The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has confirmed that it has been approached by the Institute of Building Control (IBC) about a possible merger of the two professions.

In a letter to members of the RICS ruling General Council, CEO Louis Armstrong said that the IBC has taken a close interest in the Institution's modernising Agenda for Change programme and has been impressed by the direction of the new RICS. Although no decision can be taken by RICS until after a full consultation with the General Council, Armstrong confirmed that discussions about a merger were, in effect, underway.

rmstrong commented: "As globalisation accelerates in all industries, further consolidation of representative bodies from across property and construction was inevitable. Maintaining and enhancing both professional and technical standards can be achieved only through a unified and holistic approach. According to RICS, mergers, bilateral agreements and partnerships will be a growing feature of the chartered profession over the coming years.

"The IBC," said Armstrong, "with its members' important and clearly defined role in property and construction, was a classic example of a respected body that would gain from becoming an integrated part of the wider property profession."

The IBC's 3 600 members are increasingly recognised as specialist advisors on all aspects of building control, with an important regulatory framework on health and safety, access and energy conservation."

Anna Lagerkvist