RICS has inaugurated its 2026 President, setting a strategic direction for digital construction, education, and confidence.
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) formally inaugurated its 144th President, Nick Maclean OBE RD FRICS, on Thursday 22 January at its headquarters in Westminster. The appointment marks a significant moment for the global professional body as it strengthens its role across the digital construction sector and the wider built and natural environment.
In his inaugural address, Nick Maclean set out a clear vision for RICS, structured around three priorities: education, influence and confidence. Reflecting on recent organisational reform, he highlighted RICS’ renewed capacity to support the public advantage and reinforce professional standards worldwide.
Addressing members and stakeholders, the President reaffirmed RICS’ mission to advance knowledge and uphold global surveying standards. Central to this is widening access to the profession, strengthening education pathways, and ensuring RICS qualifications remain recognised as the global benchmark across construction, infrastructure and digital construction disciplines.
Policy influence and global professional standards
Maclean also emphasised the importance of RICS operating at the centre of public policy and regulatory decision-making. With more than 144,000 members working across 76 countries, RICS brings technical expertise spanning digital construction, sustainability, valuation, and asset management.
He outlined the Institution’s ambition to act as a trusted advisor to governments and regulators, supporting evidence-based policy development that responds to skills shortages, digital transformation and environmental challenges affecting the built environment.
Together Towards Tomorrow
Alongside the inauguration, RICS launched its presidential team manifesto, Together Towards Tomorrow. The manifesto sets objectives for 2026 including enhancing engagement with policymakers, closing skills gaps through collaboration with academia, and championing digital transformation and innovation across construction and land sectors.
Speaking at the event, Nick Maclean said: “It is a distinct honour to become President of RICS for 2026. I am equally honoured to be joined by an excellent presidential team in the form of Maureen Ehrenberg and Susanne Eickermann-Rieppe.”
He added: “Our team is committed to delivering our five strategic objectives… and strengthening RICS’ global leadership, expertise and influence.”
Through education, influence, and confidence, RICS under its 2026 President positions digital construction professionals to shape policy, close skills gaps, and deliver public value across built environments.
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