Ethics Flashcards
What is Rule 1 of Rules of Conduct?
Members must act with integrity and be honest, comply with professional obligations
What is an example of Rule 1?
Open and transparent about fees as services
do not allow themselves to be improperly influenced
What is Rule 2 of Rules of Conduct 2022?
Maintain professional competence ensure services are carried out by competent individuals
What is an example of Rule 2?
Only undertaking work that I feel I have the knowledge skills and resources to carry out competently
developing my knowledge and skills through careers by undertaking CPD
What is Rule 3 of Rules of Conduct 2022?
Members must provide good quality and diligent service
What is an example of Rule 3?
Understanding clients needs and objectives before accepting any professional work
What is Rule 4 of Rules of Conduct 2022?
Members should treat others with respect and promote diversity and inclusion?
What is an example of Rule 4?
I always treat everyone fairly and do not judge or discriminate
What is Rule 5 of Rules of Conduct 2022?
Act in public interest, maintain confidence in profession and take responsibility for actions
What is an example of Rule 5?
Respond to complaints professionally
What are mandatory obligations for RICS members?
- complete and log CPD
- cooperate with the RICS
- provide information reasonably requested by Standards and Regulations Board
What are the mandatory obligations for RICS firms?
- publish complaints handling procedure
- previous and current work covered by PII
- arrangements to be made if sold principle can’t work
- co operate with the RICS
- provide information reasonably requested by Standards and Regulations Board
- display business literature in accordance with the RICS
What is the RICS ethical decision tree?
a framework of questions that members should use when faced with a potential ethical situation
What are some of the questions included in the RICS Ethical Decision Tree?
- do you have sufficient facts
- Is it in line with ROC
- have you consulted the appropriate people to inform your decision
- would you be content if your actions were made public
How could a disciplinary procedure be triggered?
someone complaining to RICS, allegation from a client.
What are the three levels of disciplinary action?
- action by head of regulation
- action by disciplinary panel
- action by appeal panel
What actions might follow a disciplinary?
- fixed penalty notice
- reprimand
- explosion of member
What is an example of a failure to comply with regulatory compliance?
failure to complete CPD
What are the current challenges with the RICS and how are they dealing with this?
- ESG, sustainability, circular economy
- RICS released a manifesto for the built environment in Sep 2023
- public needs to have a safe sustainable energy efficient affordable built environment and home.
- emphasis on social value and regenerative land
What is the Bichard Review
Lord Bichard carried out a review to
- recommend on governing structure
- leadership proposals
- future culture and strategy
What were some of the key recommendations following the Bichard Review?
- renewed focus on public
- increase focus on diversity and inclusion
- greater leadership on sustainability and climate change
- increased focus on member engagement and focus on younger members
Why were the Rules of Conduct updated?
easier for RICS members and firms to understand rules providing more confidence in public and clients.
What would you need to do to register with the RICS?
- Disclose Business Type
- Nature of clients
- Complaints handling procedures + log
4 Responsible principle - PII
- Whether firm holds client money
When was the RICS founded?
1868
What are the 4 levels of membership?
FRICS
MIRCS
ASSOC RICS
Traniee
Who is the RICS governed by?
Royal Charter
Who is the current CEO?
Justin Young
Who is the current predident?
Ann Gray
What is the role of the RICS?
promote and enforce highest professional standards within the property industry
What are the three types of conflict?
Own interest conflict
Party conflict
Confidential information conflict
What is an example of a party conflict?
single firm accepts two professional assignments relating to same transaction
How would you deal with a party conflict?
- I would be entirely transparent with all parties affected if they were happy to proceed
- I would gain informed consent from affected parties
- If informed consent is given I would put information barriers in place
- I would ensure a clear audit trail
- I would ensure securely stored information
What is an example of an own interest conflict?
relates to a personal interest - e.g valuing something for a family member
What is an example of a confidential information conflict?
confidential work between two parties
for example say Allsop declined an instruction due to a conflict of interest but they obtained information that would be of interest to a client - that information would be confidential
what are the 3 steps to take before accepting an instruction?
checked professionally competent
check conflicts
confirm terms of engagement and written approval
When would you decline an instruction?
not competent
client has not completed AML checks
there is a conflict of interest
What are the six main areas of good practice set out in RICS professional statement on Client money handling 2019 ?
- Holding client money
- Providing information to clients
- Receipts of client money
- Payments from client accounts
- Accounting records and controls
- Compliance