SCSI Annual Report 2013 2014 by Th!nk Media

Annual Report 2013-2014

Registered Office: Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland, 38 Merrion Square, Dublin 2 Auditors: Finlay Mulligan, Marina House, Clarence Street, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin Solicitors: Eugene F. Collins, Temple Chambers, 3 Burlington Road, Dublin 4 Bankers: Bank of Ireland, Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2

SOCIETY OF CHARTERED SURVEYORS IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT

CONTENTS FOREWORD

DIRECTOR GENERAL’S OVERVIEW

HONORARY TEASURER’S REPORT

SCSI GOVERNANCE

EDUCATION Strategic objective one

Strategic objective two

ADVOCACY Strategic objective three

Strategic objective four

COMMUNICATION Strategic objective five

Strategic objective six

REGULATION Strategic objective seven

SCSI DISPUTE RESOLUTION APPOINTMENT SERVICE

SCSI INTERNATIONAL AFFILIATIONS

SCSI EXECUTIVE STAFF

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SOCIETY OF CHARTERED SURVEYORS IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT

FOREWORD

DELIVERING OUR OBJECTIVES As we approach the end of the 2013/2014 term in the Society of Chartered

throughout the year. This Annual Report aims to draw attention to the

Surveyors Ireland, it is with a sense of pride that this Annual Report is

highlights, in keeping with our business plan. Members have adapted to

presented, which I hope you will find both informative and inspiring. The

vast changes in the economic and regulatory environment over the past

Society, encompassing both volunteer members and executive staff, can be

number of years and are now seeing positive signs of sustainable growth

proud of our achievements across the whole organisation, as we move

emerging across the construction and property sectors that provide an

towards our long-term vision of being recognised as the profession

increasing number of opportunities for Chartered Surveyors to play a strong

synonymous with high standards, expertise, and professionalism across

role in the recovery. We must also be cognisant at all times of the remit of

construction, land, and property.

the Society, which is to act in the public interest and this must influence our

In April 2013, Council of the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland

decisions and actions as a professional body, a profession, and individually. I

approved a mid-term review of the business plan, having reviewed progress

hope that, on foot of reading this Annual Report, you will feel a sense of

over the previous 18 months since the merger of the SCS and the IAVI. The

pride in your professional body and be proud of your professional status as

updated plan ensures that the objectives of the Society continue to reflect

a member of the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland.

the priorities of the membership. One of the key priorities of the plan is to

On behalf of the Council of the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland, a

move towards a more integrated approach to delivering on these objectives

sincere thanks to all our employees and involved members for their

and to promote cross-functional collaboration, both internally and across

contributions and hard work throughout the year and embracing the

the professional groups of the Society. Undoubtedly, the Society is a ‘broad

challenge of making our vision a reality.

church’ in terms of membership that creates a challenge in having the specialisms of Chartered Surveyors understood by all stakeholders. However, there are also many opportunities to harness this diversity within the profession to achieve our vision. Owing to the vast range of activities that are undertaken by the Society and its various committees and working

Micheál O’Connor

groups, it is not possible to cover every one of the initiatives undertaken

PRESIDENT

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SOCIETY OF CHARTERED SURVEYORS IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT

DIRECTOR GENERAL’S OVERVIEW

SIGNS OF GROWTH Latest official economic data indicate clear signs of a recovery in the Irish

the end of April. In this event, membership of the Society will increase by a

economy. A number of the major indicators are on an upward trajectory

further 400 and enhance our expertise in the property and facilities

and the Central Bank, amongst other leading economic forecasters, is

management area, which has experienced significant growth over the past

predicting growth in the medium term. Consensus forecasts show GDP

number of years.

growth is expected to increase by 2.1% in 2014. However, it must be

Chartered surveying as a profession is highly correlated with the cyclical

remembered that any growth is emanating from a low base.

nature of the property and construction sectors. Indeed it has been

Unemployment remained stubbornly high throughout 2013 at 13.5%, but

frequently commented that attendance at the SCSI Annual Dinner is an

is expected to fall to 12.8% in 2014. Indeed, the Society’s own research

excellent barometer of the state of the industry. A record attendance of

into the employment opportunities and requirements for construction and

1,300 people at the event in February 2014 was a clear indication of

property surveyors published in April 2014 has demonstrated a growing

property and construction being back in vogue.

demand for both new and experienced graduates right across the sector,

There is no doubt that this is as a result of an insightful decision by the

with an immediate shortage of the availability of new graduates already

Government in early 2012 to charge the Secretary General of the

emerging amongst property employers, owing to the decline in enrolments

Department of An Taoiseach, Martin Fraser and the Secretary General of

on surveying courses. This is the second report undertaken by the Society

Department of Finance, John Moran with responsibility for overseeing a

to help demonstrate, through factual-based evidence, that a career in

return to sustainable growth in both the construction and property sectors,

property and construction is a realistic prospect, and to help eradicate the

respectively. The Society had been calling on the Government since 2009

remaining negative sentiment towards the sector. During the term

to recognise that a healthy, sustainable property and construction sector is

2013/2014, membership of the Society stood at 4,619 at April 1, 2014. It is

an important part of any developed economy and that the continued

encouraging to be able to report on this stabilisation in membership

‘free-fall’ of the sector and absence of any strategic plan to aid their

numbers. A membership offer is currently under consideration by the

sustainable recovery would be detrimental to the wider recovery of the Irish

IPFMA that may see a transfer of their functions into the Society of

economy. Over the past year, the Society has had a number of very

Chartered Surveyors Ireland if a special resolution is passed at their EGM at

successful engagements with both Departments, and continues to

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SOCIETY OF CHARTERED SURVEYORS IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT

contribute to the policy making process through the annual research

This Annual Report sets out our achievements throughout the year under

programme that generates useful data and reports, as well as the expertise

our seven strategic objectives as agreed by the Council in April 2013. Our

of our diverse members. Active stakeholder engagement is a key priority

achievements are only realised through the excellent staff/member

for the Society and its members, and it has been a very successful year for

partnership approach to our activities. I want to take this opportunity to

raising our profile and influence. Members of the Society are now playing a

thank you, the volunteer members, for all that you do to contribute to our

critical role in the direction of government policy and there is increasing

success and look forward to your continued support during the coming

recognition of our emphasis on the public interest, which differentiates us

term. The Society is fortunate to have a strong team of executive staff

from trade associations.

working tirelessly on behalf of the profession. Thanks to each and every one

One of the highlights of this year was the very profound speech made by

of them who continue to make a valuable contribution every day, every

our President, Micheal O’Connor at the Annual Dinner that seemed to

week, and every year.

resonate with the general membership. As one media report noted, one

Finally, I wish to record my sincere gratitude to the Board of Directors for

could have heard a pin drop amongst the 1,300 attendees as his words

their unwavering support throughout the year and in particular to the

struck a chord with many who shared his experiences over the last number

outgoing President, Micheal O’Connor who has proudly represented the

of years. One of the closing remarks in his speech was:

Society through a wide range of media platforms and public functions

“So here we now stand, at a juncture where things are getting better and

throughout the year. His input as President has been positively experienced

where it is crucial for all of us, members of the Society, the broader industry,

across all sections of the Society and I thank him on all our behalves for his

business leaders, politicians, and so forth, to make absolutely sure that we

able stewardship of the Society.

learn from the bitter experience of the recent past. We must take the positives from this experience to ensure that as we move forward, we are the better for it - what does not kill you, makes you stronger!” These sentiments will certainly remain within the DNA of the Society as a guiding

Ciara Murphy

force in all our future activities.

