Celebrating Leadership and Legacy: RPSA Chairman Attends CABE Presidential Inauguration at the House of Lords
House of Lords, London | 9 May 2025.
It was a great honour to represent the Residential Property Surveyors Association at the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE) Presidential Inauguration, held at the historic House of Lords. The event marked not only the formal passing of the chain of office from Richard Flynn to incoming President Zoe Cox but also CABE's centenary year—a fitting occasion to reflect on leadership, legacy, and the future of the built environment.
I was delighted to accept the kind invitation and share the day with many familiar faces from across the industry. The sun shone down on Westminster, and the atmosphere was both celebratory and inspiring. And yes—being Chairman of the RPSA does occasionally come with a rare perk or two, including a rather splendid three-course lunch, a glass of wine on the terrace, and even a chance to raise a toast with industry peers overlooking the Thames.
Zoe Cox: Inspirational New Leader, Grounded in Reality
It was a real privilege to witness Zoe Cox PCABE FCABE C.Build E IEng accept the chain of office with grace and humility. Zoe is a powerful example of what can be achieved through talent, tenacity, and balance. Her journey—juggling a career in technical training and building control while raising two young children and supporting her husband, a firefighter—resonated deeply with many of us. I really admire the juggling that she’s had to do, and what she’s achieved and how far she’s come.
She brings over 20 years of experience in local authority building control, education, and private consultancy, and now leads technical training at Socotec, covering subjects from fire engineering to pathology. She is no stranger to the CABE community, having been an active board member since 2007 and a professional interview panellist across multiple membership tiers.
Zoe’s vision for her presidency, shared in her inaugural speech, is to maintain and elevate the high standards set by her predecessors, while continuing to support members through change and challenge.
Richard Flynn: A Legacy of Leadership and Heart
Outgoing President Richard Flynn gave a moving and heartfelt speech that acknowledged not just professional milestones, but also his work in charity and fundraising during his tenure. His authenticity and emotional intelligence were striking, and his final remarks reminded us all that professional success is at its best when tied to purpose.
His contribution to CABE, and indeed to the wider built environment sector, will leave a lasting legacy—one for which we’re all grateful.
Warmth, Wit, and a Westminster Welcome
The official proceedings were elevated by our host, Lord Lytton, who brought both dignity and unexpected humour to the occasion. Lord Lytton, it turns out, has a brilliant sense of humour—absolutely right up my street. Dry, witty, and sharp as a tack. He even joined our table later in the day for a lively exchange of stories and a good laugh, which certainly appealed to my own sense of humour!
It was lovely to see so many past Presidents in attendance, including Richard Smith, Joseph Birt, and Stuart MacArthur, all of whom have become familiar faces to me over the years through our shared presence at CABE regional events.
A Longstanding Friendship: RPSA and CABE
The RPSA and CABE have enjoyed a long-standing and valued friendship, and this is one of the reasons why we’ve managed to establish the RPSA Chartered Pathway. It reflects our mutual and long-lasting respect for each other’s organisations.
This enduring connection made the event all the more meaningful. Our organisations may differ in structure and scope, but we are united by our commitment to raising standards, supporting professionals, and building a better built environment for all.
Final Thoughts
As I sipped my wine (pinky out, of course) on the Westminster terrace, I couldn’t help but feel incredibly proud—not only of the RPSA, but of the work we’re all doing across the profession to raise the bar. Moments like these remind us of the value of community, collaboration, and celebrating those who lead with integrity. We’re proud to stand alongside CABE at such a pivotal moment in their history, and we’re confident that this new chapter will be full of opportunities for both our members and the wider industry.
Congratulations to Zoe Cox and the new Presidential Team for 2025–2026. We look forward to working alongside you in the year ahead.
Andrew McColl, Chairman, RPSA
