RICS accreditation is often used as a shorthand for professional standards in surveying, valuation and property advice. For firms such as Watsons, the important designation is being Regulated by RICS.
RICS stands for the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, founded in 1868 in London, is the professional body for surveyors, valuers and property specialists. A firm that is Regulated by RICS must follow recognised professional and ethical standards, including requirements around conduct, competence, client care, complaints handling and professional indemnity insurance.
For clients, this provides reassurance when choosing a surveyor, valuer or property professional. Whether you are booking a home survey, arranging a property valuation or seeking specialist property advice, working with a RICS-regulated firm helps provide confidence in the standards behind the service.
Why does RICS regulation matter when choosing a surveyor or valuer?
Survey and valuation work often supports important property decisions. A buyer may rely on a survey before purchase. A homeowner may need a valuation for tax, probate, matrimonial or lending purposes. A commercial client may need professional advice before making a property decision.
RICS regulation helps give clients confidence that the firm is expected to work to recognised professional standards, with clear requirements around competence, conduct, complaints handling and client money protection where relevant.
RICS guidance says regulated firms in the UK that handle client money must be registered with its Client Money Protection Scheme, and RICS-regulated firms must have appropriate professional indemnity insurance in place.
Professional Authority
Accreditation means Watsons is held to a higher standard, in areas such as:
- staff training
- continuous professional development
- client money protection
- complaints handling, and
- professional indemnity insurance.
By working with us, you can expect a working relationship that mirrors the core principles of RICS, and that as a firm we have been recognised by the most trusted and respected professional authority within the property industry.
By using the industry respected ‘Regulated by RICS’ designation, we convey to the marketplace that our firm:
- Practises to globally recognised standards;
- Behaves ethically, and acts with integrity and honesty;
- Has the required skills and competencies to do the job;
- Manages conflicts of interests transparently;
- Safeguards the security of client money;
- Manages its finances appropriately;
- Provides adequate and appropriate indemnity for our work, and
- Handles complaints and disputes fairly.
By following these standards to the letter, Watsons delivers high standards of service and a consistent message of confidence and quality to all of our clients.
Need advice from a RICS-regulated property firm?
Watsons provides valuation and survey services, including RICS Home Survey Level 2, RICS Home Survey Level 3, RICS Red Book Valuations, commercial services and specialist property advice.
Book your survey online or contact Watsons to discuss the right service for your property.
If you have questions about any of our processes, please feel free to call our team on 01603 226500 or email: management@watsons-property.co.uk
