The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has launched a public consultation on its new global construction standards and is calling on professionals from around the world to provide their feedback.
For the first time, RICS will release a single, combined Professional Standard that will incorporate global principles for Quantity Surveying and Project Management. This new approach replaces the previous “Black Book” suite of 32 separate guidance notes, which were released between 2009 and 2021. The new standard is the subject of the consultation, along with six supporting Practice Information documents that cover the entire life cycle of a construction project.
The Professional Standard was authored by industry expert Matt Thompson with the support of a global group of RICS members and other experts.
A More Consistent Framework
Amit Patel, RICS Head of Professional Practice (Construction), said: “For the first time, RICS is launching a Professional Standard on construction which incorporates updates that would normally be drip-fed over a ten-year period. We believe that this new model will enable professionals to update and improve their practice more swiftly and enable a more consistent framework for standards. I implore all construction professionals across the globe, whether RICS members or otherwise, to get involved and respond to this important consultation. RICS is committed to serving and improving the global built and natural environment profession, and it is our members and colleagues in connected fields that guide our professional statements, standards, and guidance.”
The consultation period will run for six weeks, from 16th September to 24th October 2025. RICS plans to launch the final version of the Professional Standard in the first quarter of 2026 after all responses have been analysed and incorporated. The consultation may be found at this link.