DIRECTOR GENERAL

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SOCIETY OF CHARTERED SURVEYORS IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT

HONORARY TREASURER’S REPORT

SOCIETY ON SOUND FOOTING The SCSI annual accounts for 2013 reflect the positive changes that are

expenditure. Once again, reflecting the fragility of the recovery across

starting to take place across the property and construction sectors.

the property and construction sectors, no change in membership

The accounts show a surplus of €141,200 for the year and is in

subscriptions is proposed.

keeping with the aim of the SCSI three year business plan of

This year, I will step down from my position as Honorary Treasurer of

2011-2014.

the Society having completed a six year term. I would like to record

Total membership subscription income is up by approximately 2.5% or

my appreciation to my colleagues on the Finance Committee, past and

€27,000 since 2012. Membership of the Society now stands at 4,619

present, for their support and assistance throughout my term. Thanks

and with the IPFMA currently voting on a member offer from

also to the executive staff of the Society whose commitment to the

RICS/SCSI, membership of the Society could rise to over 5,000 in the

success of our organisation is second to none. The executive staff

event of a positive outcome.

together with the Finance Committee have managed to steer our

The recovery in the property sector has also been reflected in the

Society through enormous change over the past six years and I am

increased level of enrolments on the part-time SCSI/DIT BSc in

happy to step down from my position knowing that the Society is on a

property studies that generated additional income of €22,685.

very sound financial footing for the future.

Attendance at SCSI events was also up and is reflected through an

In particular, I would like to record sincere thanks to Paul Hutchinson

increase in income of 31%. However, surplus income from CPD was

and Lynda Carroll in the accounts department without whom, the

dramatically down on the previous year from €45,000 to €14,000

burden of my role as Honorary Treasurer would have been much more

owing to a reduction in the amount of paid events that were facilitated

onerous. We are fortunate to have such a dedicated team and I thank

by the SCSI Professional Groups together with a reduction in the price

them on your behalf.

of attending such paid events. This year, the Finance Committee asked

The true measure of the value of any business leader and manager is

the Professional Groups to pay closer attention to the provision of

performance. It is undoubtedly the case that our Director General,

events as it is a key benefit of membership.

Ciara Murphy, has led and managed our Society through some very

Investment in the SCSI brand continues and following a successful

difficult challenges and despite such challenges, our professional body

phase 1 promotion throughout 2012 that saw large investment in our

is now a bigger and more vibrant and active body than ever before.

brand through radio and print media, ‘Check They’re Chartered’,

Her commitment to realising the vision of the Society is unrelenting

phase 2 took a more targeted approach through on-line brand

and I thank her for her guidance and input throughout my term.

promotion on websites such as myhome.ie, where the association of

I wish the incoming Honorary Treasurer and Board of Directors well for

the brand with our member firms is highlighted. Phase 3 will see the

the future.

continuation of targeted on-line advertising and we hope to see the results of investment in the development of the new SCSI website that

Richard Mossop

will promote and drive traffic to ‘Find-a-Surveyor’ and provide

Honorary Treasurer

consumers and businesses with expert advice and information from Chartered Surveyors. This is a significant investment for the Society and will ensure that the Society’s flagship communication platform, our website, will represent both the members and our organisation proudly. The financial fundamentals of the Society’s business plan are being met and exceeded and current income remains ahead of current

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SOCIETY OF CHARTERED SURVEYORS IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT

SCSI GOVERNANCE The SCSI Business Plan is developed and agreed with Council of the SCSI and delivered through 11 professional groups, five standing committees and four regional committees. The Board of Directors monitors and oversees implementation of the business plan and ensures that quarterly reports are made available to the Council.SCSI Council is comprised of 32 representatives, including: the Board of Directors; representatives of each of the professional group committees, standing committees, regional committees; a representative of the Young Members Committee; four elected members from the general membership; and, a representative from the RICS Ireland Board and RICS International Governing Council.

SCSI BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Micheal O’Connor President

Roland O’Connell Immediate Past President

Pauline Daly Senior Vice President

Andrew Nugent Second Vice President

PROFESSIONAL GROUPS

Building Surveying Chair: Kevin Hollingsworth

Planning & Development Chair: John Vaudin

Commercial Agency Chair: Eamonn Maguire

Project Management Chair: Derry Scully

Rural Chair: Trevor McCarthy

Geomatics Chair: Niamh O’Reilly

Property & Facilities Management Chair: Jerome O’Connor

Valuation Chair: Ray Hanley

Minerals Chair: Tim Paul

Quantity Surveying Chair: Paul Dunne

Education Chair: Jim Gahan

Communications & Events Chair: Rowena Quinn

Regulation Chair: Patrick Dorgan

Dispute Resolution Chair: Gerry O’Sullivan

North Eastern Chair: Peter Murtagh

South Eastern Chair: Michael Boyd

Residential Agency Chair: Simon Stokes

STANDING COMMITTEES

Finance Chair: Richard Mossop

REGIONAL COMMITTEES Richard Mossop Honorary Treasurer

YOUNG MEMBERS Ciara Murphy Director General/Company Secretary

Western Chair: Gerard O’Toole

Southern Chair: Declan Gileece

Chair: Astrid Lyons

PAGE 9

SOCIETY OF CHARTERED SURVEYORS IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT

Education STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE ONE: Support the growth of the surveying profession through progression towards the professional qualifications

Advocacy STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE THREE Develop and produce research, knowledge, and practice standards and information.

Communication STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE FIVE Promote Chartered Surveyors as the ‘go-to’ professionals to the public, media, and other stakeholders for matters relating to construction, land, and property.

Regulation STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE SEVEN Develop and implement a regulatory framework, operating to the highest standards, which will ensure the best outcomes for the public, consumers, and members of the Society and will operate in a proactive, efficient, and cost-effective manner.

SOCIETY OF CHARTERED SURVEYORS IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE TWO Ensuring that members are able to meet the highest standards of competence and professionalism through education and continuing professional development.

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE FOUR Engage and influence policy makers and opinion formers, where appropriate.

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE SIX Deliver effective, engaging and relevant membership publications, digital communications and events.

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE ONE

SUPPORT THE GROWTH OF THE SURVEYING PROFESSION THROUGH PROGRESSION TOWARDS THE PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

SOCIETY OF CHARTERED SURVEYORS IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT

Education

Promoting surveying as a career option Following the appointment in

CareersPortal.ie. In addition, a new careers page for second-level

April 2013 of a new staff

students and teachers was developed on the scsi.ie website, which has

member, tasked with the role

received 1,811 unique page views. A new third level section was also

of promoting surveying as a

developed, highlighting job opportunities, information about the APC,

career to second-level

and CV and interview tips. The Society was represented at career fairs

students and career guidance

throughout the country that enabled direct engagements with 2,500

counsellors and liaising with

attendees in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, and Tralee. In addition, the SCSI

the third-level sector to

‘Day in the Life’ schools visits continued and saw participation from 50

promote attainment of

schools nationwide. The Society also facilitated 20 transition year

chartered status via the

placements in surveying practices, including quantity surveying,

SCSI Assessment of

building surveying, and property surveying.

Professional Competence (APC), the Society has made significant strides in developing and implementing a programme of awareness of the profession. A new promotional brochure ‘A Career in Surveying’ was distributed through career fairs, secondary school visits, the Institute of Guidance Counsellors, and via

Pageviews 140 70 0 Sept 2013

Oct 2013

Nov 2013

Dec 2013

Jan 2013

Feb 2013

Mar 2013

FIGURE 1: SCSI website, career promotion for schools.

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SOCIETY OF CHARTERED SURVEYORS IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT

Graduate shortage concerns A major concern that arose in 2012 for the Society and its members is

experience and area of expertise. 136

the emerging shortage of surveyors across property and construction.

candidates enrolled on to the APC

Having published the ‘Graduate Employment Trends in Construction

between April 2013 and February

and Property Surveying’ in 2012 demonstrating a trend towards an

2014 – representing a 40% increase

emerging shortage, the Society commissioned a further report from two

in enrolments on the 2012-2013

independent researchers in DIT to identify the quantum shortfall of

figures. Quantity surveying,

graduates over the next five years and the future skills requirements.

valuation, and commercial agency

This report, ‘Employment Opportunities and Skills Requirements for

remain the strongest growth

Property and Construction Surveyors 2014-2018’ scheduled to be

pathways. A total of 127

published in April 2014, suggests that there is a shortfall of 189

counsellors were trained during

graduates in property and 123 in construction, based on an assumption

the last session. There are now

that the economy experiences growth of 2% per annum. The report

approximately 1,000 trained counsellors in place to support the APC

makes a series of recommendations to ensure that supply can meet this

nationwide. Ten on-site APC training talks took place, with attendance of

emerging demand.

