The Residential Property Surveyors Association (RPSA): Championing Independent Surveying.
As an independent building surveyor and Chairman of the Residential Property Surveyors Association (RPSA), Andrew believes it's crucial for you to understand the bedrock of quality and integrity that underpins the advice you receive. The RPSA is the UK’s only not-for-profit body dedicated solely to independent residential surveyors. Its mission is clear: to raise standards, awareness, and quality across the industry, with a steadfast commitment to giving home-buyers clear, practical reports rather than caveat-laden jargon. Representing over 1000 members, including chartered surveyors, building engineers, architects, quantity surveyors, and new build snagging inspectors, the RPSA truly is at the heart of the industry. This diverse membership and dedication ensure that RPSA members consistently operate at the forefront of best practice, providing genuinely impartial advice.
Andrew's long-standing involvement with the RPSA reflects his personal commitment to these principles. He was a founding member of the RPSA, served as a Director for 15 years, and as Vice-Chairman for 12 years, before becoming Chairman in May 2025. This deep connection means Andrew has been intimately involved in shaping the Association's ethical framework and professional standards from its inception.
Andrew's current role as Chairman focuses on championing independent surveyors, ensuring they operate without corporate shackles or hidden referral fees; launching the Chartered Status pathway in partnership with CABE to give members a transparent route to chartership; and driving consumer confidence through clearer reporting standards and stronger on-site training.
Andrew also has the privilege of representing the RPSA to government, industry, and consumer organisations, as well as engaging with high street and investment banks and various financial institutions. He holds regular meetings with other surveying organisations and key figures within the legal establishment, including the Law Society, Bold Group, Society of Licensed Conveyancers, and the Conveyancing Association, to ensure comprehensive industry alignment and consumer protection.
Why Choosing an RPSA Surveyor Matters to You.
When you choose a surveyor who is a member of the RPSA, you benefit directly from the Association's stringent standards and consumer-first approach:
- Trust: Every RPSA member is rigorously vetted, fully insured, and adheres strictly to the RPSA inspection standard. This commitment means you can expect comprehensive and reliable reports with fewer ambiguous "further investigation required" caveats, providing clearer answers upfront.
- Value: RPSA members operate with transparent fee structures, ensuring there are no hidden referral payments involved. You can be confident that the fee you pay is for genuine, independent expertise and not for a third-party kick-back.
- Local Knowledge, National Reach: The RPSA boasts a national network of specialist surveyors. This means that wherever your property is located, you can benefit from crucial local knowledge combined with national professional standards.
- A Consumer Voice: The RPSA actively engages in lobbying at Government level. This dedicated advocacy ensures that home-buyers’ interests are consistently put first in policy and regulatory discussions, helping to shape a fairer and more transparent property market for everyone.
RPSA Milestones: A Legacy of Progress
The RPSA has a proven track record of driving positive change within the surveying profession:
- 2023: Formal discussions with CABE commenced, laying the groundwork for shared values on standards and competence within the profession.
- 2025: The RPSA officially launched its Chartered Status Pathway, marking a significant step in career progression for surveyors. This year also saw Alan Milstein officially hand over the chairmanship to Andrew McColl.
- 2025: New Work-at-Height guidance and a comprehensive Continuing Professional Development (CPD) suite were released for members, ensuring surveyors remain at the forefront of best practice and safety standards.
These milestones demonstrate the RPSA's continuous commitment to advancing the residential surveying profession, directly translating into better, more reliable services for you, the homeowner.
