THE Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has appointed professor Norman McLennan as chair of the Scotland board.
The visiting professor from Robert Gordon University (RGU) has a long-standing association with RGU’s Scott Sutherland School of Architecture and Built Environment that has spanned over 20 years.
His work includes lecturing support, Phd supervision and industry insight that has helped shape course design and accreditation by professional bodies. He has also developed relationships for the Scott Sutherland School with international partners.
Professor Norman McLennan said, “I am both pleased and honoured to have been afforded this opportunity to lead the RICS (Scotland) board which is responsible for setting strategic direction for the surveying arm of the construction and property sector across Scotland for the benefit of RICS-qualified members and its students.
“RGU has many students from the Scott Sutherland School of Architecture & Built Environment who aspire to become fully chartered RICS practitioners after they graduate so it is important for the university to have strong connections with professional accrediting bodies such as RICS.
“Collectively, as a board our priority and immediate focus going forward will be to enhance membership engagement and value across Scotland so that new and existing members have full benefits realised.”
Dr Dan Allen, acting dean for the Scott Sutherland School of Architecture & Built Environment, added, “We are delighted that professor Norman McLennan has been appointed as chair of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. Our close relationship with professor Norman McLennan offers an industry perspective that supports our teaching and learning and ensures a strong link with the sector.
“As the leading university in the UK for employability and career prospects in surveying and planning, as highlighted in the latest Guardian University Guide, The Scott Sutherland School values the close relationship we have with those in industry and we look forward to continuing our relationship with Norman, as we continue to invest in the growth and development of the next generation of surveyors.”
Professor McLennan added, “The impact of the recent UK Government’s budget on RICS members and firms will arguably create winners and losers. Hopefully, the planned investment in construction and the built environment will generate substantial multi-discipline opportunities for surveyors across Scotland and our profession in general.
“Additionally, there will be new opportunities as the government commits to GB Energy and a whole raft of other energy infrastructure investments including onshore and offshore renewable energy projects, hydrogen and carbon capture – which will almost certainly drive demand for surveying services, especially those working in land, renewable energy and natural resources, built environment infrastructure and project management.”
As part of his new role, Professor McLennan will develop the RICS strategy in 2025 which includes stakeholder engagement, industry skills engagement, policy leadership with the Scottish Government, a new Scotland Energy & Net Zero & Sustainability Forum, Equality & Inclusion initiatives, and a new events programme for young surveyors.
