Everything we do is designed to effect positive change in the built and natural environments.
Through our respected global standards, leading professional development and our trusted data and insight, we promote and enforce the highest standards in the development and management of land, real estate, construction and infrastructure.
Our work with others provides a foundation for confident markets, pioneers better places to live and work and is a force for positive social impact.
About Governing Council
About the role of the 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. Governing Council’s powers are set out in RICS Bye-Laws, which are approved by the Privy Council and the membership. The primary duties and functions of Governing Council are:
- Agreeing the Institution’s strategy and vision
- Overseeing the delivery of that strategy via annual business plans
- Overseeing the effective delivery of standards and regulations
- Agreeing changes to Byelaws and Regulations
The above is intended only as a summary or general guide. Full details of the duties of Governing Council as set out in RICS Regulations (R6.1.2) can be found here.
About the role of a Governing Council member
Governing Council Member Role
The following is an overview of the role of the Governing Council member.
Governing Council makes decisions collectively. Governing Council business is conducted exclusively in English, without any simultaneous translation facility provided.
In order to discharge their duties effectively, Governing Council members have four meetings each year – two in person (usually one in the spring and one in the autumn) one focusing on strategy and the other on oversight, and two virtual meetings. The in-person meetings will be held in London at RICS HQ and therefore some international travel may be required.
There may also be the requirement for Governing Council members to attend special meetings (held remotely). These are called in addition to the usual meeting schedule to deal with specific topics requiring decision or discussion by Governing Council, and also in the event of urgent matters.
Given that members of Council come from across the globe, it is not possible to hold meetings that work in all members time-zones, and therefore some meetings may be held at unsociable hours for some members.
Governing Council also conducts business between meetings through a Virtual Community forum, which provides a secure online facility for issues to be discussed amongst Governing Council members. Where decisions are required between meetings, members use the Virtual Community to vote on these certain matters.
Before meetings or votes take place, papers are normally provided in advance, and Governing Council members are required to read such papers in order to be able to participate effectively. There is also additional reading to be undertaken between meetings – for example, the Chairs of the governance bodies which are overseen by Governing Council provide reports after each meeting to ensure Governing Council is kept up to date and to enable Governing Council to discharge its oversight responsibility.
Governing Council members, once appointed, will need to be familiar with the range of matters which fall directly under Governing Council’s collective responsibility, and the processes governing the ways in which Governing Council is required to discharge these responsibilities.
Given the role of Governing Council, its members need to exercise independent thought, and to be able to contribute to a vision and a strategy to secure the future of the profession and for the wider public interest. In turn, RICS operates a structure and processes to ensure transparency and the timely provision of information so that Governing Council members can fulfil these duties – including effective oversight of functions delegated by Governing Council to other parts of the organisation.
Governing Council members are expected to devote such time as is necessary for the proper performance of their duties, including attendance at meetings, considering papers, training and ad hoc matters that may arise.
The usual time commitment anticipated for Governing Council members is approximately 20 days per annum, excluding travel.
The role is not remunerated. However, all reasonable expenses incurred will be paid in accordance with the RICS Expenses Policy. This includes travel and accommodation expenses.
Full details of the duties of Governing Council as set out in RICS Regulations (R6.1.2) can be found here.
RICS Values Statement
Integrity
We will reflect the behaviours that we ask of others and ensure that we act with integrity in every aspect of our work.
Transparency
We will be transparent about what we do, how we are doing it and our use of resources. We will be accountable to our members and stakeholders through the information we publish about the outcomes we achieve and the value we deliver for members and society. Our accountability will be underpinned by open and effective governance.
Inclusion
We believe in the positive benefits of diversity of race, background, gender, sexual orientation and physical abilities, thought and outlook, achieved through an organisation where people feel included, valued, and able to thrive in their own unique way.
Collaboration
We will seek out insight and feedback from members and stakeholders, listen to what they say, and undertake activity in a collaborative way. We will also be open to challenge and change, in pursuit of the highest professional standards.
Advocacy
We will not be afraid to speak up in the public interest on behalf of the profession and our industry. Through regular commentary and campaigns on key issues, we will become sponsors of positive change and increased awareness of issues relating to the natural and built environment.
Passion
Our passion and dedication to the future of our sector will be unstinting. We will redouble efforts to engage with the next generation of talent and go the extra mile with training and development to create a sustainable future of which all members can be proud.