Cutting edge AI technologies are evolving by the day and we are increasingly seeing their use and incorporation into day-to-day practice across a number of professions. On 10 September 2025, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) published their new global standard for professional surveyors using AI in practice. ‘Responsible use of artificial intelligence in surveying practice’.
RICS’s new standard responds to the increased uptake of AI usage across the built and natural environments and sets out a position supportive of the use of AI where “likely to drive the profession forward”. However, cognisant of the potential risks presented by misuse or mismanagement of the use of AI across the profession, RICS seeks to take a “balanced approach” focusing on the importance of the skill and experience of the professional at the heart of the guidance, aiming to “secure the public advantage of surveying and ensure the future security of the profession”.
Among other recommendations, the new standard requires members to:
- Maintain and develop sufficient and appropriate knowledge to support their responsible use of AI systems, including around the risk of erroneous output and bias and potential data usage risks.
- Ensure all private and confidential data is safeguarded.
- Carry out and record in writing a risk assessment (which may include a periodically-reviewed policy) on the appropriateness of the usage of AI.
- Develop and implement policies regarding the responsible procurement and use of AI informed by a risk register.
- Ensure sufficient oversight of the output of any AI system which could have a material impact on the delivery of surveying services, including applying professional judgement to maker a decision about the reliability of the output which must be documented in writing.
- Notify clients in writing where AI will be involved in service delivery, including whether there is an option for a client to opt-out and which parts of the process will utilise AI.
- When developing AI systems, have regard to ethical and sustainable practices.
RICS’ professional standards “set requirements or expectations for RICS members and regulated firms about how they provide services or the outcomes of their actions”. All members of RICS will therefore be expected to ensure compliance with the new standard when it takes effect from 9 March 2026. Surveyors should ensure they are prepared by reviewing internal policies and compliance around use of AI and review their insurance obligations accordingly.
