Client Care Flashcards
What are the key things that must be satisfied in order to provide good client care?
Competency - the surveyor must be sufficiently knowledgeable, skilled and experienced
Interest - there must be no conflicts of interest
Terms - agreed terms of engagement must be in place, and if further advice or services are requiested then additional terms should be agreed
What is a Form of Appointment?
A form of appointment is the means by which a consultant is appointed to a project.
It is a contract which defines the scope, terms and conditions of the services a surveyor provides to a client.
What are some Standard Forms of Appointment?
The RICS publishes standard forms of appointment:
- RICS Standard Form of Consultants Appointment (latest update 2022), for use on construction related projects of any size or value.
- RICS Short Form of Consultants Appointment for Designated Services, for when the project and services required are more straightforward.
What would you find on a Form of Appointment?
A form of appointment outlines the Terms of Engagement:
- Date & Party information (name and address)
-Scope of services to be provided
- Staffing (who will be responsible / involved)
- Confirmation of external consultants (if relevant)
- Payment provisions and fees
- Details of termination & abortive cost
- Dispute resolution procedures
- Professional Indemnity Insurance provisions
- Intellectual property rights
- Confidentiality and data protection obligations
- Compliance with RICS rules of conduct and ethical standards
- Signatures and dates from all parties
Do the terms of engagement need to be in writing?
Yes, the terms of engagement need to be in writing, as a verbal agreement would not provide evidence of instruction and scope of services provided in the case of a professional negligence claim.
