18th January 2017 | Dave Fuller
Surveyors And Chartered Surveyors – What's The Difference?
A Surveyor
As the title of 'Surveyor' is not protected in the UK, anyone could use the title, whether they have full knowledge of the subject, basic knowledge or even no knowledge at all. It is not essential to invest in training to be a ‘surveyor’ and you do not need to have any experience or supervision. A ‘surveyor’ is not regulated by a professional body, so if something were to go wrong you are not always protected.
A Chartered Surveyor
A Chartered Surveyor has relevant qualifications and experience. They and the firm they work for will also be regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). All members of RICS must comply with the Institution’s Global Professional and Ethical standards and must demonstrate that they always:
1. Act with integrity
2. Always provide a high standard of service
3. Act in a way that promotes trust in the profession
4. Treat others with respect
5. Take responsibility
Chartered Surveyors must keep up to date by undertaking at least 20 hours a year Continuing Professional Development, which is monitored by RICS. Those undertaking valuation work, of which there are three at Mass & Co, are subject to further scrutiny as ‘RICS Registered Valuers’.
Having Chartered status means that each client is covered by the RICS Complaints Handling Procedure (CHP). As well as this, every report which has been produced by a Chartered Surveyor is backed by an RICS compliant Professional Indemnity Insurance policy.
In summary, a Chartered Surveyor is regulated, professional, experienced and reliable.
