RICS has overhauled its continuing professional development framework for 130,000 members, shifting to a flexible, outcomes-based system that explicitly covers artificial intelligence, net zero building assessments and climate risk analysis. The framework responds to feedback that many chartered surveyors qualified before exposure to AI-powered valuation tools or structured climate-related due diligence, raising concerns over competence in current regulatory and ESG contexts. A new RICS member app, now rolling out globally, logs CPD hours, issues reminders and links learning activity to demonstrable professional accountability and public-interest protection.

British Columbia has appealed a December 2025 ruling that found its Mineral Tenure Act breaches consultation duties by allowing mineral claims staking on Gitxaała and Ehattesaht territories without prior First Nations engagement. The 3 February filing to the Supreme Court of Canada argues the appeals court misapplied B.C.’s 2019 Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) and risks giving UNDRIP “quasi-constitutional status”, creating a “parallel universe of litigation”. Premier David Eby plans DRIPA amendments this spring after talks with First Nations, while leaders including Gitxaała Chief Councillor Linda Innes warn rushed reforms could weaken enforceable rights over exploration permitting.

National Apprenticeship Week is being used by engineering and technology leaders to push for a more robust apprenticeship system to supply site-ready technicians, civil engineers and project managers for major UK infrastructure schemes such as HS2 and the Lower Thames Crossing. Commentators argue that current funding rules and levy constraints are limiting uptake by SMEs in ground engineering, rail and highways, despite strong demand for Level 3–6 apprentices in disciplines like geotechnical design, digital construction and materials testing. For practitioners, the message is to engage directly with training providers and use the levy more aggressively to secure future skills pipelines.