Council is the governing body of RICS. Ultimate responsibility for RICS rests with Governing Council, which has power to act in all matters in the name of RICS. Governing Council sets the vision for RICS and is responsible for articulating the strategy to achieve this vision. ​

The powers and responsibilities of Governing Council are set out in the RICS Bye-Laws, which are approved by both the Privy Council and the membership. Its principal responsibilities include:

• Setting and approving the Institution’s strategic direction and long-term vision.
• Overseeing the delivery of that strategy through annual business plans ​
• Overseeing the effective delivery of standards and regulations ​
• Approving changes to Byelaws and Regulations

To effectively discharge these responsibilities, Governing Council meets six times each year, comprising two in-person meetings and four virtual meetings. The in-person meetings are typically held in January and July, with one focused primarily on strategy and the other on oversight and governance matters. Each meeting spans two days, equating to approximately eight meeting days annually. In-person meetings are generally held at RICS Headquarters in London and may require international travel.

From time to time, Governing Council members may also be required to attend additional special meetings convened remotely to consider urgent matters or topics requiring specific discussion or decision outside the regular meeting cycle.

Governing Council includes members from a wide range of geographical regions. Consequently, some virtual meetings may be scheduled at times that are less convenient for certain members in order to accommodate global participation.

Between formal meetings, Council conducts business through a secure online platform, enabling discussion, scrutiny and decision-making on matters requiring consideration between scheduled meetings. Members may also be asked to participate in electronic voting when timely decisions are needed.

Members of Governing Council require an understanding of the matters that fall within its collective responsibilities, together with a commitment to good governance, independent judgement, and constructive challenge. Members are expected to contribute strategically, balancing the interests of the profession, the Institution, and the wider public interest.

RICS operates a structure and processes to ensure transparency, and the timely provision of information. This enables Governing Council members to exercise effective oversight of activities undertaken across the organisation, including functions delegated to other parts of the organisation.