The GUARD™ framework

What GUARD is

GUARD is a framework for AI governance in surveying firms. It sorts the requirements of the RICS standard on the responsible use of AI into five pillars: Governance, Use, Accountability, Risk and Documentation. It gives a firm a simple way to see what it needs to do, and what it can already show.

Why it exists

Most firms are already using AI. The hard part is showing it’s being used properly: which tools, for what, who checked the output, and what the firm decided. A policy alone doesn’t show that. GUARD gives firms a structure for building the record behind it, so they’re ready when a client or insurer asks, or a complaint arrives.

The five pillars

1. G

   Governance

   The decisions and policies that set how your firm uses AI.

   What the standard asks

   • Decide whether your AI use has a material impact on your services, and record why (1.2)
   • Adopt an AI-use policy, informed by your risk register (3.2)
   • Protect private and confidential data (3.1)
2. U

   Use

   Knowing which AI tools are in use, and checking each one is suitable.

   What the standard asks

   • Keep a written register of the AI systems you use (3.2)
   • Assess and record whether each system is appropriate for its purpose (3.2)
3. A

   Accountability

   A named professional stays responsible for every AI output that matters.

   What the standard asks

   • Record a written decision on the reliability of AI outputs, made by a named surveyor (4.2)
   • Tell a client in writing when an output can’t reasonably be used (4.2)
   • Dip-sample outputs from automated or high-volume tools (4.2)
   • Explain your AI use to clients on request (4.4)
4. R

   Risk

   Spotting and managing the risks AI brings, including the ones that come from suppliers.

   What the standard asks

   • Keep a risk register with ratings and your firm’s risk appetite (3.3)
   • Review and update it at least quarterly (3.3)
   • Carry out due diligence on AI suppliers before you buy (4.1)
5. D

   Documentation

   The evidence that your governance is real, not just a policy in a drawer.

   What the standard asks

   • Make sure everyone using AI has baseline knowledge of it (2)
   • Keep training up to date (3.1, 3.2)
   • Set out your AI use in your terms of engagement, in writing, in advance (4.3)

This is a guide to how GUARD organises the standard, not a substitute for it. The standard is the authority.

How guardbook uses GUARD

We built guardbook on GUARD. Your dashboard is organised by the five pillars, each task links to the clause behind it, and your GUARD score shows where your firm stands and what’s left to do.

Who created it

GUARD was created by Nina Young FCA, founder of Surveyors UK and co‑founder of guardbook.