As a company that prides itself on expertise, ethical practice, and continual improvement, we actively encourage and support our employees to pursue accreditations from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) – an esteemed professional body across all the areas we work, whether valuation, surveying, or property management.

The RICS is globally recognised for promoting and upholding the highest standards in the surveying profession.

There are two main types of RICS qualification – Associate (AssocRICS) and Chartered (MRICS); Associate is the entry-level RICS qualification and offers the chance to progress to full chartered status. Chartered is the most common way to qualify as most people already have surveying-related qualifications and work experience and this is the path most favoured within the organisation.

To qualify as an Associate or Chartered member, you will have to pass a series of assessments. We offer different flexible ways through the assessment process and will support you throughout your journey to qualify as a member.

During your journey towards a RICS qualification, you are assessed on your sector-specific skills, knowledge, and experience. You will select the sector pathway most closely linked to your area of expertise. For each sector pathway, you will be assessed against a range of specific competencies. These are split between mandatory, core and optional competencies:

Competencies:

• Mandatory – personal and professional practice and business skills (these are the same for all sector pathways)
• Core – the main skills of your chosen pathway
• Optional – additional skills for your chosen pathway.

Each competency is assessed at three levels:

• Level 1 – knowledge and understanding
• Level 2 – application of knowledge
• Level 3 – depth and synthesis of technical knowledge and implementation.

The levels you must reach for each competency vary across sector pathways and depending on whether you are applying to be an Associate Member (AssocRICS) or a Chartered Member (MRICS).

• For Associate qualification (AssocRICS) there are 13 sector pathways available.
• For Chartered qualification (MRICS) there are 22 sector pathways.

Aligning our professional development to the RICS competency framework nurtures a highly skilled, knowledgeable team embodying ethical conduct, client-centric service, and a commitment to excellence – values core to our philosophy.

At Watsons, we understand that supporting our employees’ professional development is key to attracting and retaining top talent. That’s why we are fully committed to sponsoring RICS qualifications and providing a structured pathway for career advancement within our firm.

We believe that by investing in our people’s pursuit of RICS accreditations, we are not only enhancing their individual expertise but also fortifying our collective capabilities as an organisation. Our comprehensive support includes funding course study and examination costs, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder our employees’ aspirations.

Moreover, we offer dedicated mentorship programmes, pairing each employee on an RICS pathway with an experienced industry professional. These mentors provide invaluable guidance, sharing their knowledge and offering insights that complement the theoretical learnings, ensuring a well-rounded and practical understanding of the profession.

Throughout the qualification journey, our employees receive regular feedback, coaching, and opportunities to apply their newfound skills in real-world property activities. This hands-on approach not only reinforces their learning but also equips them with the confidence and experience to excel in their chosen field. We know from experience that working in the field with our established surveyors and property managers and the customers and clients they work with, is the best way to learn and consolidate learning.

We take pride in celebrating the achievements of our employees as they progress through the RICS pathways, recognising their hard work and dedication with structured career progression opportunities within our firm.

Those who successfully attain the Associate (AssocRICS) or Chartered (MRICS) status are rewarded with increased responsibilities, leadership roles, and competitive remuneration packages commensurate with their qualifications and expertise.

By fostering an environment that values professional growth and provides a clear career path, we have cultivated a culture of continuous learning and development at Watsons. Our employees are motivated to push their boundaries, expand their horizons, and strive for excellence, secure in the knowledge that their efforts will be supported, and their achievements will be recognised and rewarded.

We firmly believe that our commitment to sponsoring RICS qualifications and nurturing our employees’ professional journeys is not only an investment in our firm’s future success but also a testament to our unwavering dedication to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and service within the building and construction industry.