Ethics Flashcards
When was the RICS founded?
1868.
- When did the RICS achieve Royal Status?
1881.
What is the role of the RICS?
- Maintain the highest standards of education and training.
- Protect consumers through strict regulation of professional standards.
- To be leading source of information and independent advice on land, property, construction and associated environmental issues.
How many members are there in the RICS?
180,000
How do you become an FRICS?
- 5 or more years at MRICS
- Leadership Role
- Professional or Technical Achievement.
- Academic Achievement or raise profile of the RICS.
RICS Motto?
‘Modus est Rebus’ – There is measure in all things.
What is the RICS Governance Structure?
Privy Council
Governing Council
Regulatory Board
Specialist Professional groups
What is the UK structure?
4 National Associations
10 Regional Boards.
Local Associations.
What are the benefits of being an RICS member?
- Status
- Recognition
- Market Advantage
- Knowledge
- Network
What are the 5 principles of RICS regulation for Members & Firms?
- Proportionality
- Accountability
- Consistency
- Targeting
- Transparency
What are the benefits of being a regulated firm?
- Confidence
- Professionalism
- Security
What is the requirement for RICS registration?
- Provide surveying services to the public.
- Operating in a regulated area.
- 50% of firms principles are RICS members.
What information must a firm return annually?
- Type of business and staffing.
- Statutory regulated activities.
- Nature of Clients.
- Complaints Handling.
- PII.
- Whether firm holds clients’ money or not.
What are the levels of disciplinary action?
- Action by Head of Regulation.
- Regulatory Tribunal.
- Appeal Panel.
What are the options of disciplinary action?
- Fixed penalty notice.
- Regulatory compliance order.
- CPD sanction.
- Refer matter to regulatory panel.
What penalties are available to the regulatory board for disciplinary action.
- Compliance order.
- Unlimited fine per breach but proportionate.
- Conditions of RICS registrations.
- Expulsions.
- Require publication of hearing results.
What is the hierarchy for RICS publications?
- Rules of Conduct.
- International Standards.
- Professional Statements.
- Practice Statements.
- Guidance Notes.
- Codes of Practice.
What must be followed in terms of fee negotiation?
- Must avoid price fixing or aggressive fee cutting.
- Fees must be market based and agreed on an ad-hoc basis.
- Must make clients aware of receiving referrals fees and state this in ToE.
What year is the Consumer Rights Act?
Consumer Rights Act 2015.
What does the Consumer Rights Act tell us?
Clients have a 14-day cooling off period.
What are typical reasons to decline work?
- Not Competent for type of work.
- Insufficient facts.
- Proposed client will not sign terms of engagement.
- Conflicts of Interest.
- PII cap cannot be agreed.
- Advice on a pro bono basis of PII will NOT cover.
What document relates to Conflicts of Interests?
RICS Conflicts of Interest, Professional Statement, March 2017.
What does the Conflict of Interests document tell us? Structure?
- States members must not advice clients where conflicts exist unless informed consent.
- Informed consent only allowed when proceeding is considered in the interests of all who may or are affected and is not prohibited by law.
- All firms must have effective systems to ensure compliant with statement and must keep records to show compliance.
What are the 3 types of conflict of interests?
- Party Conflict.
- Own Interest.
- Confidential Information.
What is informed consent?
Where affected parties have given consent for surveyor to continue despite any conflicts, as long as within the law. This must be in writing with those affected fully aware.
What are the steps to managing conflict of interests?
- Conflict Avoidance.
- Written advice to both parties.
- Conflict Management.
What is the information barrier?
Steps taken to ensure information of conflicting parties is not passed.
- Surveyors within one firm must be separate.
- Information should be securely stored.
- Clear audit trail.
What does the RICS Bye Law state about confidentiality?
Client confidentiality must be maintained at all times, historic data must be kept for 6 years minimum (15 years ideal).
What is negligence?
Where a surveyor has not provided reasonable care and skill for a client.
What is the Burgess v Lejonvarn case?
Burgess v LeJonvarn 2020 – Professionals providing services pro bono and without contract owe a duty of care in tort.
What year is the limitation act?
Limitation Act 1980.
What does the limitation act tell us?
Limitation Period for Negligance Claims
Contract – 6 years from date of act, 3 years from date of knowledge, 15 years back stop from negligent act.
Tort – 6 years from date the claimant suffered loss.
How do you avoid negligence?
- Clear and precise Terms of Engagement.
- Ensure competent to undertake work.
- Make detailed notes and take photos.
- Keep abreast with market knowledge and legislation.
- Cap the professional liability excess on PII policy in Terms of Engagement.
What RICS document relates to Complaints Handling Procedure?
RICS Complaints Handling, Guidance Note, July 2016.
What are the stages of RICS Complaint Handling?
Stage One (in-house)
- details of complaints handling procedure must be disclosed when complaint received.
- procedure must be quick, clear, impartial.
- complaints handling officer must be contacted to investigate first.
- complaints must be in writing.
- firms must acknowledge complaint within 7 days, and respond in 28 days.
Stage Two (ADR)
- If complainant unhappy with stage 1, involve redress scheme that firm has chosen.
- name of relevant scheme must be provided, such as RICS Dispute Resolution Service.
What does the RICS complaint handling document tell us?
- Firms written complaints handling must be RICS approved.
- Always notify insurer as soon as possible of complaint.
- Complaints procedure should be in Terms of Engagament.
- Complaint log must be maintained.
- Firms must include RICS approved ADR mechanism.
- Sole practitioner must nominate a surveyor/firm to act as complaints handling officer.
What are the VOA complaints handling procedure?
Tier 1 – Complaint investigated within specific business team.
Tier 2 – Complaints Investigation Team
Further Action – Seek referral to parliamentary and health service ombudsman via MP office.
Will acknowledge within 3 days, respond in 20 days.
How long do we have to acknowledge to complaints?
3 working days.
How long do we have to respond to complaints?
20 working days.
What is run off cover?
Insurance cover when a company closes.