The RICS HSS is mandatory, a ‘must’ for all surveyors preparing surveys for clients – this interactive presentation will deal with some of the suggested changes, so you are HSS-compliant.

Fundamental changes and differences in 2^nd edition
Competence – what it means
‘Check’ and ‘test’ – what the definitions mean
Assessing and reporting risks to people
Typical ‘record of information’, i.e. site notes
Inspecting and reporting – differences between the levels

Larry Russen, Chartered Building Surveyor, Consultant Russen & Turner and Allied Surveyors

The world of domestic retrofit and energy perforce is rapidly changing, with huge changes coming to EPCs, minimum requirements for performance of rented homes and some very significant recent retrofit disasters, this field is difficult to ignore. This talk will guide us through this with real world practical advice for surveyors and property experts.

EPC changes and updates
MEES updates and new requirements
Recent changes to government policy
What we are likely to see on the ground as surveyors

Prof Richard Fitton (FRICS PhD), Chartered Building Surveyor

Chimneys are the part of a property that can perform an important structural role but are sometimes neglected due to the costs and difficulties of access outside and inside – this interactive presentation will offer guidance on some of the main issues surveyors should address.

External structure, buttressing, flaunching, pots, flashings and fillets
Roof space problems – water, fire risks
Removal of chimneys
Chimney breasts inside – problems with flue linings
Retrofit of flue linings
Ventilation for combustion

Larry Russen, Chartered Building Surveyor, Consultant Russen & Turner and Allied Surveyors

Building Safety Act and Building Safety Regulator
Industry competency developments
Changes to building regulations
Competent Persons Scheme update
Building control enforcement and sanctions changes
Regularisation for unauthorised work

Anna Thompson, FRICS FCABE Chartered Building Control Surveyor

This session offers SME surveying practices a practical, structured approach to complaint handling that reduces risk, improves client communication, and meets regulatory expectations with confidence and clarity.

Understand why effective complaint handling is essential risk management for SME firms
Identify common complaint triggers and how to prevent them in everyday practice
Learn a simple triage approach to assess and prioritise complaints early
Navigate regulatory expectations and complaint pathways — including what good practice looks like
Communicate confidently and constructively with complainants, even when conversations feel difficult
Turn complaint insights into improvements in systems, reports, and client experience

Marion Ellis, Chartered Surveyor & Complaint Handling Consultant

This session will walk us through the workings of these devices, the good, the bad and the ugly. What can they do, what can’t they do, who should have them and how much do they cost? All of these questions and more will be answered in straightforward language aimed at surveyors, delivered by a chartered building surveyor - Prof Richard Fitton

How do they work?
What are they good for?
Are there limitations?
What does recent research tell us about the units?

Prof Richard Fitton (FRICS PhD), Chartered Building Surveyor

Current Residential Property Issues 2026

Key Subjects

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Speakers

Larry Russen

Prof Richard Fitton

Anna Thompson

Marion Ellis

Professional Conferences