1. A Vibrant and Sustainable Sector
RICS Members, Policy,
Influencing and Press
Tim Wainwright – Parliamentary Affairs Officer

2. RICS UK External Affairs
RICS Royal Charter
“Promote the usefulness of the profession for the public advantage in the UK and in any other part of the world.”
RICS Corporate Objective
Recognition by markets and governments of RICS through standards, qualifications, regulation and thought leadership
Member benefit
Government use of RICS standards, guidance and member expertise raises the status of RICS standards and increase work opportunities for members. A more sustainable land, property and construction sector results in more work.
Role of UK External Affairs
Raising the profile of RICS standards and expertise across Westminster, Whitehall, the media and the sector to ensure these are embedded in policy and legislation

3. The RICS UK External Affairs Virtuous Circle

4. Briefing Ministers, civil servants and MPs Consultation submissions
Real Life Action
Briefing Ministers, civil servants and MPs
Consultation submissions
Using the media to gain influence
Social Media
Party Conference
Professional Groups and Policy Panels
Briefing Ministers
Greg Clark ahead of the draft NPPF publication
Iain Wright on the issues facing the construction sector, particularly SMEs
PPSs
MPs on constituency issues – eg neighbourhood planning and flooding
Civil Servants on small business lease, TIFs, delivering increased investment in housing and infrastructure
Consultation submissions
RICS responds to relevant consulations both in writing and by briefing civil servants with expertise from the membership
Media
Not just about HMS – eg articles and blogs on public sector asset management, solar panels, case studies on issues around not getting a HCR, FM articles, Guardian sustainability blog. All based on expertise of the membership
Twitter/linkedin:
Used to gather views from members – eg residential policy, NPPF, SME’s. Also used to communicate with stakeholders – eg MPs and other organisations
Party Conference
Raises profile of member expertise with senior politicians
Professional Groups and Policy Panels
All can apply. Have invited civil servants to attend – eg Planning Policy Panel during NPPF/Localism Bill

5. What has this achieved? Recognition of standards
RICS New Rules of Measurement Launch
RICS Public Sector Asset Management Guidelines
RICS guidance embedded in Pubco Framework
RICS VIPs and Guidance Notes recognised by Government as key to the success of the Green Deal in the Behaviour Change and Energy Use paper
Thought Leadership
RICS member acts as Special Adviser to a Select Committee inquiry
Private briefings for Select Committee inquiries
Private briefings to senior officials on RICS research
So how does the theory and practice relate to the RICS Corporate Goals of
Recognition by markets and governments of RICS through standards, qualifications, regulation and thought leadership
Provide our customers with leading edge products, services and information.
Be recognised as a leader in responsible business practices
Make RICS more agile, to take advantage of new opportunities.
NRM
Government’s Chief Construction Adviser recognised that chartered surveyors are key to delivering a more consistent approach to measurement of projects end to end and therefore more efficient projects
PSAMG
Endorsed by DCLG, Cabinet Office and devolved Governments. Chartered surveyors central to delivering savings on the public estate as well as ensuring good practice is spread beyond the profession and the importance of efficient property management communicated at a senior level
Pubcos
After a long campaign by RICS PA and PGs, RICS guidance embedded in the Government’s new Industry Pubco Framework and rent assessments for new FRI leases must be signed off by an RICS-qualified individual. 
Green Deal
RICS VIPs and Guidance will be key in communicating the Green Deal and other energy improvements to consumers.
Thought Leadership
David McCullogh advised the CLG building regs inquiry
Research – eg DEC research, TIFs etc

6. What difference do members make?
Members expressed concern via local offices and online that RICS was not influencing Government to develop a sustainable residential market
RICS undertook a residential policy consultation making clear and practical recommendations to Government
RICS welcomes comments on the document at
Member communication, particularly via linkedin raised particular issues being experienced by SME members, particularly in the construction sector
RICS is undertaking a consultation with members in construction SMEs to make recommendations to Government Highlighted in RICS Budget Submission
RICS is a member of the Government’s LEAN Procurement Group
RICS members met with Iain Wright MP, Shadow Construction Minister
You said, we did

7. What difference do members make?
RICS wants to hear from members how the NPPF is operating in practice
RICS will write to Greg Clark MP in the Autumn highlighting the issues you have raised and the solutions RICS can offer Government
Contribute by ing us with your experiences.
RICS gave members the opportunity to explain their practical experience to civil servants writing neighbourhood planning regulations, accompanying the Localism Act
RICS member contribution praised by Government – a follow up event planned
Members consistently highlight the need to reduce VAT to 5% on repair and maintainance to improve stock and deliver business
RICS is an active member of the cross-sector Cut The VAT coalition
Peter Aldous MP wrote to George Osborne on RICS’ behalf ahead of the Budget
Recommendation of RICS Budget submission
RICS working cross sector to gather evidence to attempt to reverse the removal of 0% VAT on alterations in the Budget
Members expressed contact that changes in the Energy Bill introducing minimum standards by 2018 were unclear and would create market uncertainty
RICS wrote to the Minister expressing these concerns
RICS will be contributing views when the exemptions are consulted on in 2012

8. What can RICS do for you?
Your understanding of the marketplace is critical in driving RICS UK External Affairs priorities
What are the barriers to getting involved in shaping RICS UK External Affairs priorities
How can the barriers be overcome
Time must be recognised as an issue – we aren’t expecting members to do everything. Focus must be on issues that are key to members and that are key in delivering a vibrant sustainable land, property and construction sector and therefore work.

9. What issues are you experiencing in your business?
Discussion
What issues are you experiencing in your business?
What needs to change? (policy, legislation, guidance?)
What are your top three issues?
What’s the benefit for your business and the land, property and construction sector?
What will success in these areas look like?
For Matrics events

10. What next?
RICS will communicate Action Points to this group and the UK membership following these meetings
RICS will communicate progress via UK News, Professional Groups News, linkedin, twitter
Keep in touch!

11. Contact details Mary Thorogood – Parliamentary Affairs Manager
Tim Wainwright – Parliamentary Affairs Officer
COL