Responsible Use of AI in Surveying: New RICS Professional Standard Takes Effect

by

Laurence Richards, CHPK Building Consultancy

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming part of everyday professional practice across many industries, including surveying and building consultancy. Recognising this shift, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) have published a new Professional Standard: Responsible use of artificial intelligence in surveying practice.

This new standard introduces mandatory requirements for both RICS members and regulated firms when the use of AI systems, particularly generative AI, has a material impact on the delivery of surveying services.

The standard comes into effect this week and marks an important milestone for the profession as it adapts to emerging technologies while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and client protection.

What the Standard Means for RICS Members

For individual professionals, the standard emphasises the importance of knowledge, understanding, and professional judgement when using AI systems in a professional capacity.

RICS members who use AI must:

• Develop and maintain sufficient and appropriate knowledge to support their responsible use of AI systems.
• Understand the different types of AI systems, including their basic ways of working, limitations, potential for erroneous output, bias, and data-related risks.
• Apply their professional judgement when evaluating the reliability of AI-generated outputs.
• Document decisions about the reliability where AI outputs influence professional conclusions.

AI is now also a mandatory CPD topic for RICS members, to be completed every three years. Informative CPD will help professionals comply with their new responsibilities under the standard.

The responsibility for final professional advice remains firmly with the member.

What It Means for Regulated Firms

For regulated firms, the standard introduces more comprehensive governance and risk management requirements.

RICS-regulated firms that use AI systems must:

• Protect private and confidential data, including storing data securely, controlling access, and safeguarding privacy e.g. anonymisation.
• Refrain from uploading confidential information into AI systems unless the risks have been assessed and appropriate consents obtained from all stakeholders.
• Conduct formal assessments to determine whether the use of AI tools is appropriate in the proposed application.
• Implement policies governing responsible AI usage, supported by a regularly reviewed risk register.
• Maintain a written register of AI systems used within the firm.
• Undertake detailed due diligence before procuring third-party AI systems.
• Clearly inform clients in writing when AI systems will be used, for what purpose, how they can opt out of the use of AI systems in the delivery of a surveying service, if at all (also applies to members).
• Provide transparency about AI usage if requested by clients.
• Comply with the extended scope of responsibility and accountability, as set out in the standard, when involved in the development of an AI system (also applies to members).

Ensuring Responsible Innovation

AI presents significant opportunities for the surveying profession, from improved efficiency to enhanced data analysis, however its adoption must be balanced with robust governance, transparency, and professional oversight.

By introducing this Professional Standard, RICS aims to ensure that AI is implemented in a way that protects clients, safeguards data, and preserves trust in professional advice.

At CHPK, we are actively reviewing the new requirements and exploring how AI technologies can be used responsibly and effectively to support our services while maintaining full compliance with professional standards.

As the technology continues to evolve, maintaining a clear framework for responsible use will be essential to ensuring that innovation strengthens, rather than compromises, professional practice.