by Shane Henson — September 28, 2011—Following the completion of a pioneering pilot scheme, four employees from Interserve, an international support services and construction group, have become the first in the U.K. to qualify for full membership of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) through the facilities management pathway on a new Professional Experience route. RICS is a global professional body for qualifications and standards in land, property and construction.
According to Interserve, the Professional Experience route aims to make RICS membership available to a wider range of applicants who have at least five years’ relevant professional experience. It is designed for experienced individuals who have a degree qualification and can demonstrate the experience, knowledge and skills needed to qualify for RICS membership.
In order to qualify, applicants need to have attained a minimum of a full bachelor’s degree or degree equivalent professional qualification, clearly defined and RICS approved, with a minimum of five years’ relevant work experience post their degree that involves:
- Advanced application of a broad range and depth of technical competencies;
- Responsibility for working on complex assets/projects and “sign off” of work;
- Ability and responsibility for providing recommendations and reasoned strategic advice to clients;
- High level of business acumen; and
- Some level of management capability (optional).
The Professional Experience route is expected to allow more Interserve employees to gain RICS membership, and other companies can soon assist their own employees in attaining RICS membership through a similar avenue.
