Martin Burns BA (Hons) LLB (Hons) Barrister

Head of ADR Research and Development, Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)


Martin has worked for RICS over 30 years, and he specialises in alternative dispute resolution (ADR).

His current role is to work with government and industry to develop and implement sensible and cost-effective ways for people and businesses to avoid and manage disputes concerning land, property and construction.

Martin currently represents RICS on the pan-industry Conflict Avoidance Coalition, which developed the Conflict Avoidance Pledge. Membership of the Coalition also includes senior directors drawn from the ICE, RIBA, ICES, DRBF, ICC and industry bodies, such as Transport for London, Network Rail and the Urban Growth Company.

Martin is a trained mediator and a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. He holds a BA Honours Degree in Politics & History and an L.LB Honours Degree in Law. Martin was called as a Barrister by the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn in 2005.

Martin tutors on RICS Diploma training courses in arbitration and adjudication. He has also been involved in developing training and accreditation courses such as the RICS online Foundation course in ADR (FADR), the President’s Adjudication Panel Competency Programme and the RICS Expert Witness Accreditation Training.