Advertise on podcast: The RICS Podcast

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 DevelopmentThe complexities and human impact of land acquisition for major infrastructure projects, such as the Standard Gauge RailwayThe importance of proactive stakeholder engagement and transparent communication in public sector valuation workThe influence of international standards like RICS on local practice and professional development in UgandaThe evolving opportunities for women and young professionals in the surveying and valuation professionDorothy 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/

New Zealand’s ‘Central Interceptor Tunnel’ project represents a huge step towards upgrading the territory’s infrastructure for decades to come. Central to its success is this week’s guest on The RICS Podcast, Dr Inoka Withana Gamage MRICS, Principal Contracts and Commercial Manager at Jacobs New Zealand. In this member profile, Inoka talks us through the delivery of such a major project, the importance of collaboration, and how commercial and contract management plays its role in one of New Zealand’s largest landmark projects. This episode of The RICS Podcast covers: The engineering and delivery complexities behind New Zealand’s largest wastewater infrastructure project, the Central Interceptor TunnelThe importance of collaborative working and stakeholder engagement in delivering major infrastructureLeadership lessons and the value of practical, adaptable management plans in large-scale projectsThe role of commercial and contract management in mitigating risk and ensuring project successProfessional growth, continuous learning, and advice for early-career professionals in the built environment sectorDr Inoka Withana Gamage https://www.linkedin.com/in/inoka-withana-gamage-722a4b2b/?originalSubdomain=nz Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors: https://www.rics.org/uk/ RICS Podcast Page https://www.rics.org/podcast/

The Jewry Wall Museum plays a core role in Leicester’s history, and RICS member Emily Thorpe Jones MRICS has been the Project Manager on the it’s revamp since 2022.  In this first member profile episode of The RICS Podcast, Emily speaks with Podcast Lead Kieran Dhunna Halliwell to share the complexities behind managing  a major heritage conservation project, and the collaborative efforts required to balance historical preservation with modern visitor experiences.  This episode of The RICS Podcast covers: The transformation and revitalization of the Jewry Wall Museum as a significant Roman heritage site in LeicesterComplexities and rewards of managing large-scale heritage conservation projects, including overcoming contractor insolvencies and logistical challengesCollaboration among project managers, conservation officers, archaeologists, artists, and specialist contractors in delivering successful outcomesThe evolving role of technology in the surveying profession and its impact on heritage projectsThe crucial role of community engagement and public advocacy in preserving and valuing historic buildings for future generationsModus LiDAR Article https://ww3.rics.org/uk/en/modus/technology-and-data/harnessing-data/lidar-preserving-historic-monuments.html Emily Thorpe Jones MRICS https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-thorpe-jones-a62a68154/ Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors: https://www.rics.org/uk/ RICS Podcast Page https://www.rics.org/podcast/

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 PeruThe importance of early stakeholder engagement and understanding local needs to ensure successful project outcomesBalancing cost efficiency, functionality, and user experience in public sector construction projectsIntegrating sustainable technologies and practices despite budgetary and operational constraintsThe value of international experience and transferable skills in driving impactful change in other nationsThomas 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/

From the very start of enrollment to the APC, your APC Diary becomes one of the most vital tools in helping you document your progression. So what should the diary look like by the time you’re ready for assessment? In this episode of The RICS Podcast, Adam Quinn speaks with APC assessors Steve Joel-Dicks FRICS, and Alicia Styring MRICS, to share what makes a good APC Diary, what shows maturity and progressions, and some common pitfalls to avoid. This episode of The RICS Podcast covers: The importance of maintaining a consistent and detailed APC diary to support professional development and assessment readinessBest practices for diary entries, including context and justification for competency selectionCommon mistakes candidates make, such as misclassifying experiences and neglecting to refer to the pathway guideThe value of tracking growth and progression through diary entries, and using visual tools to identify gaps in experienceThe role of ownership and responsibility in the APC processSteve Joel-Dicks FRICS https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-joel-dicks-mapm-frics-1a65b713/?originalSubdomain=uk Alicia Styring MRICS https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicia-styring-mrics-494aa412a/ Adam Quinn https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-quinn-395938265/?originalSubdomain=uk Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors: https://www.rics.org/uk/ RICS Podcast Page https://www.rics.org/podcast/

Across the built environment, traditional centralised approaches to data management are being challenged by increasingly complex project teams, diverse data sources, and rising regulatory expectations around governance, transparency and accountability. In this episode of the RICS Podcast, Ashley Stewart‑Noble is joined by James Garner FRICS, Head of AI and Data at Gleeds, to demystify federated data and explore what it means for surveyors accessing and interrogating information across multiple systems, teams and organisations, without the need to copy or move a single file. This episode of The RICS Podcast covers: What federated data is, and what its use really means for surveyors Why rapidly growing project data and tighter governance is moving federated data up the agenda at this point in timeThe difference between federated analytics and federated learningWhat surveying can learn from other sectors’ use of dataWhy professional judgement, AI literacy and audit trails are essential to trustworthy use of federated dataJames Garner FRICS:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesgarner1976/ Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors: https://www.rics.org/uk/ RICS Podcast Page https://www.rics.org/podcast/

