Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors has announced a pilot programme to develop a new professional route focused on data, analytics and intelligence within the built environment.
The initiative introduces a proposed Data, Analytics and Intelligence pathway for chartered surveyors, reflecting the growing influence of digital technologies across property, construction and infrastructure sectors.
As part of the pilot, RICS is inviting Expressions of Interest from professionals and organisations to help assess demand and shape the structure of the programme. Subject to validation through the pilot stages, RICS expects the pathway to launch in phases beginning in 2026.
The move comes as the surveying profession increasingly intersects with advanced data science, artificial intelligence and digital modelling technologies. Tools such as automated valuation models, BIM and GIS platforms are already reshaping how professionals collect, interpret and apply property data across the lifecycle of assets.
RICS said the new pathway forms part of a wider effort to ensure the profession evolves alongside technological change while maintaining professional standards, governance and public trust.
The proposed route to MRICS will focus on the use of data throughout the built environment lifecycle, alongside analytics, governance and digital risk management. Key areas are expected to include data management and valuation modelling, cyber security and digital resilience, as well as ethical and professional responsibilities in technology-driven environments.
“This pilot reflects RICS’ commitment to remaining agile and responsive to market change. As educational and regulatory landscapes evolve, the institution is aligning its professional pathways with emerging career paths and specialisms, ensuring standards keep pace with innovation while maintaining the integrity and public interest role of the profession.”
Luay Al-Khatib, Director, Future Innovation Hub, RICS
Luay added that professionals and organisations interested in shaping the programme should participate in the consultation phase.
“I encourage professionals and organisations interested in being at the forefront of how data, technology and the built and natural environment interact to submit a formal Expression of Interest.”
Luay Al-Khatib, Director, Future Innovation Hub, RICS
For the property and construction sectors, the initiative highlights how data science and AI capabilities are becoming core professional competencies rather than niche technical specialisms. As digital workflows expand across valuation, asset management and development planning, the profession is increasingly formalising expertise at the intersection of property, data and technology.
Development of the Data, Analytics and Intelligence pilot pathway was supported by an expert working group, who provided breadth and depth of industry insight. The group included:
- Dan Hughes – Chair, Founder of Alpha Property Insight, Co-Founder of Digital Property Risk
- Andrew Blennerhassett, Associate Director, Commercial Real Estate, Savills
- Dr Bola Abisogun OBE, Hon DUniv [LSBU], Hon MBA [UBE], FRICS, MCIOB, PQS, Founder & CEO, AI-QS
- James Garner, Head of AI & Data, Gleeds
- Justin Chamberlin, Assistant Director of Asset Management, Raven Housing Trust
- Matthew Donnison, Operations Director, Mace
- Simon Hayter, Partner, Chief Digital Officer, Knight Frank
- Tim Spencer, IT Director, Carter Jonas
- Hilary Reynolds, VP D&T Enablement UK&I, CBRE