135 potential APC candidates. A total of 81 candidates undertook the final assessment of the APC in

APC enrolments increase

2013, which resulted in 60 candidates achieving a pass and 21 being

2013 saw a significant increase in enrolments on the SCSI Assessment of

referred, representing a success rate of 74%.

Professional Competence (APC), reflecting a strong interest in the

This represents the continuation of a very healthy pass rate, which is

attainment of the professional qualification. The growth in enrolments of

achieved and maintained through regular counsellor training, APC

recent years can be linked to increased graduate recruitment as well the

briefings, one-to-one candidate support, and assessor training and

launch of the revised APC in 2011, which allowed for more flexible

monitoring. The Education Department and APC Committee work

access routes and additional pathways of specialism. Never before has

closely with the professional groups in ensuring robust and fair

the APC been so attuned to surveyors in terms of their years of work

assessments, as well as consistent pass rates.

TABLE 1: APPLICATIONS FOR ASSESSMENT OF PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE (APC) 2011

2012

2013/14

Building surveying

Commercial agency

Geomatics

Planning & development

P&D

Project management

Property and facilities management

Quantity surveying

Residential

Valuation

Total

136

PAGE 14

INCREASE IN ENROLMENTS ON THE APC IN 2013

40%

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE TWO

ENSURING THAT MEMBERS ARE ABLE TO MEET THE HIGHEST STANDARDS OF COMPETENCE AND PROFESSIONALISM THROUGH EDUCATION AND CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT.

SOCIETY OF CHARTERED SURVEYORS IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT

Education

SCSI university partnerships The Society now has seven university partnerships in place with Institutes of Technology throughout the country, within which 18 courses are running that produce graduate surveyors across property, land, and construction.

TABLE 2: SCSI/IOT PARTNERSHIPS Cork Institute of Technology

Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology

BSc (Hons) in Quantity Surveying (level 8)

BSc (Hons) Construction Economics and Quantity Surveying (level 8)

Dublin Institute of Technology

Institute of Technology Sligo

BSc (Hons) Surveying (Property Economics) (level 8)

BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying (level 8)

BSc (Hons) Property Studies (level 8) Limerick Institute of Technology BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying and Construction Economics (level 8) BSc (Hons) Spatial Planning (level 8) BSc (Hons) Geomatics (level 8)

BSc(Hons) Property Valuation and Management (level 8) BSc(Hons) Quantity Surveying (level 8)

MSc Planning & Development (level 9)

MSc Quantity Surveying (level 9)

MSc Real Estate (level 9) MSc Quantity Surveying (level 9)

Waterford Institute of Technology

MSc Spatial Planning (level 9) MSc Spatial Information Management (level 9) BSc(Hons) Quantity Surveying (level 8) Dundalk Institute of Technology

BSc(Hons) Building Surveying

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SOCIETY OF CHARTERED SURVEYORS IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT

SCSI/DIT BSc in property studies

events took place nationwide, representing an 8% increase in the number of events that took place in 2012/2013.

The Society continues to run its own part-time BSc in Property Studies in

Of significance is the increasing number of events (27 in 2013), that are

conjunction with Dublin Institute of Technology. A substantial increase in

cross-professional, demonstrating the opportunities arising from the ‘broad

the first year in-take was experienced, which is being driven by the new

church’ that is the surveying profession, and the increasingly integrated

PSRA licensing requirements that now require a minimum of 120 ECTS to

nature of the professional groups with regard to the work they carry out for

be achieved in specified property related modules. Following a three year

their clients and the provision of education to their members. The

period of no intakes on to the course, the renewed demand for the course

breakdown of the regional spread of such events was:

is a welcome development. First year

47 students

Second year

30 (including four advanced entry) BSc in Property Studies - Enrolments

Dublin

North East Region

South East Region

Western Region

Southern Region

70 The CPD calendar provided for members comprised a series of briefings,

workshops, courses and seminars. Of those, 64 events were made available

to members free of charge, with 30 being broadcast via the SCSI webcast

facility and available to all members regardless of geographic location. The

webcasts are also available on demand from the SCSI website. An average

viewing of 55 members logged in to watch the live webcasts. Thirteen

events incurred a fee for participation. In total, 2,976 individual members

0 2013/2014

2012/2013

2011/2012

2010/2011

2009/2010

2008/2009

2007/2008

2006/2007

2005/2006

2004/2005

2003/2004

2002/2003

2001/2002

2000/2001

1999/2000

attended an SCSI CPD event during the period 2013/2014. The most popular events over the past year are represented in the following table: Most popular events

FIGURE 2: Enrolments in the BSc in Property Studies.

CPD and training Ensuring a high quality and relevant CPD and training programme for members of the Society is another key function of the Society, so that members can be kept up to date on technical, professional practice and

REITS

Life Cycle Costing

South Georgian Core

PSPA Update

The Future of Agriculture

Building Regulations Seminar

Total CPD Events April 2013 - April 2014 = 77

Mortgage Seminar

Residential Lettings Best Practice

business-related developments. During the last session, a total of 77 CPD

6 FIGURE 4: Most popular CPD events.

4 2 0

The recently enacted Construction Contract Act 2013 has also given rise to Apr-14

Mar-14

Feb-14

Jan-14

Dec-13

Nov-13

Oct-13

Sep-13

Aug-13

Jul-13

Jun-13

May-13

Apr-13

the establishment of a working group to oversee adjudication training for members in consultation with other professional bodies. A conversion course commenced in December 2013 in UCD and a second course will run in autumn 2014. CPD events were also provided in February and March

FIGURE 3: Volume of CPD events per month.

PAGE 18

2014.

ATTENDANCE OF INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS AT AN SCSI CPD EVENT IN 2013/2014

2,976

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE THREE

DEVELOP AND PRODUCE RESEARCH, KNOWLEDGE, AND PRACTICE STANDARDS AND INFORMATION.

SOCIETY OF CHARTERED SURVEYORS IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT

Advocacy

Ideas for the production of research and knowledge are normally driven by policy and topical matters, emanating from the 11 SCSI professional groups. Some of the research and knowledge reports produced throughout the year included: n Annual Commercial Property Review & Outlook 2014; n Annual Residential Property Review & Outlook 2014; n Construction Industry Review & Outlook 2014; n SCSI/Teagasc Land Market Survey; n Quarterly SCSI/RICS Commercial Property Survey; n Quarterly SCSI/IPD Indices; n Quarterly SCSI/Central Bank of Ireland Residential Market Survey; n Construction Tender Price Indices 2013; n House Rebuilding Guide; n Construction Cost Index; n Report on Public Sector Experiences of Quantity Surveying Professional Services; n Guidance on the Home Renovation Incentive Scheme; n Guidance on Service Charges; n Red C research on demand levels for residential building inspections by potential homeowners; n Red C research on the private rental market and attitudes of non-homeowners to purchasing a home; n Consumer Guide to Local Property Tax; n Consumer Guide on Residential Property Surveys; n Consumer Guide on Flooding; and, n A Guide to Property Managers on Multi-Unit Developments (MUDs).