Recorded live at UKREiiF in Leeds, this week’s special episode of The RICS podcast features Lynda Rawsthorne FRICS, UK Government Head of Property Profession and RICS Governing Council member, to explore how surveying underpins the delivery of critical public assets. Against a context of public spending scrutiny, rapid advances in AI & technology, and a growing skills gap, Lynda joins host Harry Chafer to examine the real social value created by surveyors. They touch on, the evolving competency needs of the profession, and the RICS’s pivotal role for inspiring the next generation of professionals in the built and natural environment. This episode of The RICS Podcast covers: How Lynda has built a varied civil service career and why purpose keeps her in the public sectorThe tangible social impact of work within the built environment What public scrutiny, gateway reviews and evolving net-zero standards mean for programmes like HS2 and other major buildsThe future of surveying: skills, AI and the talent pipelineLynda Rawsthorne FRICS: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynda-rawsthorne-bsc-ma-frics-fapm-fciob-fiwfm-chpp-98751919/ Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors: https://www.rics.org/uk/ RICS Podcast Page https://www.rics.org/podcast/

Surveying careers do not always follow a linear path from school to university and into chartered practice - no two pathways are the same.  In this week’s episode of The RICS Podcast, host Kieran Halliwell speaks with Lisa Cowie MRICS, Associate Director at FG Burnett, about her journey into commercial property via a non-traditional route.  Their conversation explores how life experience, transferable skills and alternative pathways such as AssocRICS, apprenticeships and part-time study can support entry into the profession at any stage in life, contributing to a more diverse and resilient surveying workforce. This episode of The RICS Podcast covers: Lisa’s unconventional career journey to becoming an Associate Director and MRICS commercial surveyorTransferable skills and non-traditional routes into the industryBalancing study, work and family life while pursuing professional qualificationsTackling skills shortages and widening access across surveyingHow supportive employers, mentors and creative initiatives can raise awareness and attract more diverse talent into the built environmentLisa Cowie https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-cowie-a417b3372/ Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors: https://www.rics.org/uk/ RICS Podcast Page https://www.rics.org/podcast/

Despite sustained efforts to promote equality, the gender pay gap remains a persistent feature of the real estate and construction sectors, and headline figures alone rarely convey the full picture. In this episode of The RICS Podcast, host Maria Wiedner MRICS is joined by Dr. Manuela Galetto and Dr. Fuk Ying Tse, as we step behind the statistics to ask what’s really driving the differences in pay between men and women across the sector and how bonus culture, billable hours, and undervalued “glue work” all shape outcomes.  This episode of The RICS Podcast covers: How real estate compares on gender pay vs other sectors and the national averageComplexity and limitations of gender pay gap data, and what can disproportionately swing the figuresThe fundamental differences between the gender pay gap vs unequal pay Company responses and interventions to gender pay gap reporting figuresValuing women’s work and “glue work” in the age of AIMaria Wiedner MRICS https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariawiedner/ Fuk Ying Tse https://www.linkedin.com/in/fuk-ying-tse-133112126/ Manuela Galetto https://www.linkedin.com/in/manuela-galetto-b9bb64242/ Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors: https://www.rics.org/uk/ RICS Podcast Page https://www.rics.org/podcast/

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 sectorLeadership, management skills, and effective delegation for sustainable business successAdopting new technologies to improve efficiency and remain competitiveSector-wide talent shortages and the role of SMEs in providing diverse training and career opportunitiesStrong, long-term client relationships and maintaining high service quality in a competitive marketDominic Doig FRICS https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominic-doig-a2b72b19/ Jennifer Hobart MRICS https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-hobart-mrics-b6954552/ 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/

Reinforced concrete transfer slabs have become a frontline building safety concern, particularly in medium and high-rise mixed-use and residential schemes.  In this episode of The RICS Podcast, host Gary Strong FRICS is joined by Patrick Hayes, Trevor Rushton FRICS and Nick Knight MRICS to unpack the emerging risks around reinforced concrete transfer slabs.  They explore what transfer slabs are, why they have become a critical building safety concern in the UK, and how issues such as punching shear, historic design practices, and incomplete records affect today’s risk profile. This episode of The RICS Podcast covers: What reinforced concrete transfer slabs are, where they are typically found, and why they’ve emerged as a building safety issueHow punching shear and concentrated loads create risks not fully covered by historic codes and standard design practiceThe roles and responsibilities of those responsible for identifying, assessing, and managing transfer slabsPractical approaches to assessment and mitigation of risk around transfer slabsGary Strong FRICS https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-strong-bsc-hons-frics-fciarb-c-builde-fcabe-fcila-b52667b/ Patrick Hayes FIStructE https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-hayes-b23b5778/ Trevor Rushton FRICS https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-rushton-15348222/ Nick Knight MRICS https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-knight-77277064/ Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors: https://www.rics.org/uk/ RICS Podcast Page https://www.rics.org/podcast/

