New professional association launched to standardise asset surveying practices
A new professional association dedicated to standardising practices within the built environment has been established, marking a significant development in the field of asset surveying. The Association of Professional Standards for Asset Surveying (APSAS) has been created to enhance the quality of asset surveying services and to provide a structured career pathway for both current professionals and new entrants into the profession.
The launch of APSAS follows extensive collaboration within the asset surveying industry, featuring input from a diverse range of industry experts. The groundwork for this association involved holding multiple roundtable briefing events, which facilitated discussions among professionals in the field. Additionally, guidance was provided by respected organisations such as the Institute of Asset Management (IAM) and the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM).
Notable figures in the formation of APSAS include Matthew Steptoe from TSA Surveying, Mark Spilling of Assets55, Karl Horner representing Mobiess, alongside Mark Whittaker and Vanessa Mason from Thomson FM. The association has already attracted founding members from prominent companies in the asset surveying sector, such as Mitie, Bellrock, Troup Bywaters & Anders, and Rider Levett Bucknall.
The goals of APSAS are designed to be comprehensive, focusing on three primary areas:
-
Competence: To establish clearly defined and agreed standards of professional competence that span basic, intermediate, and advanced levels within the field.
-
Progression: To create a coherent career pathway that facilitates the training and assessment of asset surveyors, ensuring that the professionals are adequately prepared for their roles.
-
Attraction: To foster an environment that not only welcomes new entrants into the profession but also retains them by outlining established levels of knowledge and skills through structured training and practical experience.
In addition to offering corporate membership, APSAS will provide individual membership that corresponds to different competency levels. As part of its membership offerings, the association plans to release a newly created technical training manual and develop online training courses for its members.
Individuals seeking to learn more about membership options as well as career development and training opportunities within APSAS are encouraged to reach out via email at [email protected].