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SOCIETY OF CHARTERED SURVEYORS IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT

Professional groups also play an important role in the production of practice standards and information papers for the benefit of professional practice and over the last year included: n Real Estate Agency and Brokerage Standards Practice Manual; n Guidance on PSRA Letters of Engagement; n Surveys of Residential Property Guidance Note; n Commercial Service Charge Code; n Japanese Knotweed Information Paper; n Appointing a Project Manager Guidance Note; n Conditions of Engagement for the provision of Project Management Services; n Boundaries: Procedures for Boundary Identification, Demarcation and Dispute Resolution in Ireland; n Guide to Management Companies in MUDs; n Cashflow Forecasting Guidance Note; and, n Damages for Delay to Completion Guidance Note.

PAGE 22

REPORTS PRODUCED BY THE SOCIETY IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS

>30

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE FOUR

ENGAGE AND INFLUENCE POLICY MAKERS AND OPINION FORMERS, WHERE APPROPRIATE.

SOCIETY OF CHARTERED SURVEYORS IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT

Advocacy

Simon Stokes, Residential Professional Group Chair; Micheál O’Connor,

Martin Fraser, Secretary General of the Department of An Taoiseach and

SCSI President; and John Moran, Secretary General, Department of Finance

Micheál O’Connor, SCSI President at the launch of the SCSI Construction

at the launch of the SCSI Residential Property Outlook 2014.

Sector Outlook 2014.

The production of high-quality research reports and generation of

in Ireland. The roundtable lunches enabled the Society to outline

submissions creates opportunities for the Society to engage with a

the key findings of the research reports that facilitated a meaningful

wide range of stakeholders, including politicians, government

engagement demonstrating the expertise of Chartered Surveyors

departments and agencies, professional bodies, and representative

and creating further opportunties for the Society to participate in

bodies for the general business community. A summary of the key

influencing policy decisions impacting on our sector.

outputs is set out below. n The Society was again invited to discuss its pre-budget submission n The production of the Society’s annual research reports in both property and construction enabled the Society to host a lunch

at the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform in September 2013.

between senior leaders within our member firms and the Secretary Generals of the Department of An Taoiseach, Martin Fraser and

n Members of the Building Surveying Professional Group actively

the Department of Finance, John Moran. Both Departments have

participated on the discussions that gave rise to the new building

been charged with the responsibility of ensuring that the

regulations that came into force on March 1, 2014. Building

construction and property sectors, respectively, can return to a

surveyors are one of the professions identified in the regulations to

stable and sustainable level of growth to ensure that they make a

carry out certification of buildings. Our representatives will continue

meaningful contribution to the economic recovery now underway

to participate on the Department of Environment, Community, and

PAGE 25

SOCIETY OF CHARTERED SURVEYORS IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT

Local Government working group, to ensure the new regulations

order to gauge the renovation costs associated with these types of

are workable and fit for purpose. In the run up to March 1, 2014,

property. Members of the committee have held a number of

the SCSI hosted a well attended seminar on the new building

meetings with various stakeholders in relation to this issue and it is

regulations.

proposed that a submission will be made to Dublin City Council. A joint CPD event between the SCSI and Dublin City Council on the

n The focus of the Residential Agency Professional Group Committee

‘Future of the South Dublin Georgian Square’ took place in

has been on discussions with the financial institutions in relation to

February 2014 and generated widespread interest that resulted in a

the availability of mortgages and standards in instructing

high attendance of 120.

residential mortgage valuations. In November 2013, the Professional Group organised a very successful National Mortgage

n The Planning and Development Professional Group also published a

Conference at the end of 2013, which included representatives

submission on the Development Management Guidelines for

from the main lending institutions and a presentation from the

Local Authorities 2007.

Central Bank. There are ongoing quarterly roundtable engagements between the SCSI and the Irish Banking Federation (IBF) and a wide

n The Valuation Professional Group was very active in liaising with the

range of other interested stakeholders to share insights in relation

Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the Valuation

to the improving residential property conditions and mortgage

Office to address some key concerns in relation to the proposed

availability. A series of engagements have also taken place with each

appeals process, the self-assessment, and the material change in

of the financial institutions to review their instructions in respect of

circumstances, to name but a few issues relating to the Valuation

residential mortgage valuations, having regard to the Central Bank

(Amendment) (No.2) Bill.

of Ireland guidance and the new Directive on Credit Agreements on Residential Property that will be enacted in Ireland by January 2016.

n The Local Government Act 2013 was enacted in January 2014. The Bill, which originally contained a proposal to reduce the rates

n The proposed Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme has been at

relief on vacant property by 50%, now contains a caveat within the

the forefront of the Property Management Professional Group

legislation to empower local authorities to use this reduction in

committee agenda in 2014. The scheme primarily involves the

relief at their discretion. The SCSI prepared a submission and the

appointment of an independent operator who will hold and return

amendments should hopefully mean that in certain areas of poor

deposits to tenants when they leave their accommodation. Given

property demand, owners can negotiate a case for the full rate

that this issue is in the programme for government and is likely to

relief, given the market and the hinterland in which their property is

be implemented, representatives of the committee held a meeting

located.

with Minister Jan O’Sullivan and followed up with a submission to the Minister for Housing and Planning, which outlined some

n The Rural Professional Group Committee have been actively liaising

practical recommendations regarding the implementation of the

with the Property Services Regulatory Authority (PSRA) in relation to

scheme.

the recently published conacre Letter of Engagement (LOE). The Rural Committee has made representation on this draft LOE and

n From the commercial property perspective, members of the Society

has highlighted many key concerns relating to the text contained

have been actively invovled in a working group in relation to the

within. The changes being proposed by the PSRA regarding

proposed introduction of a vacant site levy. The working group

conacre licences represent a fundamental shift in how conacre is to

has outlined its concerns with regard to how the levy will be

be operated from a surveyor’s viewpoint. This item is still under

implemented and have offered suggestions. Following submissions

active discussion. The SCSI has also engaged with IFAC accountants

and follow-up meetings, the Lord Mayor’s taskforce invited a

in order to address issues pertaining to taxation anomalies in the

representative of the SCSI to participate on the stakeholder group.

inter-generational transfer of land. This issue was raised in a number of pre-budget submissions over the past few years and the

n The Planning and Development Professional Group committee has also been actively involved in the costing of Georgian property in

PAGE 26

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has now recently announced a review of the agricultural taxation regime. The SCSI

SOCIETY OF CHARTERED SURVEYORS IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT

has prepared a detailed submission on the matter. The SCSI will

n Representatives of the Quantity Surveying Committee continue to

endeavour to ensure the Government puts in place new measures

meet regularly with officials from the Department of Public

to tackle the barriers in the transfer of land.

Expenditure and Reform. The Committee has recently prepared numerous submissions outlining concerns relating to the

n Senator Feargal Quinn also

implementation of the Construction Contracts Act 2013 and the

reintroduced the debate in

Construction Contracts Act Adjudication Code of Practice. The QS

respect of upward-only rent

Committee are also active in organising numerous CPD events to

reviews through his Upward

keep members informed of the legislative changes.

