What is RICS Accreditation and Why is it Important?

Why appoint an RICS-qualified surveyor?

There are a number of reasons why it is important to work with a RICS-accredited commercial property surveyor. This can provide you with huge peace of mind and confidence that you are working with someone who has undergone the best possible training and been awarded the highest possible accreditation. All RICS members are required to follow the RICS Rules of Conduct which ensure that surveyors stick to the same high quality professional standards.  

What is the process to become RICS-qualified?

Applicants to the accreditation scheme are required to have a cognate degree as a minimum entry and usually undergo a minimum of 2 years formalised training to achieve the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC). This is then followed by an extensive final examination.

This means that you can be safe in the knowledge that can expect a working relationship that mirrors the core principles of RICS, and that your surveyor has been recognized by the most trusted and respected professional authority within the property industry.

Understanding RICS Regulations

Regulation by RICS also extends to companies, as well as employees who are professional members. If you want to check this, the company will be able to supply their membership number. Additionally, in 2011 it became mandatory for those doing a ‘Red Book’ valuation to be registered by RICS. This means that they are under more pressure to ensure their work is in line with strict practice statements.

With this in mind, you can have peace of mind that if something were to go wrong, there are procedures in place to allow for an appeal to the independent arbitrator after being recommended to the Complaints Handling Procedure.

How can you find an RICS accredited Surveyor?

At Eddisons, we have a team of RICS-accredited chartered surveyors who can assist with your requirements in commercial or residential property. Contact us today to learn more about how we can deliver an effective solution for your requirements.

How do RICS Protect Client Finances?

To ensure that all client’s money is safe, RICS regulates the Chartered Surveyor Company to make sure that rules pertaining to financing are adhered. They also provide assistance when money is held in escrow, and outline practices that all members should follow for accounting systems, the speed of payments being processed, and reconciling accounts. It is a further option for companies to subscribe to the RICS Money Protection Scheme to provide clients with insurance in case of fraud or other losses.

Being safe in the knowledge that your money is safe and protected is a large benefit from a company being RICS accredited, especially if they subscribe to the RICS Money Protection Scheme and your money is further protected from dangers aforementioned.

Insurance of Work

Authorised by the FSA (Financial Services Authority) to conduct its own regulation of particular insurance activities, RICS is one of the few able to apply stringent rules to the confirmation of instruction and declaring commissions.

In summary then, a RICS accredited chartered surveyor is more than qualified to help you gain a property that will be safe, and will increase the chances of financial security while mitigating losses. We have a team of RICS-accredited surveyors across the nation to support with your commercial property requirements, contact one of our experts today to find out how we can assist.