Independent Reviewer

Location:  London/Flexible

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is a global professional body that sets the standards for, and regulates, 134,000 members and over 10,000 regulated firms working in the valuation, management and development of land, real estate, construction and infrastructure. RICS’ corporate governance structure is shaped by a Royal Charter, Byelaws and Regulation and combines its Governing Council, Presidential team, and executive which jointly set and execute its strategy, to create confidence in markets and effect positive change in the built and natural environments.

Earlier this year, RICS’ Governing Council commissioned an independent review into events that took place in 2018 and 2019 in relation to the management of an internal audit report on the Institution’s treasury management function. The review, undertaken by Alison Levitt QC highlighted that, within RICS, a lack of clarity on the roles and responsibilities of governance bodies, enabled, rather than prevented, poor leadership and decision-making by senior executives, officers, and non-executives. 

Alison Levitt’s report, conclusions and recommendations were accepted by RICS Governing Council in their entirety and the report was published in full. Council is determined to implement the recommendations in full and lead the change within RICS which Alison Levitt’s findings have identified as being essential.

The Report recommended that RICS now undertake a ‘…wide-ranging examination of purpose, governance and strategy, conducted by an external reviewer’. 

RICS is seeking to appoint an experienced and independent individual to lead a review   of RICS’ purpose, governance and strategy. The three core objectives of the review will be to create clarity about RICS’ purpose, make proposals for the future to position RICS as a beacon for best practice in governance, transparency and accountability and to ensure that its strategy, governance structures, culture and resources are fit for purpose.  

For this role you must bring substantial demonstrable senior leadership experience, with significant executive and Chairing/Non-Executive board experience, gained in positions/organisations which are subject to close scrutiny. You will have a deep understanding of good governance, acute analytical and problem-solving skills and the proven ability to engage, relate to and collaborate with people at all levels, including at board level, and to deal robustly, but sensitively with conflicting opinions and challenge. An understanding of UK professional bodies and prior experience of undertaking governance reviews in the public or private sector will be advantageous.  

Collaborative, yet able to exercise absolute independence of judgement, individuals must also possess high levels of integrity, an impeccable personal reputation, resilience, confidence and professionalism, together with outstanding written and verbal communications skills. 

This is an attractively remunerated position, and you will have the resources of a secretariat team to support the review, which is expected to take approximately six months, with an average weekly commitment of c.2/3 days.  

To find out more about the role, click on APPLY and for a confidential conversation, please contact Olivia Robinson or Stephanie Wilson on 07964 826291. 

Closing date:   Friday 5 November 2021 at 17:00.