When people are involved in potential and real disputes, the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) skills of RICS professionals are extremely valuable and knowledge of this is a mandatory requirement for professionals working towards becoming chartered with RICS.
“When it comes to the built and natural environment, disputes are an everyday occurrence. People fall out over matters such as property rents, construction costs, service charges, land boundaries and much more – therefore the professional help and advice from chartered surveyors is crucial for clients.” Explained Martin Burns, Head of ADR Research and Development at RICS.
The Foundation Certificate in Alternative Dispute Resolution and Conflict Avoidance covers a range of dispute resolution methods and provides information and guidance for surveyors, irrespective of whether they are directly involved in disputes now or in the future.
“It’s important for chartered surveyors who are involved in dispute resolution to have a high level of proficiency in order to competently advise and support their clients,” continued Martin.
“They must also keep up to date in the relevant law and practice associated with dispute resolution. If a chartered surveyor or their client ends up in court, it is likely that one of the first questions asked by the judge will be to determine what attempts have been made to resolve this dispute using dispute resolution and thus avoid the need for litigation.”
For professionals working towards becoming chartered, the programme covers the knowledge requirements of the APC mandatory Alternative Dispute Resolution and Conflict Avoidance competency.
“Although this course has been developed with RICS competencies in mind, it’s actually applicable to all built environment, legal and related professionals and trainees. All established professionals, irrespective of discipline, need a solid grounding in the subject when dealing with clients and in any work that could involve legal or contentious matters.” Added Martin.
RICS professionals often represent clients who are involved in dispute resolution processes such as arbitration, mediation and adjudication – all topics covered within the course.
Chartered surveyors also take on the role of independent dispute resolvers, and RICS, through its Dispute Resolution Service (DRS) appoints chartered surveyors to act as arbitrators, mediators, adjudicators and independent experts in thousands of disputes each year.
