The RICS Podcast

Surveying is a rich profession with a long-spanning, illustrious history that stretches back to medieval times, and it’s a key area of focus for Professor Carl Chinn MBE.This special episode of The RICS Podcast delves into the roots of the profession, as Professor Chinn MBE shares with Suki Bell FRICS his findings on how surveying has evolved across generations, and the key figures who’ve influenced the industry as we know it today.This episode of The RICS Podcast covers:The historical origins of surveying, tracing back to early medieval land surveysThe evolution of surveying techniques and tools, notably the use of plane tables and the role of engravers in creating mapsThe professionalisation and diversification of surveying in the 18th and 19th centuriesThe pioneering contributions of female surveyors like Irene Martin and Evelyn PerrySuki Bell FRICShttps://www.linkedin.com/in/suki-bell-frics-chair-of-the-rics-lpa-birmingham-44695620/Professor Carl Chinn MBEhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/prof-carl-chinn-mbe-7577441b4/Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors: https://www.rics.org/uk/ RICS Podcast Page https://www.rics.org/podcast/ Kieran Halliwell https://www.linkedin.com/in/kdhalliwell/

Work experience forms a vital part of many aspiring surveyors’ early career, and this episode of The RICS Podcast focuses on how to find, and make the most of, work experience opportunities.Toby Stewart is a student member of RICS and student at the University of Aberdeen, and he’s joined by RICS candidate Danny Waters, and members Norman Hutchinson FRICS and Fiona Stoddard MRICS to discuss the skills that students bring to firms, strategies for seeking placements, and how to balance academic commitments with work obligations.This episode of The RICS Podcast covers:Where students can find more information on work experience opportunitiesTips for students preparing for work experienceManaging a healthy employer-student relationshipBalancing academic commitments with work experience opportunitiesToby Stewarthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/tobydstewart/Danny Watershttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dannywaterstpi/Fiona Stoddard MRICShttps://www.linkedin.com/in/fiona-stoddard-393141105/Norman Hutchinson FRICShttps://www.linkedin.com/in/norman-hutchison-a0244219/Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors: https://www.rics.org/uk/ RICS Podcast Page https://www.rics.org/podcast/ Kieran Halliwell https://www.linkedin.com/in/kdhalliwell/

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 marketJennifer Hobart MRICShttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-hobart-mrics-b6954552/Dominic Doig FRICShttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dominic-doig-a2b72b19/Zaman Sheikh AssocRICShttps://www.linkedin.com/in/zaman-sheikh/Sean Pearson AssocRICShttps://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/ Kieran Halliwell https://www.linkedin.com/in/kdhalliwell/

Fellowship represents not an end-state of the surveying profession, but a next phase of your journey - how do you know when it’s time to attain it?In this episode of the RICS Podcast, Tammy Harrison-Round FRICS guides a discussion with Chris Smith, who recently earned his FRICS designation, and Jamie Collins MRICS who’s currently preparing to undertake it.You'll learn their personal experiences, motivations, and the challenges they faced along the way, plus strategies for success on your own path to FRICS.This episode of The RICS Podcast covers:Personal journeys and motivations for pursuing the FRICS designationInsights into the FRICS application process, including challenges, strategies, and practical advice for successThe importance of mentorship, networking, and giving back to the surveying professionOvercoming self-doubt and breaking stereotypes about who can achieve fellowship and when in their careerThe broader impact of FRICS on professional recognition, confidence, and the ability to influence and inspire others in the industryTammy Harrison-Round FRICShttps://www.linkedin.com/in/tammy-harrison-round-frics-726a8894/Chris Smith FRICShttps://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-smith-frics-03aba029/Jamie Collins MRICShttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-collins-515874214/Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors: https://www.rics.org/uk/ RICS Podcast Page https://www.rics.org/podcast/ Kieran Halliwell https://www.linkedin.com/in/kdhalliwell/

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 MRICShttps://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/ Kieran Halliwell https://www.linkedin.com/in/kdhalliwell/

Mental health and wellbeing is a key pillar in today’s world, and while it’s historically been more challenging for men in construction to be open, there’s more vital support now than ever before.Tomi Laguda leads a deep and honest discussion on The RICS Podcast this week with Scott Pearshouse MRICS, as he shares his own mental health journey in construction, and Mark McBride Wright, who shares essential steps we can all take to foster a safer working environment for everyone.CONTENT WARNING // This episode of The RICS Podcast discusses sensitive topics surrounding suicide to raise awareness for those affected - if you or someone that you know is in need of support, resources can be found in the ‘Links and References’, or Samaritans are available to call free at 116 123.This episode of The RICS Podcast covers:Major day-to-day pressures on men’s mental healthIdentifying the signs that you, or someone you know, should seek supportOur collective responsibility for changing the culture to one where mental wellbeing is prioritisedLeaders’ roles in creating a more open, safe and welcoming workplace Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors:https://www.rics.org/uk/RICS Lionhearthttps://www.lionheart.org.uk/Mark McBride Wrighthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/markmcbridewright/Tomi Lagudahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/tom%C3%AD-l-9a0782139/Scott Pearshouse MRICShttps://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-pearshouse-mrics-b3391952/Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors: https://www.rics.org/uk/ RICS Podcast Page https://www.rics.org/podcast/ Kieran Halliwell https://www.linkedin.com/in/kdhalliwell/

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 MRICShttps://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/ Kieran Halliwell https://www.linkedin.com/in/kdhalliwell/

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 FRICShttps://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-joel-dicks-mapm-frics-1a65b713/?originalSubdomain=ukAlicia Styring MRICShttps://www.linkedin.com/in/alicia-styring-mrics-494aa412a/Adam Quinnhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-quinn-395938265/?originalSubdomain=ukRoyal Institution of Chartered Surveyors: https://www.rics.org/uk/ RICS Podcast Page https://www.rics.org/podcast/ Kieran Halliwell https://www.linkedin.com/in/kdhalliwell/

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 Gamagehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/inoka-withana-gamage-722a4b2b/?originalSubdomain=nzRoyal Institution of Chartered Surveyors: https://www.rics.org/uk/ RICS Podcast Page https://www.rics.org/podcast/ Kieran Halliwell https://www.linkedin.com/in/kdhalliwell/

The diverse future of our built environment industry relies on converting a broad university intake into an inclusive community of professionals.In this episode of The RICS Podcast, Machel Bogues heads up a panel with Matthew Fedigan FRICS, Sybil Taunton and Lucy Day. With a breadth of experience and backgrounds, our guests weigh in on the barriers that need breaking for new, diverse talent to transition from education into the profession as a whole.This episode of The RICS Podcast covers:Examining the barriers that might prevent diverse talent from transitioning from higher education into the built environmentThe impact of gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic background on access, progression, and experiences within the sectorPreparing students for successful careers through practical skills development, placements, and apprenticeshipsThe role of mentorship, visibility, and support networks in fostering inclusion How industry-wide collaboration, cultural change, and accountability can drive greater access and equity within the professionDiversity and the Built Environment:  student experiences and challenges with accessing the labour market: https://www.ciob.org/sites/default/files/2025-08/Diversity%20and%20the%20Built%20Environment%20Pipeline%20REPORT_.pdfSybil Tauntonhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sybil-taunton-97261246/Machel Bogueshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/machel-bogues/Matthew Fediganhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-fedigan-837a8822/Lucy Dayhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/lucy-day-4b0834251/Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors: https://www.rics.org/uk/ RICS Podcast Page https://www.rics.org/podcast/ Kieran Halliwell https://www.linkedin.com/in/kdhalliwell/