In the institution’s 152-year history, assessment interviews for the Assessment of Professional Competency (APC) have always taken place face-to-face. Following the UK Government’s lockdown in March, RICS implemented a digital platform to help those looking to complete their assessments.

To date, 487 have gained their qualified status across land and property sectors through with a further 539 assessments set to take place by the end of July.

With over 1,700 people qualifying in the UK, this year to date and to celebrate the successes of those new to the profession entries to RICS’ flagship Young Surveyor of the Year Awards (YSOYA) are now open.

The awards - which raise awareness of surveying as a career for diverse young talent from all backgrounds - are open to anyone aged 35 and under who have 10 years of experience or less. Professionals can enter themselves or be nominated by their company. This year’s entries will remain open until 16 July 2020 with the winners announced in a digital ceremony on 27 November 2020.

RICS Matrics chair and past winner, Natasha Tyler, said: “The RICS Young Surveyor of the Year Awards really do showcase the best in class; providing the next generation with aspirational role models, ensuring the profession remains relevant and attracting the future leaders of tomorrow.

“Entering the awards gives you the opportunity to reflect on your experiences and achievements to date. There will be more than you first suspect, so I strongly encourage all young surveyors to consider entering the awards. Whether you are shortlisted in your chosen category or are crowned the winner, it is a huge achievement to be recognised as a future leader of the profession, celebrating with inspirational young professionals at such a prestigious event.

Young surveyors and their employers can enter or nominate one of the nine discipline-related categories including Asset and Facilities Management, Building Surveying and Project Management at www.rics.org/ysoya.