The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has responded to the government’s call for evidence on the future regulation of professions, as ministers consider major changes to oversight within the built environment and construction sectors.

The consultation follows the government’s announcement late last year outlining plans for regulatory reform, including proposals to create a Single Construction Regulator aimed at strengthening standards across the industry.

The reforms are intended to improve the safety, performance and sustainability of buildings, while ensuring homes and workplaces are healthy, accessible and secure for occupants. Ministers also want a framework that supports economic growth while ensuring construction products are properly tested, accurately described and aligned with the needs of building users.

RICS CEO, Justin Young, said: “RICS supports the government’s ambition to develop a coherent, future-fit system for the built environment that focuses not only on regulation, but on the skills, behaviours and professional judgement of those working across the full building lifecycle.

“This call for evidence rightly recognises that improving outcomes depends on understanding how people and organisations operate in practice, including the barriers, interdependencies and incentives that shape decision-making. Any effective reform must therefore be grounded in the collective expertise of industry, professional bodies, clients and regulators.

“RICS plays a vital role in this system through independent regulation, global standards, competence frameworks and disciplinary oversight. Government should build on this established infrastructure – including proportionate models such as Designated Professional Bodies to strengthen capability and accountability without unnecessary duplication.”