The MIPIM Challengers initiative creates space for the next generation of professionals to share fresh ideas and new perspectives, and this year’s winners include Betsy Brady and Ioana Orzea. Betsy & Ioana join James Fiske on this episode of The RICS Podcast to share their approach to rethinking embodied carbon as an asset, how we can educate others on driving sustainability in real estate, and young professionals’ drive to decarbonise the built environment. This episode of The RICS Podcast covers: Treating embodied carbon not as a one-time cost, but as a resource to be managed and amortised over a building's lifecycleThe MIPIM Challengers showcasing how younger professionals are driving creative solutions to decarbonise the built environmentThe importance of measuring and tracking carbon emissions throughout a building's entire lifecycleUpskilling professionals by developing consistent carbon pricing methodologies and creating career paths focused on carbon managementStrategies for measuring, reducing, and accounting for embodied carbonThis episode was first released on 14 April 2025. James Fiske https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-fiske-bcis/ Betsy Brady https://www.linkedin.com/in/betsy-brady-853348148/ Ioana Orzea https://www.linkedin.com/in/ioana-orzea-60637813a/ Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors: https://www.rics.org/uk/ RICS Podcast Page https://www.rics.org/podcast/

George Clarke HonRICS is an architect, television presenter, campaigner and educator whose position allows him to bridge gaps between the built environment and those less acquainted with the construction industry. In this episode of The RICS Podcast (originally broadcast in December 2024), George joins Emma Martin MRICS and Ayo Ajayi MRICS as they discuss his passion for construction, the industry’s image, the value of work experience and how to make progress with diversity in construction. This episode of The RICS Podcast covers: George’s influences to get involved with constructionThe impact of media on public perception of construction and the built environmentWhat it means to work in the public interestGeorge’s passionate campaigning for social housingHow evolving technology impacts the work of  built environment professionalsGeorge Clarke https://georgeclarke.com/ Ayo Ajayi https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayo-ajayi-7356376a/ Emma Martin https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-martin-arcadis/ Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors: https://www.rics.org/uk/ RICS Podcast Page https://www.rics.org/podcast/

In light of the renewed global energy crisis following the conflict in Iran, we’re re-releasing one of our most pertinent episodes. Originally recorded during a period of greater market stability, this discussion between Roger Esson MRICS, Amit Patel MRICS, Jenny Stanning and Stephen Thompson FRICS explores how the surveying profession can help drive the transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy systems. The conversation highlights the continued reliance on oil and gas, the importance of professional standards, and the role surveyors play in supporting infrastructure change and workforce reskilling. As geopolitical pressures reshape the energy landscape, these insights are more timely than ever, offering a clear perspective on how surveyors can lead in building a more resilient, sustainable future. This episode of The RICS Podcast covers: The surprising amounts of energy still being derived from oil and gasRICS members’ roles in transitioning to a greener energy mix and a more sustainable futureHow to get young kids, particularly young girls, interested in construction and STEMThe role of standards in the energy transitionAmit Patel https://www.linkedin.com/in/amit-patel-902a341a/ Jenny Stanning  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-stanning-40217539/ Roger Esson https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogeresson/ Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors: https://www.rics.org/uk/ RICS Podcast Page https://www.rics.org/podcast/

As RICS introduces the refreshed continuing professional development (CPD) framework effective from January 2026, it’s important to know what this means for day‑to‑day professional practice.  In this episode of The RICS Podcast, Charles Golding MRICS is joined by Olga Turner Baker MRICS to set the scene for those changes, and explore how the new RICS Member App can help keep professionals up to speed on their CPD throughout the year. This episode of the RICS podcast covers: What has and hasn’t changed in the RICS CPD framework for 2026The shift from not only counting hours, but also focusing on relevant, adequate and appropriate CPDThe introduction of mandatory topics on sustainability, AI/technology, and ethical and professional standardsHow to plan and record CPD more effectively, including practical strategies to avoid the year‑end rush and recognise more of the learning you already doUsing the new RICS Member App and online resources to plan, track and document CPD and learning outcomesInformation about the new CPD app and where to download it  https://www.rics.org/surveyor-careers/career-development/continuing-professional-development Olga Turner Baker MRICS https://www.linkedin.com/in/olga-turner-baker-mrics-well-ap-non-exec-director-128b5729/ Charles Golding MRICS https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-golding-23512b175/ Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors: https://www.rics.org/uk/ RICS Podcast Page https://www.rics.org/podcast/