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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