RICS is expanding what it means to be a surveyor. For decades, membership has been focused on more traditional tracks through valuation, building surveying, and quantity surveying but now the institution is running a pilot pathway in Data Analytics and Intelligence, aimed at professionals whose work is built around data, digital delivery, and technology. The pilot covers data management and governance, analytics, cyber security, digital resilience, and digital transformation management. This is a significant shift that widens the traditional remit of RICS to expand beyond the built and natural environment to meet the digital space.
Why RICS visited our Manchester campus
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A new digital pathway for chartered surveyors
So why Datum?
Our Manchester campus is a working example of the intersection RICS is trying to map – a live facility where power, cooling, connectivity, security and data governance all have to function under real operational pressure. This is important to see in action for a professional body developing a qualification that includes cyber security and digital resilience. Walking the floor of a data centre facility – the physical manifestation of the data pathways you are trying to professionalise – puts everything into context.
The visit also gave RICS a view of how we manage the lifecycle of information assets, from design and delivery through to operation and management – the built environment is increasingly shaped by digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and machine learning tools, so RICS wants its new pathway to reflect that reality. Understanding the unique challenges of delivering a data centre from concept to operation, and seeing how a facility like ours manages data governance, interoperability and the communication of complex technical information to non-technical stakeholders, provided valuable context for the competencies they are finalising.
There is a practical benefit for us too. By opening our doors to RICS as they develop this qualification, we are helping to make sure that the new pathway is grounded in what actually happens on site. Furthermore, valuable discussions were held that highlighted the importance of collaboration between industrial and professional sectors to support, promote and deliver data centre infrastructure in the most effective, efficient and sustainable ways.
About the pilot pathway
The Data Analytics and Intelligence pilot is not a niche concern – it is part of a wider programme to upgrade digital competencies across the existing RICS membership base. That means the standards being set now will eventually filter through to the surveyors and consultants who are represented by RICS on a daily basis. Clearly, the advice professionals give to their clients will be far more useful if those professionals understand how a facility like ours operates. Just as important is the recognition that the pathway will help prepare future workforces, equipping the next generation of surveyors and related professionals to maximise the potential of emerging technologies and play a leading role in the future of data centre construction.
Seeing our operations up close
We have always believed that transparency builds trust, so inviting professional bodies see our operations is part of that and is a great way to align the data centre sector with the institutions that shape its professional landscape.
If you want to know more about our Manchester or Farnborough sites, or want to arrange a visit of your own, get in touch with a member of our team today.