Only (Clauses and Reviews) Bill 2013. Following this, the

n The Mineral Development Bill is currently before the Oireachtas

Society made a submission

and is awaiting discussion. The primary focus of the legislation is to

that resulted in a meeting with the Senator where the Society

amend the Petroleum and Other Minerals Development Act 1960

elaborated on the various issues arising from the point of view of a

to outlaw unconventional gas exploration and extraction. This will

tenant, a landlord, and market perspectives. Senator Quinn invited

provide for social clauses and public consultation on the granting of

the SCSI to work with other stakeholders on a business premises

leases and ensure greater accountability through initiating an

leasing code.

annual review of the lease by the Joint Committee on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. The Mineral

n The SCSI was represented on the stakeholder group for the Forfás

Surveying Professional Group committee, by composing a

Construction Sector Outlook and Strategic Plan to 2015 and

submission outlining aspects of the regime relating to scheduled

welcomed the publication of the report in July 2013.

minerals which should be addressed under the new legislation, has been at the vanguard of influencing the development of this Bill. Its

n The review of the Public Works Contract commenced in December

efforts are to ensure fairness and equity for all who will be affected

2013 with oral and written submissions from the Society, together

by this legislation. Over the coming year, the Committee will

with assistance being given by the QS Professional Group

continue to monitor all developments in this regard.

representatives to assist the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in gathering evidence-based data to help inform the review process. Further plenary sessions are expected to take place

n A submission was made under the Agri Taxation Review by the Rural Professional Group.

throughout 2014. n The Society was particularly active on a public policy level around n As part of the Construction Contracts Act, the Minister

the introduction of the Local Property Tax, partnering with the

announced the intention of forming a national adjudication

Irish Taxation Institute to facilitate a public seminar and produce a

panel, appointed by the Minister, and the production of a code

comprehensive consumer guide.

of practice for adjudication. Discussions continue through the Construction Industry Council (CIC) and in conjunction with the Institute of Arbitrators Ireland Branch with David O Brien, head of the Government Contract Committee (GCC), who has been given the task to implement the requirements in regard to both the panel and the code. The SCSI continue to work with CIC working group and the GCC in drawing up criteria for membership of the Minister’s panel. Subject to the final constitution of the Minister’s panel, it is to be noted that, along with the other professional construction institutes, SCSI currently favours a single national appointing body for adjudicators, but will keep the matter under review.

PAGE 27

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE FIVE

PROMOTE CHARTERED SURVEYORS AS THE ‘GO-TO’ PROFESSIONALS TO THE PUBLIC, MEDIA, AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS FOR MATTERS RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION, LAND, AND PROPERTY.

SOCIETY OF CHARTERED SURVEYORS IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT

Communication

278% 68% FIND A SURVEYOR SEARCH

REBUILD CALCULATOR VISITS

The Society continued its efforts to raise the profile of Chartered

pages or articles containing content related to surveying. These

Surveyors as the experts in land, construction, and property. The

adverts also click through to pages on www.scsi.ie and

breakdown of members featuring in the media is set out in Table

remarketing adverts show moving banner images to people on

3. Members of the Society across all professional groups and

other sites after they have visited www.scsi.ie.

regions were featured in the popular ‘Irish Times Property Clinic’.

The campaign also highlighted that the most highly qualified estate

A total of 105 questions were responded to by members. This

agents and auctioneers are Chartered Surveyors with banner adverts

weekly column continues to be a useful forum to set out the

running across Google aimed at people buying or selling a home to

wide-ranging expertise of Chartered Surveyors.

find their ‘Local Chartered Surveyor & Estate Agent’. Overall, the campaign has been very successful and received very

Online marketing campaign

significant click-through rates to www.scsi.ie.

The SCSI have been running a ‘Search, Display, and Remarketing’ campaign on the Google Network for the past eight months. The campaign has focused on promoting the use of a Chartered Surveyor across a variety of disciplines and prompting the public to the ‘Find a Surveyor’ search, to check that the professional they are engaging is chartered. In summary, search ads appear when you Google something related to surveying. The 11 different text ads show up, depending on the search term. These ads are

The SCSI branding campaign, ‘Check They’re Chartered’ also continues across all myhome.ie property brochures (residential and commercial property) and received over eight million page impressions during the last year.

focused across property, construction, and land and all click through to pages on www.scsi.ie. Display ads also appear on web

Click on through

Regional marketing campaigns A three-phase regional property advice campaign was undertaken in a range of regional newspapers, which featured over 80 surveyors from

Click-throughs from these search adverts to the SCSI website

across the country and was viewed by over one million readers. The

average at 1,100 clicks per week. These click-throughs focus

purpose of the campaign was to develop brand awareness and to

mainly on the House Insurance Rebuild Calculator and the ‘Find

profile the expertise of Chartered Surveyors in local towns. The western

a Surveyor’ search. Visits to the Rebuild Calculator have

region also piloted an ‘Ask the Experts’ interview slot on Mid West

increased from 32,000 to 89,000 in 2012/13 to 2013/14 term as

Radio. Overall, the feedback from the initiative was largely positive and

a result. Visits to the ‘Find a Surveyor’ search have increased

the western region committee is examining extending this slot or other

from 32,000 to 54,000 in 2012/13 to 2013/14 as a result.

media formats in order to continue to promote the SCSI throughout the region.

PAGE 29

SOCIETY OF CHARTERED SURVEYORS IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT

TABLE 3: NUMBER OF MEDIA APPEARANCES Professional Group

Number of appearances

Building Surveying

103

Topics

Type of media coverage

Launch of home renovation Incentive guide Home extensions and Renovations (three-part feature) Renovating a Georgian Building Flooding Guide Irish Times Property Clinic

Irish Times, Irish Independent, Irish Examiner, regional press, Sunday Business Post, Irish Construction Industry Magazine

Commercial Agency

SCSI Commercial Property Review & Outlook 2014 SCSI/IPD Index SCSI/RICS European Commercial Property Survey PSRA Commercial Lease Database

Financial Times, Irish Times, Irish Independent

Geomatics

12 6 36

Boundaries Guide Irish Times Property Clinic

Sunday Business Post

Vacant Site Levy Irish Times Property Clinic

Irish Times

Launch of Home Renovation Incentive Guide Home Extensions & Renovations 3-part feature Office Refurbishment of Older Buildings Irish Times Property Clinic

Irish Times, Irish Independent, Irish Examiner, regional press, Irish Construction Industry Magazine

30 107

Property Management Charges, Irish Times Property Clinic

RTE Consumer Show, Irish Times, Irish Independent

SCSI Annual Construction Review & Outlook 2014 House Rebuild Guide Tender Price Index Launch of Home Renovation Incentive Guide Home Extensions & Renovations 3-part feature Irish Times Property Clinic

Irish Times, Irish Independent, Irish Examiner, regional press, Sunday Business Post, Irish Construction Industry Magazine, Newstalk 106, RTE Drivetime, RTE Morning Ireland

147

SCSI Residential Property Review & Outlook 2014 Local Property Tax Radon Pre-Budget Opinion – Residential Property Property Market Reviews Property Prices Irish Times Property Clinic

Irish Times, Irish Independent, Irish Examiner, Daily Mail, regional press, Sunday Business Post, RTE Six One News

‘Future of Agriculture’ Conference Land Prices

Irish Examiner Meath Chronicle

Commercial Lease Database Rates Fixed Charge Receivership Irish Times Property Clinic

Irish Times, Irish Independent, Sunday Independent

Planning and Development Project Management

Property and Facilities Management Quantity Surveying

Residential Agency

Rural Surveying

Valuation Surveying

TOTAL NUMBER OF APPEARANCES

515

VALUE OF MEDIA COVERAGE €2,721,000.00

PAGE 30

01 VALUE OF MEDIA COVERAGE

€2,721,000.00

ATTENDEES AT SCSI EVENTS

3,189

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE SIX

DELIVER EFFECTIVE, ENGAGING AND RELEVANT MEMBERSHIP PUBLICATIONS, DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS AND EVENTS.

SOCIETY OF CHARTERED SURVEYORS IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT

Communication TABLE 4: The primary channels used by the Society to communicate with members

Quarterly

7,449 recipients

Surveyors Journal www.surveyorsjournal.ie

SCSI Weekly News & Jobs E-zine

SCSI CPD E-zine

SCSI Regulation E-zine

Weekly

Fortnightly

Bi-monthly

53%*

39%*

44%*

Professional Group E-zines Construction

Property

Land

45%*

54%*

Topical E-zines

SCSI blog

SCSI LinkedIn

6,078 views

1,245 940

Local Property Tax Update

Flooding Guide

Commercial Lease Database

Budget 2014

Building Surveys in Residential Property

Oireachtas Review

56%*

43%*

44%*

38%*

43%*

40%*

SCSI Facebook

SCSI Twitter

SCSI newsletter

949 ‘likes’

1,535 followers

45%*

SCSI website

* open rate average ^

Visits

Unique visitors

Page views

68% increase

79% increase

45% increase

members in SCSI members group followers on public SCSI page

PAGE 33

SOCIETY OF CHARTERED SURVEYORS IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT

Young Members Committee Ball: Zara Walsh (Jones Lang LaSalle), Ivor

Young Members rugby:Astrid Lyons presents Blazing Savills team captain

Ashe (MFO) and Laura Torpey

with cup.

