Background to the RICS

Question 1

When was the RICS founded?

Answer 1

1868

Question 2

What was granted by the Privy council? And in what year?

Answer 2

The Royal Charter granted in 1881

Question 3

What do the RICS regulations and bye-laws set out?

Answer 3

They set out the governance of the institution.

Question 4

How many members are there currently?

Answer 4

Between 130,000 - 140,000 members

Question 5

What are the four levels of membership?

Answer 5

1. FRICS
2. MRICS
3. AssocRICS
4. Trainee/Student

Question 6

What are the four Fellowship characteristics needed to achieve FRICS level?

Answer 6

CHAMPION – a Member who has gained recognition by an appropriate authority.
EXPERT – a Member who has been verified as advancing, sharing or interpreting knowledge.
INFLUENCER – a Member who influences how professionalism is perceived.
ROLE MODEL – a Member who exceeds standards for the advantage of clients, colleagues or the wider public.

Question 7

Who runs the RICS by providing management and strategic direction?

Answer 7

The Governing Council

Question 8

How many members comprise the Governing Council?

Answer 8

25 members

Question 9

Who make up the 25 members of the governing council?

Answer 9

• Chair of Governing Council
• 6 Strategy Seats
• 15 Market Seats
• RICS President
• RICS President-Elect
• RICS Senior Vice-President

Question 10

How many specialist professional groups does the RICS cover?

Answer 10

18 covering land, property and construction. e.g.

• Building Surveying
• Commercial Property
• Facilities Management
• Quantity Surveying
• Valuation

Question 11

What is the elected board for each professional group responsible for?

Answer 11

Responsible for outlining standards of competence and practice.

Question 12

Who is the current interim Chair of the Governing Council?

Answer 12

Clement Lau

Question 13

How many National Associations are there in the UK?

Answer 13

RICS operates through four national associations in the UK:
- England
- Scotland
- Wales
- Northern Ireland.

We also have a growing presence in the Republic of Ireland.

Question 14

How many regional boards are in the UK?

Answer 14

There are 12 Regional Boards across the UK, one each in Northern Ireland, Scotland and
Wales and nine in England.

Question 15

Who is the current interim Chief Executive Officer?

Answer 15

Richard Collins (replaces Sean Tompkins)

Question 16

Who is the current President?

Answer 16

Ann Gray FRICS

Question 17

Who is the current President-elect?

Answer 17

Tina Paillet FRICS

Question 18

The RICS’ main roles are:

Answer 18

• Advancing the highest ethical and technical standards for professionals in land, property and the built environment.
• To protect consumers through strict regulation and codes of best practice.
• Providing expert impartial advice.
• Equipping RICS members with leading-edge advice, market insight and professional training.
• Promoting RICS status and standards worldwide.

Question 19

What are the 5 benefits of being an RICS member?

Answer 19

1. Status - your professional credentials provide unrivalled client confidence.
2. Recognition - promotion of your professional excellence to governments and markets.
3. Market advantage - RICS status and standards gives you a competitive advantage.
4. Knowledge - international practice standards, professional guidance, CPD & knowledge sharing.
5. Network - access to 130,000 - 140,000 professionals worldwide.

Question 20

What are the five principles of better regulation? (PACTT)

Answer 20

1. Proportionality - making the penalty proportional to the breach.
2. Accountability - to all members and the public.
3. Consistency - treating all members the same.
4. Targeting - serious breaches.
5. Transparency - to all members, clients and the public.

Question 21

What does bye-law 5.2.1 require members to do?

Answer 21

Every Member shall conduct himself in a manner befitting membership of RICS.

Question 22

What may serious deviation from the RICS Global and Ethical Standards lead to?

Answer 22

RICS disciplinary action.