RICS appoints interim standards and regulations board following mass walkout

The institution said the appointments would “ensure continuity of the RICS independent regulatory functions in line with the Bichard review recommendations”.

The chair of the SRB Dame Janet Paraskevat, followed by all the board’s remaining members, resigned in late June claiming RICS had stripped the board of its power and independence.

In a number of critical statements and resignation letters, the former board members claimed that after “sustained attacks from RICS” on the board, Dame Paraskevat had been sacked because she whistleblew concerns about the institution’s governance to government ministers.

The new board members officially came into position in late July, taking over from the outgoing board who had agreed to continue in their roles until replacements were found.

Also joining the SRB are Peter Smith, chair of the CPD Framework steering group; Keith Thomas, chair of the qualifications and assessments committee; and Yo-Hann Tan and Lynee Livesey as independent members.

Clarke becomes interim chair of the SRB despite not being a member of the RICS, which the institution said was an intentional move to reinforce the independence of the role

He boasts a 40-year career and experience in UK regulation, most recently as chair of the General Pharmaceutical Council, and currently holds the role of elected governor of Chelsea & Westminster Hospital NHS Trust.

RICS said Clarke had worked primarily on the interface between government and businesses focusing on market access, service development and initiating projects, with a more recent focus on early-stage business, where he has helped put corporate structures in place.

The incoming interim chair said he was delighted to join and was eager to “utilise my experience in the regulation sector to benefit this vital institution”.

Clarke said: “The independent regulatory function of RICS is of the utmost importance in protecting the public interest and ensuring trust in their professionals.

“RICS has responsibility for holding itself and its members to the highest standards of professional competence and conduct, and ultimately it is the SRB who hold the responsibility to make sure these standards are set and implemented to maintain public confidence.

“I also look forward to working with the team to progress further implementation of the recommendations of the Bichard RICS review, and to continue to embed the strengthened independent regulatory structure within the institution.

Source: Property Week