Events The Society hosted 18 successful networking events throughout the

attendance at all SCSI events increased dramatically, signalling a

year, including the two flagship events –the 2013 Annual Conference

recovery in the property and construction sectors.

in October, and the 2014 Annual Dinner in February. General TABLE 5: SOCIETY EVENTS

EVENT

DATE

ATTENDEES

SCSI Annual General Meeting

May 2013

Residential Property Conference

May 2013

Young Members 5-aside Tag Rugby

June 2013

August 2013

SCSI/Irish Times Tennis Tournament

September 2013

Young Members Business Card BBQ

September 2013

SCSI Annual Conference

October 2013

420

Honorary Membership – Ray O’Connor

October 2013

Past Presidents Annual Dinner

November 2013

Rural Seminar

November 2013

Young Members Annual Ball

November 2013

200

Southern Region Annual Dinner

November 2013

220

SCSI Christmas Drinks Reception

December 2013

SCSI Annual Dinner

February 2014

1,300

QS Networking/Mentoring Event

February 2014

March 2014

150

Annual Diploma Awards Ceremony

April 2014

Gold Medal Address

April 2014

130

Young Members 5-aside Soccer

Western Region Annual Dinner

PAGE 34

SOCIETY OF CHARTERED SURVEYORS IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT

Southern Region Annual Dinner: Kevin Murphy, Deputy President Cork

Past Presidents’ Dinner- John Doyle; Bill Nowlan; and, Tony O Loughlin.

Chamber; Brian Cassidy, Chairman Cork Region Engineers of Ireland; Micheal O'Connor, SCSI President and Declan Gillecce, Southern Region Chair, SCSI.

Economist Colm McCarthy addressed the conference on economic prospects.

Young Members Business Card BBQ: Daniel Shannon, Knight Frank Dublin; Colin Daly, Green Property Ltd; Zoe Gray, Jones Lang LaSalle; Christine McGowan, CBRE; and, Brian Shields, Jones Lang LaSalle.

Young Members soccer: winners DTZ (in white) joined by runners-up from CBRE (in black).

Quantity Surveyors drinks reception: Paul Dunne; Patrick Eagers; and Society President Micheal O'Connor.

PAGE 35

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE SEVEN

DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT A REGULATORY FRAMEWORK, OPERATING TO THE HIGHEST STANDARDS, WHICH WILL ENSURE THE BEST OUTCOMES FOR THE PUBLIC, CONSUMERS, AND MEMBERS OF THE SOCIETY AND WILL OPERATE IN A PROACTIVE, EFFICIENT, AND COST-EFFECTIVE MANNER.

SOCIETY OF CHARTERED SURVEYORS IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT

Regulation

Since 2011, the SCSI Standing Committee on Regulation (SCoR) has

landscape. On June 26, 2013, the Board of Directors of the Society,

been engaged in an ongoing analysis of the different regulatory

following consultation and a special meeting of the Council, approved

requirements applying to the chartered surveying profession in Ireland

new “SCSI Conduct and Disciplinary Rules and Procedures” in respect

to establish their fit with the regulatory framework applied by the

of members of the Society, which are available at

professional body.

www.scsi.ie/Regulation/rules_procedures. These rules and procedures

As part of this process, SCoR recommended the updating of the rules

are now mandatory for all members, including students and trainees,

in respect of the former IAVI and former SCS conduct and ethical

associates, professional members, and fellows of the Society of

standards expected from members and the powers to monitor,

Chartered Surveyors Ireland. Guidance is being prepared by SCoR to

investigate and discipline members, having regard to the statutory

assist members in compliance and will be issued in due course.

TABLE 7: NEW SCSI CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINARY RULES AND PROCEDURES PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

CONDUCT OF BUSINESS

Ethical and professional behaviour

Training

Conduct

Complaints handling

Competence

Client moneys

Service

Professional indemnity insurance

Continuing professional development

Advertising

Solvency

Incapacity

Confidentiality Information to be provided to the Society Co-operation

PAGE 37

SOCIETY OF CHARTERED SURVEYORS IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT

n Online learning activities 3% n Formal events 39% n Long-term qualifications and projects (six months or more) 2%

n Specific additional vocational/professional activities (experience) 6%

n On-the-job development – non-surveying specific 15% n Meetings, working groups or panels (in-house of external) 12%

n Research publication and presentations 9% n Private study, structured reading 14%

FIGURE 5: Analysis of CPD activity

CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (CPD) MONITORING In order to monitor members’ compliance with SCSI CPD

appropriate continuing professional development and, on request,

requirements, the Society has initiated its three-year CPD

provide the Society with evidence that they have done so.

Monitoring cycle.

All members of the Society are being monitored for CPD

The first phase of this cycle commenced in October 2013 and 498

compliance and if not called upon in the first two phases, should

members were randomly selected to submit evidence of 60 hours

expect to be called upon in one of the subsequent phases.

CPD accumulated within the last three years and an analysis of the 56,163 hours received from members is set out below. 84% of the responses exceeded the Society’s requirement for 60 hours by an average of 117 hours. The second phase of CPD monitoring commenced in February 2014, with a further 498 members randomly selected to submit CPD records. A commitment to regular and appropriate CPD is an essential part of being a professional. The aim of CPD is to improve professional competence for the members benefit and that of their clients, employers and others, and to enable the members to demonstrate how they have sought to maintain their competence in the event of a claim or allegation. Members are required to plan, undertake, record and evaluate

PAGE 38

The aim of CPD is to improve professional competence for the members benefit and that of their clients, employers and others, and to enable the members to demonstrate how they have sought to maintain their competence in the event of a claim or allegation.

SOCIETY OF CHARTERED SURVEYORS IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT

Complaints

Resolved

Under investigation

COMPLIANCE GUIDANCE FOR PROPERTY SERVICE PROVIDERS

COMPLAINTS

In order to increase familiarity with the new mandatory statutory

The Society received 24 complaints against members during the

requirements for members who are property services providers

period April 2013 and March 2014, which is a reduction of 67

and licensed by the PSRA, the Society published a consumer guide

complaints on the previous year.

setting out the new statutory requirements in relation to letters of

Resolved with recourse to investigation

engagement that members are using to assist clients to understand the necessity to have a letter of engagement in place and signed. The Society also published a series of help sheets for members, which are available at www.scsi.ie/Regulation/PSRACompliance.

Under investigation by Professional Conduct Committee

Sanctioned/ disciplined members

Property

Construction

Land

In addition to the publication of this guidance, there were CPD briefings held throughout the regions, which are also permanently hosted on the SCSI webcasting service.

PAGE 39

SOCIETY OF CHARTERED SURVEYORS IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT

Check the register www.scsi.ie/register

139

building surveyors registered.

997

quantity surveyors registered.

SCSI REGISTRATION BODY (Building Control Act, 2007) The Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland administers the register

applications for assessment for registration during 2013.

of building surveyors and quantity surveyors and is named in the

During 2013, a total of 59 registrants were removed from the register.

Building Control Act 2007 as the registration body and EU competent authority.

Applications under 34(1) by registrants

One of the elements of the Building Control Act 2007 is to provide

to have their name (voluntarily) removed

for the registration of titles of certain professions, including

from the register

35 quantity surveyors

building surveyors and quantity surveyors. The purpose of the statutory register is to ensure that anyone

Under section 31(2) where the Registrar has

24 quantity

using the professional title building surveyor or quantity surveyor

removed a persons name who has not paid

surveyors

has the recognised qualifications, training, and experience in

the annual registration fee

accordance with the provisions of the Building Control Act 2007. They must also provide members of the public with reassurance

NEW BOARD APPOINTMENTS

that the building surveyors and quantity surveyors listed on the

The three-year term of office of the eight registration body boards

expired on December 31, 2013 and the registration body thanks them

ethical and professional conduct.

for their service in helping the SCSI establish the register.

