RICS hits record membership amid rising diversity and member engagement
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has proudly announced a year of notable growth and enhanced member engagement, driven by a newly established executive team and a commitment to evolving the institution's services. With a record membership exceeding 100,000 in the UK and Ireland for the first time, the total global count has reached 142,032, up from 140,209 in the previous year. The increase reflects RICS's proactive strategies aimed at attracting new members, with the recent enrolment figures marking the highest since 2017, while also maintaining a significant focus on diversity and inclusivity.
According to the institution's annual review, new global enrolments totalled 7,644, with 4,832 occurring within the UK alone. This momentum underscores RICS’s focus on member-led initiatives and the engagement of professionals in crucial areas of the built environment and their communities. Notably, 19.6% of the membership identified as women, highlighting the institution's successful outreach to increase female participation within the surveying profession. As Martin Samworth, chair of the RICS board, stated, “2024 marked a turning point for RICS,” emphasising the positive trajectories in member satisfaction and involvement.
This landmark growth follows a period of significant change, as RICS continues to implement recommendations from Lord Bichard’s governance review of 2023. The institution has notably introduced initiatives such as the whole life carbon assessment, which has garnered attention from various prestigious organisations. Engagement with educational institutions also increased, with nearly 12,050 school students reached, representing a 53.3% rise compared to 2023. RICS aims to cultivate a diverse next generation of professionals, a strategic focus that aligns closely with its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The fourth quarter of 2024 witnessed an impressive uptick in member engagement, with over 10,500 members participating in various events, a 45% increase from the previous quarter. This engagement involved a blend of face-to-face and hybrid member-led events, demonstrating RICS's adaptive approach to member interaction in a post-pandemic context. The launch of the Disability Inclusion Framework and RICS's role as a UN-accredited observer at COP29 further illustrate the institution's advocacy for sustainability and social responsibility within the industry.
In recognition of the ongoing financial pressures faced by its members, RICS has confirmed there will be no adjustments to membership subscription fees in 2024. This considerate move aims to alleviate the economic burdens affecting members, further reinforcing RICS's commitment to supporting its community during challenging times. Additionally, the decision to eliminate extra charges for monthly Direct Debit payments and encourage corporate payment schemes for larger firms reflects a strategic intent to reduce administrative costs and enhance member satisfaction.
As RICS looks ahead to 2025, the institution remains committed to enhancing its operational model while prioritising the needs and experiences of its members. The organisation’s sustained focus on member-led initiatives, DEI strategies, and global outreach positions it well for continued success and influence within the increasingly dynamic landscape of the built environment. With ambitions to maintain momentum, RICS appears poised to foster even greater engagement and professional growth, promising an exciting future for its members and the broader surveying profession.