Diversity and inclusion

The future of the profession depends on the ability to create an inclusive, empowered profession to attract the best people whatever their gender, sexual orientation or race. RICS is committed to raising awareness and promoting diversity and equality for the profession where every individual has an opportunity to thrive and fulfil their potential.

Increased gender diversity

There has been an increasing push to create a more gender-balanced profession.

In 2017, only 13% of the RICS membership were women. This year, the number of members and candidates identifying as women is 18% and the number of women newly enrolling stands at 26%, with the number of APC candidates at 27%. While we may have a long way to go, this is showing a promising upward trend, highlighting the importance of visible role models as a route to advancing this further.

Sophie Perkins MRICS (Atkins), determined to better support her fellow women surveyors, launched the Sophie Shoe personal protective equipment, designed with women in mind so they are able to visit any kind of site with the right protective equipment comfortably.

RICS has continued to promote and encourage a mix of men and women as senior leaders within governance and executive positions within RICS – including women appointed as Presidents, governance board leaders and lead executives – and continue to strive for much greater gender diversity and balance. Our profession can only credibly work to the public advantage if we reflect the needs and experiences of the diverse societies we serve.

Hear from the next generation of women professionals as they talk about the trials and triumphs, challenges and successes in their pursuit of a more equal world.

See next generation leader’s video International Women's Day 2021.

Advancing Inclusion for Black Professionals

In the summer of 2020, RICS recognised that it was essential to listen to colleagues, members and firms as to the best way of understanding and supporting black RICS members and colleagues. In August 2020 RICS launched Advancing Inclusion for Black Professionals, a comprehensive set of actions and measures to increase visibility of role models, provide a platform for expertise and aims to improve equity.

Building a more inclusive environment

Central to this programme was increasing the visibility of black professionals and leaders in the built and natural environment, highlighting their expertise and inspiring those in the profession now and for the future.

We asked six RICS professionals from different ethnic, professional and geographical backgrounds about representation and their hopes for 2021.

With continued focus on improving opportunities for black professionals across the world, harnessing their expertise and helping to inspire the next generation into the built environment, the initiative will create a pipeline of talent that can experience a profession that is inclusive.

Black history month in the US

The focus this year was on The Black Family: Representation, identity and Diversity. In the US, during our own celebration of black history month, Alvah Beander MRICS – the first African American woman to be FRICS in the Americas – hosted a series of fireside chats with African American leaders in real estate and construction.

"There are so many talented people with great ideas on how to improve the build process, on how to save money, on how to protect owner’s interests."

Tiffany Hosey

Diversity and inclusion fellowship characteristic

RIC’S ongoing commitment to effecting positive change and building a 21st century professional body through equality, diversity and inclusion was further highlighted this year by the launch of the diversity and inclusion professional characteristic as part of the RICS Fellow application.

As part of the application process, applicants are able to evidence how they have demonstrated the diversity and inclusion characteristic in their career. This could be based on a variety of different areas of work or achievements, from setting up initiatives to promote equality in their workplace, mentoring colleagues from a minority background or ensuring a fair application Diversity and inclusion is crucial for the success of natural and built environment industries and indeed for the future of our profession.

Global Pride

During Pride 2021 RICS gave a platform to professionals and organisations to talk about LGBTQ+ issues that mattered to them and highlighted how the built environment can make a difference to issues of diversity and inclusion.

We heard from Robin who identifies as Black and LGTBQ+.

"To work within the built environment is to take an oath to create places that benefit the wider society. But right now, this industry is not reflective of the society it’s serving.

There are many people like myself out there, trying to create more seats at the table for the next generation of built environment professionals. I believe that things are only going to get better."

Inspiring the Next Generation inclusively

As part of Pride celebrations RICS signed the Trans Rights Are Human Rights pledge to demonstrate its support for diversity issues and ensure that Trans members are represented and supported within the profession.

John Doyle, Associate Director at Dooley Associates and RICS North-West Regional Board Member said:

“It’s a huge step forward for RICS”.

During the pandemic, older people and care settings were given both focus and prominence, but if you are an older LGTBQ+ person, housing solutions are often difficult to identify. RICS professionals are involved in developing both residential communities and care homes for LGBTQ+ seniors.

Welcoming housing Intergenerational living