Once again come the banns for the proposed marriage of the RICS and the ISVA (see News, p49). The lengthy courtship has been broken off so many times and with such scarring effects that a union seemed impossible up to less than a year ago. Petty jealousies and a certain arrogance from RICS members meant that the couple never reached the altar.
Congratulations are therefore due to the respective presidents of the professional bodies and their officers for effecting this latest and hopefully lasting rapprochement.
Most forward-thinking property professionals know that the marriage will be to mutual advantage. But, up to now, enough RICS members who think that the bride isn’t good enough have managed to cancel the ceremony.
What’s their problem? Basically, they think that the ISVA’s qualification standards are inferior to those of the institution. What nonsense. The qualification route for both professional bodies have long been on an equal footing. Any remaining resistance is simply prejudice.
When the merger vote comes up next year, say yes for the future success of your profession.