It also provides consumers with a dispute resolution mechanism in

In order to select the 12 surveyors required under the Building Control

the event of problems such as sub-standard work or poor service.

Act 2007, in accordance with the byelaws that were made with the Minister’s consent, the electorate registrant surveyors were given

REGISTRATION ENTRY AND REMOVAL

notice for candidates to stand for election to the boards in November

During 2013, the registration body admissions boards were

2013. The registration body received 12 validly completed election

satisfied that 25 building surveyors and 70 quantity surveyors were

nomination forms by the closing date and the candidates were

eligible for registration and their names have since been entered

deemed to be elected without an election having to be held because

on the register by the Registrar – www.scsi.ie/register.

the number of registrants validly selected as candidates in the

The Admissions Board, under the chairmanship of Emily Gibson,

proposed election was equal to the number of vacancies in the boards.

BL held five meetings throughout 2013 to process 95 applications

In February 2014, Minister Hogan appointed his chairs and nominees

and issued 14 requests for additional information from the

to the boards and the Admissions Boards received induction training

applicants.

from the registration body in March 2014. Membership of the newly

The registration body technical assessment boards received no

appointed boards are set out below.

PAGE 40

SOCIETY OF CHARTERED SURVEYORS IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT

ADMISSIONS BOARD 2014-17

TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT BOARD 2014-17

59 applications are currently being processed

No applications for assessment

MEMBERS NOMINATED BY THE MINISTER

Treasa Kelly – Chair John Collins William Dunne Joe Fox Marian Jennings

Brendan Brady – Chair Pat Gannon Eleanora Hogan Stephen Keary Gerard Murphy

BUILDING SURVEYORS

QUANTITY SURVEYORS

BUILDING SURVEYORS

QUANTITY SURVEYORS

Peter Duignan David McCarthy Joseph Twomey

Robert Andrews Dermot Durack Barry Murray

Alan Isdell Robbie Patterson Stephen Scott

Ken Arlow John Hughes Gordon Richards

CONDUCT AND APPEALS In June 2013, following receipt of the appointments to the Professional Conduct Committee and Appeals Board, the Registration Body provided induction training. To date, there have been no professional conduct cases or appeals before the committees or boards.

PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT COMMITTEE

APPEALS BOARD

MEMBERS NOMINATED BY THE MINISTER

John K O’Connell – Chair Noel Carroll Anne Forde Nicola Hogan Paddy Malone Helen O’Donnell Peadar O’Maolain

Michael Condon – Chair Sarah Carey Martin Lawlor Charlie O’Connor

BUILDING SURVEYORS

QUANTITY SURVEYORS

BUILDING SURVEYORS

QUANTITY SURVEYORS

John Joe Doherty Jim Drew Tony Grant Declan Walsh

John Conroy Mark Etherington Noel Kelly Neil Murphy Kevin Murphy

Paul Campbell Fergus Merriman

Martin O’Malley Mark Wearen

PAGE 41

SOCIETY OF CHARTERED SURVEYORS IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT

ENFORCEMENT OF REQUIREMENT TO REGISTER

BUILDING CONTROL (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 2014

While the register currently lists the majority of qualified building

On March 1, 2014 the new statutory instrument (S.I. 9 of 2014)

surveyors and quantity surveyors in Ireland, we would encourage those

and the Code of Practice for Inspecting and Certifying Buildings

who have yet to register to apply at www.scsi.ie/register. It is an

and Works introduced the function of Assigned Certifier to

offence under the act for persons to use the professional title ‘Building

building surveyors registered under part 5 of the Act.

Surveyor’ or ‘Quantity Surveyor’ unless they are registered and

These Regulations strengthen the current arrangements in place

therefore the Registration Body will move into the ‘enforcement’ phase

for the control of building activity by requiring greater

throughout 2014.

accountability in relation to compliance with Building Regulations in the form of statutory certification of design and construction, lodgement of compliance documentation, mandatory inspections during construction and validation and registration of certificates.

OMBUDSMAN (AMENDMENT) ACT 2012

Arising from the introduction of the new regulations, the

The powers of the Ombudsman

Registration Body has experienced a surge in the number of

were extended to include all public

applications for registration.

bodies, except those specifically listed in Schedule 2, to come under the Ombudsman’s remit. Since May 1, 2013, the registration body is subject to investigation of complaints by the Office of the Ombudsman regarding the administration of its statutory functions. The Ombudsman has been empowered to examine complaints Peter Tyndall was appointed as in relation to the administrative

Ombudsman on December 2, 2013.

actions of the additional bodies, which occur on or after the date on which they come under his remit. To date there have been no complaints regarding the administration of the statutory functions of the registration body.

PAGE 42

SOCIETY OF CHARTERED SURVEYORS IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT

SCSI DISPUTE RESOLUTION APPOINTMENT SERVICE Applications for arbitrators and experts to determine rent review disputes dipped again in 2013, but only by a slight margin while demand for construction conciliators and experts remained almost the same.

A slow recovery is expected in 2014/2015 in rent review applications, as market rents agreed in 2009, prior to section 132 of the Land and

Appointments made

Conveyancing Law Reform Act 2009 coming into force, will be up for review. The introduction of adjudication by the Construction Contracts Act 2013 also provides for further opportunity for the Society’s Dispute Resolution Service and its arbitrators.

DRS Appointments by SCSI President Stats 2010-2013 125

100

0 2010

2011

2012

2013

Arbitrators appointed for Rent Review Disputes.

Experts appointed for Ren Review Disputes.

Conciliators appointed for Construction Disputes.

Experts appointed for Construction Disputes.

FIGURE 7: DRS appointments by SCSI President – statistics 2010-2013

Participation on the SCSI Dispute Resolution Panels is as follows:

Property Panel of

Construction Panel

Construction Panel of

Arbitrators

Independent Experts

of Arbitrators

of Independent Experts

Conciliators/Mediators

PAGE 43

SOCIETY OF CHARTERED SURVEYORS IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT

SCSI INTERNATIONAL AFFILIATIONS

European Council of Real Estate Professionals (CEPI)

Council of European Construction Economists (CEEC)

Established in 1990, CEPI is an international non-profit association,

CEEC is the representative organisation of institutions representing

headquartered in Brussels and is the main association of real estate

construction economists/quantity surveyors in Europe. It held two

professionals and property managers. Around 30 national

meetings in 2013: a conference on measurement in May in Brussels hosts

associations in EU and EFTA countries bring together more than

RICS Europe; and, a quieter affair hosted by SCSI in Dublin in October

200,000 real estate professionals. CEPI has set up a limited number

where delegates attended the SCSI annual conference.

of partnerships with European and American professional

Recent publications include:

associations to exchange information, points of view, experience

n 2012 Office Cost Nodel Figures (2013 to be issued in March);

and expertise. In some cases, these partnerships can lead to joint

n European Construction Economic Report 2013; and,

projects.

n Revised Code of Measurement for Cost Planning 2014 Edition.

