South: 'Successful cities must bridge the infrastructure gap,' says new RICS president

On June 27, Amanda Clack FRICS became president of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors for 2016-17, and gave her inaugural speech during RICS’ governing council meeting in London.

Clack is a partner at EY, and is head of infrastructure (advisory), leading on infrastructure across government and the private sector. During her presidency, she will focus on infrastructure, as well as city development, including the creation of smart and sustainable cities. She will also work with RICS teams around the world to promote and embed international standards.

“By 2050, we will have 6.3 billion people living in our cities,” she noted. “These enduring structures hold the key to meeting the challenges presented by climate change, resource scarcity and growing populations. Through the development of smart cities and large-scale infrastructure projects, the industry can help make these cities a success.

“RICS recognises the need and resulting economic value of infrastructure investment and welcomes the focus on infrastructure development as identified in the National Infrastructure Delivery Plan.  With investors in infrastructure seeking stable projectable returns, RICS professionals can help projects to complete on time and within budget. RICS has the opportunity to lead on the issues of attracting finance, managing risk and being more sustainable.”

A senior role model for the profession, Clack will also passionately promote greater diversity in the industry.  To create a workforce fit for the future, the profession must reflect the diversity of communities globally. This includes how we attract, retain and develop talent.  

“Diversity should be seen as a business strategy,” Clack says. “If we do nothing to attract a more diverse workforce, how can we expect to deliver important projects for diverse populations around the world?  RICS is driving this culture change through our Inclusive Employer Quality Mark, and through this supporting firms by offering advice and guidance.”

Joining Clack in the RICS presidential team over the next year are RICS president elect John Hughes FRICS, based in Canada, and RICS senior vice president Chris Brooke FRICS, based in Hong Kong.