RICS proposes surveyor ombudsman scheme

Consumer and legal groups, government departments, and the general public are being consulted on proposals for a surveyor ombudsman scheme in the first external survey of its kind carried out by Royal Institution of Chartered Survetyors (RICS).

Four thousand consultation papers have been sent out to canvass views on enhancing consumer protection in the surveying profession. RICS is planning an ombudsman scheme in Scotland to start next year, and aims to establish a similar office for England and Wales in 2006.

The consultation period ends on 30 August, but early indications suggest that responses are overwhelmingly in favour both from members and the public.

RICS chief executive Louis Armstrong said:  "We want RICS members to be recognised as among the most ethical and well regulated of professionals, providing a first class professional service, and speedy and efficient redress should things go wrong.

"Complaints handling and redress procedures are well developed throughout the profession, but there is no single, cost effective option for consumers, if they are unhappy with the service they have received. This is what we are looking to provide.

"Government and the consumer lobby, are all pushing the professions not just to improve their consumer protection but also to be seen to be doing do so. RICS is taking the lead in the property sector," he said.