As my year as President of the Rating Surveyors’ Association draws to a close, it is an appropriate moment to reflect on what has been a busy and productive period for both our profession and the Association. It has been a privilege to serve the RSA during a time of significant change across the rating landscape and to see the continued engagement and contribution of our members.
One message that has come through clearly from members during the past year is the desire for more opportunities to come together as a profession — whether through continuing professional development, industry discussion, or simply the chance to reconnect with colleagues across the sector.
In response to that feedback, the RSA has placed renewed focus on events that combine meaningful CPD with opportunities for networking and open discussion. A good example of this was the recent End of the List roadshow sessions in London and Birmingham, which were extremely well attended and generated valuable discussion around the closing stages of the 2023 Rating List.
We expect further RSA events to take place later in the year, continuing that theme of professional engagement as we move into the 2026 List. As we enter a new rating cycle, maintaining that sense of professional connection and shared experience will be increasingly important.
Alongside this activity, the RSA has continued to engage with government and stakeholders on the future of the rating system. Our recent submission to the Government’s Call for Evidence reflects the collective expertise of RSA members and seeks to ensure that the views of practitioners working daily within the system are represented in the ongoing debate around reform. A link to the submission is included below for those who wish to read it in full.
The next opportunity for members to come together will be the RSA Members’ Dinner on Thursday 30 April 2026 at One Great George Street, Westminster.
Prior to the traditional dinner, the evening will feature an RSA Question Time, giving members the opportunity to debate the key issues facing the profession as we begin the journey into the 2026 List. I would strongly encourage as many members as possible to attend and take part in what promises to be an engaging and thought-provoking session.
This will be followed by a drinks reception, offering the chance to catch up with colleagues and continue the discussion in a more informal setting. There are still places available, and I would encourage members to secure their place. A reminder that the event will once again be business formal attire.
March can be an especially demanding period at the end of a rating list, as many of us focus on concluding matters relating to the closing stages of the cycle. It therefore provides a welcome opportunity, once that period has passed, to step away from the pressures of day-to-day work, reconnect with colleagues across the industry and enjoy an evening of discussion and camaraderie.
We are also delighted that Justin Young, Chief Executive of RICS, will be joining us to deliver the evening’s keynote address and share his perspective on the future direction of the profession.
The dinner will also mark a transition for the Association, as I hand over the Presidency to Debbie Warwick. At the same time Simon Green will step into the role of Vice President, while Bjorn Bowles has taken up the role of Communications Officer following the sad passing of Dennis Broughton, continuing the work Dennis undertook in the Association’s communications, including its eComms and member engagement.
Members will already be aware that voting is currently open for a committee position, and I would encourage all eligible members to take a moment to cast their vote before the deadline on 22 April.
It has been a genuine honour to serve as President of the RSA and to represent such a knowledgeable and engaged membership. The strength of the Association has always been the willingness of its members to contribute their time and expertise for the benefit of the wider profession.
I hope to see many of you on 30 April for what promises to be an excellent evening of discussion, networking and industry debate.
Myles O’Brien
President
Rating Surveyors’ Association