[citation needed] During his time as Permanent Secretary, he introduced several modernising reforms to the department, notably in bringing its use of information technology and new media up to date.
In September 2001, Bichard was appointed Rector of The University of the Arts London and also served as chairman of the Design Council.
He became chairman of the board of FILMCLUB, a nationwide after-school film club scheme which is free to state primary and secondary schools.
Bichard came in for criticism in October 2012 when he suggested that retired people should contribute to society by doing community work in order to help the state or lose their pension.
[5][6] Bichard said: "My aim has been to help create a new sense of purpose and direction so that RICS can once more stand tall as an exemplar professional institution.
"[6] In August 2022, Bichard was appointed as interim senior independent governor through to 31 December 2023, responsible for scrutinising the actions of the RICS' governing council and committees.
[9][10] On the recommendation of the House of Lords Appointments Commission, he was created a life peer on 24 March 2010,[11] as Baron Bichard, of Nailsworth in the County of Gloucestershire.