The RICS Podcast

Reinforced concrete transfer slabs have become a frontline building safety concern, particularly in medium and high-rise mixed-use and residential schemes. 
In this episode of The RICS Podcast, host Gary Strong FRICS is joined by Patrick Hayes, Trevor Rushton FRICS and Nick Knight MRICS to unpack the emerging risks around reinforced concrete transfer slabs. 
They explore what transfer slabs are, why they have become a critical building safety concern in the UK, and how issues such as punching shear, historic design practices, and incomplete records affect today’s risk profile.
This episode of The RICS Podcast covers:
What reinforced concrete transfer slabs are, where they are typically found, and why they’ve emerged as a building safety issue
How punching shear and concentrated loads create risks not fully covered by historic codes and standard design practice
The roles and responsibilities of those responsible for identifying, assessing, and managing transfer slabs
Practical approaches to assessment and mitigation of risk around transfer slabs
Gary Strong FRICS
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-strong-bsc-hons-frics-fciarb-c-builde-fcabe-fcila-b52667b/
Patrick Hayes FIStructE
https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-hayes-b23b5778/
Trevor Rushton FRICS
https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-rushton-15348222/
Nick Knight MRICS
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-knight-77277064/
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors:
https://www.rics.org/uk/
RICS Podcast Page
https://www.rics.org/podcast/
Kieran Halliwell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kdhalliwell/

The MIPIM Challengers initiative creates space for the next generation of professionals to share fresh ideas and new perspectives, and this year’s winners include Betsy Brady and Ioana Orzea.
Betsy & Ioana join James Fiske on this episode of The RICS Podcast to share their approach to rethinking embodied carbon as an asset, how we can educate others on driving sustainability in real estate, and young professionals’ drive to decarbonise the built environment.
This episode of The RICS Podcast covers:
Treating embodied carbon not as a one-time cost, but as a resource to be managed and amortised over a building's lifecycle
The MIPIM Challengers showcasing how younger professionals are driving creative solutions to decarbonise the built environment
The importance of measuring and tracking carbon emissions throughout a building's entire lifecycle
Upskilling professionals by developing consistent carbon pricing methodologies and creating career paths focused on carbon management
Strategies for measuring, reducing, and accounting for embodied carbon
This episode was first released on 14 April 2025.
James Fiske
https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-fiske-bcis/
Betsy Brady
https://www.linkedin.com/in/betsy-brady-853348148/
Ioana Orzea
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ioana-orzea-60637813a/
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors:
https://www.rics.org/uk/
RICS Podcast Page
https://www.rics.org/podcast/
Kieran Halliwell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kdhalliwell/

George Clarke HonRICS is an architect, television presenter, campaigner and educator whose position allows him to bridge gaps between the built environment and those less acquainted with the construction industry.
In this episode of The RICS Podcast (originally broadcast in December 2024), George joins Emma Martin MRICS and Ayo Ajayi MRICS as they discuss his passion for construction, the industry’s image, the value of work experience and how to make progress with diversity in construction.
This episode of The RICS Podcast covers:
George’s influences to get involved with construction
The impact of media on public perception of construction and the built environment
What it means to work in the public interest
George’s passionate campaigning for social housing
How evolving technology impacts the work of  built environment professionals
George Clarke
https://georgeclarke.com/
Ayo Ajayi
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayo-ajayi-7356376a/
Emma Martin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-martin-arcadis/
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors:
https://www.rics.org/uk/
RICS Podcast Page
https://www.rics.org/podcast/
Kieran Halliwell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kdhalliwell/

In light of the renewed global energy crisis following the conflict in Iran, we’re re-releasing one of our most pertinent episodes. Originally recorded during a period of greater market stability, this discussion between Roger Esson MRICS, Amit Patel MRICS, Jenny Stanning and Stephen Thompson FRICS explores how the surveying profession can help drive the transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy systems.
The conversation highlights the continued reliance on oil and gas, the importance of professional standards, and the role surveyors play in supporting infrastructure change and workforce reskilling. As geopolitical pressures reshape the energy landscape, these insights are more timely than ever, offering a clear perspective on how surveyors can lead in building a more resilient, sustainable future.
This episode of The RICS Podcast covers:
The surprising amounts of energy still being derived from oil and gas
RICS members’ roles in transitioning to a greener energy mix and a more sustainable future
How to get young kids, particularly young girls, interested in construction and STEM
The role of standards in the energy transition
Amit Patel
https://www.linkedin.com/in/amit-patel-902a341a/
Jenny Stanning 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-stanning-40217539/
Roger Esson
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogeresson/
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors:
https://www.rics.org/uk/
RICS Podcast Page
https://www.rics.org/podcast/
Kieran Halliwell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kdhalliwell/

As RICS introduces the refreshed continuing professional development (CPD) framework effective from January 2026, it’s important to know what this means for day‑to‑day professional practice. 
In this episode of The RICS Podcast, Charles Golding MRICS is joined by Olga Turner Baker MRICS to set the scene for those changes, and explore how the new RICS Member App can help keep professionals up to speed on their CPD throughout the year.
This episode of the RICS podcast covers:
What has and hasn’t changed in the RICS CPD framework for 2026
The shift from not only counting hours, but also focusing on relevant, adequate and appropriate CPD
The introduction of mandatory topics on sustainability, AI/technology, and ethical and professional standards
How to plan and record CPD more effectively, including practical strategies to avoid the year‑end rush and recognise more of the learning you already do
Using the new RICS Member App and online resources to plan, track and document CPD and learning outcomes
Information about the new CPD app and where to download it 
https://www.rics.org/surveyor-careers/career-development/continuing-professional-development
Olga Turner Baker MRICS
https://www.linkedin.com/in/olga-turner-baker-mrics-well-ap-non-exec-director-128b5729/
Charles Golding MRICS
https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-golding-23512b175/
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors:
https://www.rics.org/uk/
RICS Podcast Page
https://www.rics.org/podcast/
Kieran Halliwell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kdhalliwell/