Beyond such structures, CEPI brings together professionals in the

Construction Economics Graduate Awards are also presented to graduate

service of priority target groups.

students’ papers on construction topics with a European theme - prizes

The most important areas of policy for CEPI are: the internal market;

valuing €3000 were sponsored by St Gobain. Slovakia won in 2013 and

energy; environment; consumer protection; and, taxation. Priority

the winner for 2014 will be announced in Basel in May 2014.

issues for 2013 were in lobbying on the revision of the Directive on

Gerard O Sullivan

Recognition of Professional Qualifications, including a series of meetings with Members of European Parliament, civil servants, and representatives of permanent representations. Position papers and additional letters were discussed with the Rapporteur within the IMCO Committee of the European Parliament in charge of the revision of the Directive on Professional Qualifications and with

Specific attention was further given to the new directive on

Association of European Building Surveyors and Construction Experts (AEEBC)

anti-money laundering and a position paper was sent and discussed

The AEEBC “Association of Expert Européen du Bâtiment et de la

with the European Commission and Parliament. Input was also

Construction” is now in its 24th year. It was formed to promote

given on the draft directive on credit agreements relating to

building surveying in Europe. To date, it has 18 organisations from 15

residential property.

member countries. It is estimated that each country and its

Water efficiency of buildings, mortgage credit, insurance mediation,

representative organisations would represent in excess of 350,000

anti-money laundering are among other issues that the European

members across Europe. The SCSI is a founding member of the AEEBC

legislator is taking care of.

and is represented in all policy and innovations within the

Recent initiatives pertaining to the Services Directive, energy

organisation.

efficiency, financial regulation, economic governance, state aid and

The year 2013 was a productive year for the AEEBC. Two general

social housing have been carefully monitored and reported.

meetings were held: in Santander in April; and, in Vilnius in November.

Hugh Markey

As part of the current objectives, the organisation continues to

representatives of the Council’s Presidencies.

promote the EurBE card. This provides an opportunity for members to achieve European recognition and accreditation alongside their

PAGE 44

SOCIETY OF CHARTERED SURVEYORS IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT

national qualification. The AEEBC 44th General Assembly held in Vilnius

commission representatives. This new arrangement successfully

in November concentrated on the direction of the AEEBC and

maintains SCSI, and thereby Irish, representation and influence at FIG

adopting a new business plan. Foremost on the agenda was the

while significantly rationalising membership costs. The 2014 FIG

agreement to focus on promotion of building experts in the European

Congess will be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in June and SCSI will

context and the continued interaction with the European Commission

be represented under the new arrangement.

on the revised Professional Qualification Directive. The AEEBC also

Eugene McGovern

welcomed new applications for membership from organisations in Spain and Portugal and interest from Lithuania, whom helped host the November meeting. The assembly also agreed to hold a conference on the refurbishment of existing residential stock in November of 2015. This would have contributions from all members, including affiliate and academic on a topical common theme.

programme project, which has focused on the creation of manuals in

International Consortium of Real Estate Associations (ICREA)

the field of construction called The Construction Manager Library, and

In 2013, important discussions were successfully concluded with the

now consists of 19 books. These have been published and are available

www.worldproperties.com host provider to maintain high standards of

to all member organisations online.

data protection for property listing information. During 2013, over 500

Robert Patterson

property professionals worldwide successfully undertook Transnational

The AEEBC has completed part three of a Leonardo da Vinci

Referral Certified (TRC) training. User groups are active on Facebook and LinkedIn with members exchanging information, promoting business opportunities and international co-operation. ICREA’s participation in the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) continued in 2013 and has provided assistance to a number of member associations in their dealings with national compliance authorities. Work has

International Federation of Surveyors (FIG)

continued during 2013 in the International Property Measurement

FIG (the International Federation of Surveyors) is an international

Standards Coalition and ICREA leadership has taken a leading role in

organisation representing the interests of surveyors worldwide. It is a

the RICS initiative on Standards for Ethics.

federation of national member associations and covers the whole

ICREA is being increasingly recognised as a lead organisation in

range of professional fields within the global surveying community.

international real estate advocacy, education and professional

SCSI was a national member association, as was RICS. However,

co---operation.

significant developments have taken place in the last year in the

The next ICREA Plenary Session is in New Orleans in November 2014.

relationship between FIG and SCSI. In a change to the membership

Cormac Meehan

rules within FIG, certain worldwide organisations, such as RICS, will now have direct voting rights at FIG General Assemblies. In order to rationalise membership and subscriptions, it has been agreed that SCSI will now be represented at FIG by RICS. Under the new structure, RICS will have three votes at FIG General Assemblies and it has been agreed that SCSI will be entitled to one of these votes. Furthermore, FIG has 10 commissions, ranging from professional practice to construction economics and management and RICS, under the new arrangement with FIG, is entitled to a representative on each of these commissions. RICS and SCSI have agreed that SCSI would provide three of the 10

PAGE 45

SOCIETY OF CHARTERED SURVEYORS IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT

SCSI STAFF STRUCTURE CHART DIRECTOR GENERAL CIARA MURPHY CMURPHY@SCSI.IE

VALERIE BOURKE PA/MEMBER SERVICES & EVENTS OFFICER VBOURKE@SCSI.IE

MARTINA ROACHE RECEPTIONIST/ADMINISTRATOR MROACHE@SCSI.IE

ZOË O’CONNOR DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION & MEMBERSHIP ZOCONNOR@SCSI.IE

GILL REYNOLDS EDUCATION SUPPORT MANAGER GREYNOLDS@SCSI.IE

SUSAN CLANCY DIT & CPD

CATHERINE NOBLE SCHOOLS & COLLEGE LIAISON OFFICER

COURSE MANAGER

CNOBLE@SCSI.IE

SCLANCY@SCSI.IE

NICOLA CONNELL EDUCATION ADMINISTRATOR NCONNELL@SCSI.IE

PAGE 46

SOCIETY OF CHARTERED SURVEYORS IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT

PAUL HUTCHINSON ACCOUNTANT PHUTCHINSON@SCSI.IE

LYNDA CARROLL ACCOUNTS & MEMBERSHIP SUBS OFFICER LCARROLL@SCSI.IE

CONOR O’DONOVAN DIRECTOR OF POLICY/COMMS CODONOVAN@SCSI.IE

EDDIE MCAULEY PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS & GROUPS EXECUTIVE EMCAULEY@SCSI.IE

NICOLA FOX COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING EXECUTIVE NFOX@SCSI.IE

BRIAN O’DRISCOLL DIRECTOR OF REGULATION BODRISCOLL@SCSI.IE

ROBERT O’CONNOR RESEARCH ASSISTANT ROCONNOR@SCSI.IE

GWEN WILSON REGULATION & DR EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATOR GWILSON@SCSI.IE

PAGE 47

Dating back to 1895, the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland

Members of the profession are typically employed in the

is the independent professional body for Chartered Surveyors

construction, land and property markets through private practice, in

working and practising in Ireland.

central and local government, in state agencies, in academic institutions, in business organisations and in non-governmental

Working in partnership with RICS, the pre-eminent Chartered

organisations.

professional body for the construction, land and property sectors around the world, the Society and RICS act in the public interest:

Membersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; services are diverse and can include offering strategic

setting and maintaining the highest standards of competence and

advice on the economics, valuation, law, technology, finance and

integrity among the profession; and providing impartial,

management in all aspects of the construction, land and property

authoritative advice on key issues for business, society and

industry.

governments worldwide. All aspects of the profession, from education through to Advancing standards in construction, land and property, the

qualification and the continuing maintenance of the highest

Chartered Surveyor professional qualification is the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading

professional standards are regulated and overseen through the

qualification when it comes to professional standards. In a world

partnership of the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland and RICS,

where more and more people, governments, banks and commercial

in the public interest.

organisations demand greater certainty of professional standards and ethics, attaining the Chartered Surveyor qualification is the

This valuable partnership with RICS enables access to a worldwide

recognised mark of property professionalism.

network of research, experience and advice.

Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland 38 Merrion Square, Dublin 2, Ireland Tel: + 353 (0)1 644 5500 F: +353 1 661 1797 Email: info@scsi.ie www.scsi.ie NOTE This leaflet was prepared by the Quantity Surveyors Professional Group of the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland in conjunction with the Young Members Committee. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland does not accept liability of any kind in respect of, or arising out of, the information, or any error therein, or the reliance any person may place therein. Copyright ÂŠ The Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland 2011 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior permission of the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland.