New standard provides guidance on emerging technologies

RICS' Responsible use of AI in surveying practice professional standard comes into effect on 9 March 2026. Members and RICS-regulated firms must comply with RICS professional standards and with any legislation that applies in the relevant jurisdiction.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a quickly evolving technological field with ongoing changes to the terminology. As a conduct standard the document sets requirements without technical detail, but it will be reviewed regularly to stay abreast of developments in the industry.

Members are not required to use AI, but any who decide to utilise it to deliver surveying services must ensure they have a basic understanding of:

• the different types of AI and their workings, limitations and failure modes
• the risks of AI systems producing erroneous outputs, often referred to as hallucinations
• the risks of bias in AI
• relevant data usage and data risks.

The standard applies to the outputs of AI systems that have a material impact on the delivery of the surveying service.

Whether an output has a material impact depends on if it is capable of influencing the delivery of a service, and the nature of the influence it exerts.

Such outputs may include summarising documents that are relied on to write a report, composing parts of an opinion or identifying parts of a building to investigate, but this is not an exhaustive list.

It is the responsibility of the RICS member or regulated firm to determine if AI use has had a material impact on the delivery of their surveying services. RICS will provide supporting information to help members understand this requirement.

When it is established that the use of AI will have a material impact, the RICS member or regulated firm must make a record of that determination and the reasoning behind it.

• storing private and confidential data securely
• restricting access to such data only to staff who require it
• providing regular training for staff with access to ensure they are equipped to manage the additional risks posed by AI
• taking appropriate steps to protect privacy
• refraining from uploading private and confidential data to AI systems unless there is express written consent from affected stakeholders and the firm has taken reasonable steps to satisfy itself that uploading data to the AI system does not pose an unacceptable risk.

In addition, the standard requires a number of system governance assessment steps to be taken before the use of AI, which must be recorded in writing.

RICS-regulated firms that use or intend to use AI systems to deliver their surveying services must also develop and implement responsible AI use policies informed by a risk register.

The standard also covers other important stages in the use of AI, such as procurement and due diligence, the use of professional judgement when assessing AI outputs, and transparency in client communication.

When asked why the standard had been introduced, Darius Pullinger, RICS' senior standards assurance specialist and co-author of the standard, said:

'AI has been changing the shape of the built environment industry, and it is anticipated that surveyors, as well as other professions, will need to adapt. The Responsible use of AI professional standard is therefore an important response to that industry context.

'The aim is to put the profession on a more secure footing through upskilling and positive engagement with the technology, developing awareness and real understanding of why AI is being used within firm processes and how the technology is integrated in the delivery of services. 

'Placing central importance on professional judgement and reliability of outputs, and emphasising the need for clear communication, will help members deliver confidence to clients.'

Responding to the standards reception, Pullinger said:

'Since its publication in September 2025, the standard has received positive responses and interest both nationally and internationally. In this dynamic and evolving context for the delivery of surveying services, it is hoped that the standard will support members and regulated firms to effectively – and responsibly – use AI technology, as well as bring confidence to clients and the public.

'Further resources are available on the landing page, relevant training is currently being delivered, with more being developed, and the standard will be reviewed at regular intervals in order to keep it up-to-date.'