Members, RICS Dispute Resolution Appointments Board  

Are you experienced in conflict avoidance and resolution services in the built environment sector or wider RICS, and ready for the next challenge? 

RICS is seeking to appoint up to eight members to join the Dispute Resolution Appointments Board.

Reporting to the RICS Standards and Regulation Board (‘SRB’), the primary purpose of the Dispute Resolution Appointments Board (‘DRAB’) is to contribute to RICS’ global strategy for alternative dispute resolution by contributing to the maintenance and improvement of overall standards of the work of DRS. The SRB delegates certain functions of its oversight of DRS to DRAB, such as monitoring complaints concerning dispute resolvers and expert witnesses appointed by RICS and acting as the decision-maker in the escalation of concerns raised, as well as providing assurance, advice and guidance to the profession, public and stakeholders by ensuring quality assurance of DRS complaints procedures.

DRAB is supported by RICS staff working within the RICS Dispute Resolution Service (‘DRS’) who are responsible for providing conflict avoidance and dispute resolution services throughout the world with focus on the built environment sector.  The work of DRAB supports the SRB’s role within the wider organisation, ensuring it remains independent from member interests and demonstrates a clear commitment to upholding the public interest. 

As a Member of DRAB, you will bring strong interpersonal skills to the role, with a dynamic approach and ability to build consensus – whilst ensuring a clear understanding of the importance of maintaining the SRB’s integrity and independence within RICS.  We are seeking candidates with the following experience to compliment this important sub-Board:

• at least two UK based members, of which one must have a construction background and one must have a commercial background with rent review experience;
• two independent members, one with a legal background and one, ideally, with a consumer background;

and ideally:

• up to four members, either UK or non-UK, with relevant experience.

RICS chartered members (MRICS or FRICS) and independent (non-RICS) member candidates may apply for these roles.  The expected time commitment for these roles is 20 hours per year, which are not remunerated. 

Key requirements of the role include:

• Recent and demonstrable experience gained from working within a professional setting.
• An understanding of the challenges and opportunities which exist in the dispute resolution / conflict avoidance sector.
• An understanding of the importance of maintaining a robust and proportionate regulatory assurance regime.
• Demonstrable experience in building and maintaining relationships with a variety of stakeholders.
• The ability to inspire trust and uphold high standards of integrity and professionalism to work in the public interest.
• (Desirable) Experience of being a member of a board or committee involved in the dispute resolution / conflict avoidance sector.

The full role description and person specification can be found on the RICS website here.

 
Key Information

• Candidates applying for these Member roles may be a chartered member of RICS (either MRICS or FRICS) or a non-RICS member (independent of RICS). 
• Attend and contribute to at least two meetings (held virtually) per year, with potential for one in-person meeting, in either London or Birmingham.
• Anticipated time commitment is 20 hours per year (excluding travel time).  This includes at least two meetings by virtual means and any preparation / reading time which would be very minimal.
• Members of DRAB (including the Chair) are not remunerated and the role will not amount to employment or worker status. The role is not pensionable.
• Reasonable travel and expenses paid in accordance with RICS policies.
• The maximum term of an appointment will be three years. There may be no more than two successive terms of appointment up to a maximum of six years.
• Closing date for applications is 17:00 (BST) on Friday 27 September 2024.
• A panel interview to take place (via MS Teams) from week commencing 14 October 2024.
• Everyone who applies will receive a response during week commencing 7 October 2024.

The Application Process   
Applications should be sent no later than 17:00 (BST) on Friday 27 September 2024 via the RICS website here or to srbvacancies@rics.org.    
 
The application should consist of: 

• A supporting statement (maximum two pages) which is an opportunity to outline how the requirements within the person specification are met and any additional information that may support your application.  
• An up-to-date CV, detailing any relevant professional body membership (i.e., regulated profession membership status and number).   
• Diversity and Inclusivity Monitoring Form – completed only on application 

 
The Interview Process 

✓  Shortlisting of applications
An independent Appointment Panel will carry out a shortlisting exercise, prior to inviting candidates to interview. All applicants will receive an outcome be the end of October 2024.

✓  Final stage interview
Interview will take place from week commencing 14 October 2024, via MS Teams video conferencing, with the candidate and the Appointment Panel.

Successful candidates will receive an induction which is expected during early November 2024.

If you have any questions, please contact the Regulatory Governance Team at srbvacancies@rics.org. 

With a diverse membership from around the world, RICS encourages applications from global candidates with a diverse background, people from an ethnic minority, people with disabilities and other underrepresented groups.