RICS publishes draft standard for professional use of AI

The Royal Institute for Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has published a draft standard for professional use of AI. It is open for feedback until 29 April 2025.

According to RICS, the standard aims to:

• assist RICS members and regulated firms in establishing guardrails to maintain professional judgement while adapting to the use of AI;
• build confidence in data management;
• ensure effective communication with clients; and
• support trust among stakeholders and ensure AI enhances safety, resilience, and innovation in the natural and built environment.

According to RICS, AI is already used in some fields of surveying. Examples include quantity surveying (e.g., for cost estimation and quantity takeoff) and valuation (e.g. automated valuation models are used to produce a valuation of property). However, sometimes use of AI is less visible such as in document summarisation and transcription.

The standard addresses:

• how the use of AI, technology and data should be referenced in terms of engagement
• communication and transparency with clients regarding the use of AI
• considerations around the reliability of AI outputs
• issues related to privacy and confidentiality
• knowledge required to use AI responsibly
• governance and risk management
• procurement and due diligence.

Following the consultation, next steps include:

1. The Expert Working Group and RICS staff will review all consultation feedback.
2. Updates will be made to the standard where required.
3. The standard will be published along with a public basis for conclusions document, showing how consultation feedback has been considered and used.
4. The publication of the standard will be widely and appropriately communicated to the range of industry stakeholders.

If you would like to discuss how current or future regulations impact what you do with AI, please contact Tom Whittaker, Brian Wong, Lucy Pegler, Martin Cook, Liz Smith or any other member in our Technology team or Real Estate Team.