This week's release of the RICS Professional Standard: Surveyors Acting as Expert Witnesses (5th Edition) marks an important update for everyone acting as an expert witness in the built environment, including, inter alia, when dealing with a rent review at Arbitration and undertaking valuations either as a party appointed expert or jointly appointed expert.
The new edition reinforces the principles that underpin credible, independent expert evidence and provides clearer guidance for professionals navigating this demanding role.
Key highlights include:
- Explaining the importance of clear instructions and well-defined terms of engagement from the outset.
- Providing practical guidance on identifying and managing conflicts of interest.
- Setting out the expected format and content of an expert witness report.
- Clarifying the critical distinction between the role of an expert and that of an advocate.
- Reinforcing that an expert's overriding duty is to the court or tribunal, helping to remove pressure to support a client's case where doing so would conflict with their honest and independent professional opinion.
These updates are a timely reminder that the value of expert evidence lies not in persuasion, but in impartiality, integrity and professional judgement.
For those who act as expert witnesses—or instruct them—the 5th Edition is essential reading and sets the benchmark for best practice moving forward.
If you require advice on rent reviews, commercial valuations, or the appointment of an expert witness, please speak to one of the Lease Advisory or Valuation team at Glenny LLP.
