Our history
The Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors began life in 1969 as the Association of Surveyors in Civil Engineering and was incorporated in 1972.
CICES sought to encourage and regulate the professional aspirations of quantity surveyors and land surveyors working within the civil engineering sector and to increase the value of their services to the public. These surveyors had developed a distinctive expertise and understanding of the special surveying requirements of the civil engineering industry which was not recognised at that time by any of the existing professional bodies.
Since its conception, CICES has gone from strength to strength with an ever increasing membership. It is now a registered educational charity promoting the profession throughout the world. In 2009 CICES was awarded a royal charter which recognised the importance of the contribution it makes to the construction industry and society as a whole.
CICES Royal Charter
Golden threads
Throughout the coming decades, the following three golden threads will be woven through all we do:
- Sustainability: The environmental and social impacts of the practices of our members, their organisations and the projects they work on are critically important. Civil engineering surveyors and related professionals are thought leaders, pioneers and drivers of change in protecting our planet, its biodiversity, habitats and communities. CICES is committed to supporting our members in promoting and amplifying the values and processes they need to embed to ensure a more sustainable profession, for the good of wider society.
- Digitalisation: Technology and innovation are central pillars of the civil engineering surveying industry and vital to delivering precision and excellence for projects all over the world. By embracing digitalisation and promoting its application through examples of best practice, CICES is supporting the uptake of digitalisation to improve efficiency, reduce waste, conserve resources and deliver better outcomes.
- Equity, diversity and inclusion: No member of society should feel excluded, discriminated against or judged due to a personal or protected characteristic. CICES believes that society, the built environment industry and the civil engineering surveying profession are enriched by diverse voices and opinions. We are committed to championing the visibility and vital contributions of individuals, groups and communities that benefit our institution and membership, irrespective of background or individual circumstances and status.
Each of these golden threads is core to our future and we strive to include them in every aspect of our strategy.
Our mission, visions and values
Mission
The object for which the institution is established is to advance the science and art of civil engineering surveying in all aspects of the specialisations of geospatial engineering and commercial management within civil engineering for the benefit of the public, by upholding and advancing the standards of education, competence, practice and conduct of its members.
Vision
CICES is recognised as the foremost UK-based professional institution for specialists employed in geospatial engineering and commercial management in the civil engineering industry. CICES strives in all that it does to maintain and improve that position.
Values
- Competence and teamwork
We trust in our own qualifications, capabilities and expertise, and we accept a high degree of responsibility for our work. We build this trust every day by encouraging a culture of innovative ideas, solutions and continuing improvement. We treat everybody fairly and with equal opportunities. - Openness, trust and reliability
We have an open and positive attitude towards change that stays true to our values. Our flexibility, readiness to change, motivation and open and comprehensive communication helps us lead with confidence. - Honesty and integrity
Through honesty, courtesy and reliability we build strong relationships with those with whom we work and represent. We adopt the highest integrity and ethical standards.
A 'Disability Confident' employer
CICES is now a registered disability confident committed employer, meaning we have pledged to:
- Ensure our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible
- Communicate and promote vacancies
- Offer an interview to disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for a role
- Anticipate and provide reasonable adjustments as required
- Support any existing employees that acquire a disability or long-term health condition, enabling them to stay in work if possible
- At least one activity that will make a difference for disabled people (from the following list)
- Work experience
- Work trials
- Paid employment
- Apprenticeships
- Job shadowing
- Traineeships
- Internships
- Student placements
- Sector-based work academy placements
Geo:Influence launch – a day of inspiration and an emphasis on momentum
Initiative launched 14 May 2025 by the Survey Liaison Group.
An introduction to the Conflict Avoidance Coalition
Charles Edwards FCInstCES, chair of the CICES C&DR Panel, in conversation with Len Bunton, chair of the Conflict Avoidance Coalition.
An affirmation of our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
A re-iteration of some of our institution's core values during an uncertain political landscape.
'Accelerate action' – International Women's Day 2025
With the theme of #AccelerateAction, IWD on Saturday 8 March 2025 aims to speed up progress towards gender equality.
CICES Annual Dinner 2024
Who won, who attended and who looked great at the CICES Annual Dinner 2024 at King's College, Cambridge.
New CICES president Alison Watson MBE
Meet your CICES president for 2024-25, Class Of Your Own founder and CEO, Alison Watson MBE.
International Equal Pay Day: Working towards parity and fairness
What should be done to addres the gender pay gap in our sector?
World Suicide Prevention Day 2024: Changing the narrative on suicide
Suicide rates in the construction industry are 3.7x the nation average. What can be done?
World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2024
This year's theme: 'Impacts of climate change on occupational safety and health'.
Celebrating CICES members: Women in Construction Week
Women in Construction Week - time to highlight women that work in construction and acknowledge that there is still a long way to go to achieve equity.
Membership benefit: employer validation
CICES members can benefit their employers and wider industry, as well as enhancing their own careers.
New CICES president Batsetswe Motsumi
Meet your CICES president for 2023-24, Costain's Batsetswe Motsumi.
CICES Annual Dinner 2023
Our Annual Dinner and awards evening was held at Manchester's Midland Hotel
Membership benefit: events and networking
CICES members can attend dozens of events, both in-person and online.
CICES Women's Network
Have your say in the formation and delivery of the new CICES Women's Network.
Membership benefit: sector leading publications
CICES members can access sector leading publications online or by post.
Membership benefit: Affect your community
CICES members can shape what happens in their region.
Electronic voting now available
CICES Privy Council has approved an amendment to the charter to enable members to vote electronically.
Equity, diversity and inclusion name change
The EDI Council and our EDI policy both now refer to 'Equity, diversity and inclusion'.
Membership benefit: CPD opportunities
CICES members can access an unrivalled and varied range CPD opportunities.
Membership benefit: make a difference
CICES members can help change society for the better.
New EDI chair Simon Navin
Simon Navin is the newly appointed chair of the CICES Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Council.
World Human Rights Day
What steps should our industry take to avoid human rights abuses?
Men's Health Awareness Month
Ahead of International Men's Day and during Men's Health Awareness Month, what mental health support is available for CICES members?
Construction Leadership Council Industry Sponsor roles
The CLC is recruiting for four new industry sponsors.
PAS128 guidance
A newly published client specification guide.
New CICES website
Welcome to the new CICES website
New Council of Management
At the recent AGM, CICES president Andy Evans recently welcomed new members to our Council of Management (CoM).
Institution dinner
Our annual CICES awards night and Institution dinner, was held at Liverpool's Titanic Hotel.
Sustainability white paper - your contribution
Sustainability white paper: a call-to-action from President Andy Evans.