Ethics

Question 1

Can you explain how you act with integrity?

Answer 1

1. Being trustworthy
2. Being open and transparent
3. Respecting confidential information
4. Not taking advantage
5. Not allowing bias, conflict of interest or the undue influence of others to override my decisions.
6. Not offering or accepting gifts, hospitality, or services, which might suggest an improper obligation.

Question 2

Why must you act within your professional capabilities/competence?

Answer 2

• It is a Rule of Conduct.
• To ensure I do not advise a client incorrectly which could lead to a professional negligence claim.

Question 3

Can you explain how you take responsibility?

Answer 3

1. Be accountable for all my actions
2. Always act with skill, care and diligence.
3. Ensure an appropriate complaint handling procedure is in place in the event somebody makes a complaint about me.
4. If I think something is not right, I am prepared to respectfully challenge and raise the matter with colleaques.

Question 4

How do you provide a high standard of service when executing your professional appointments?

Answer 4

1. I ensure my client recieved the best advice.
2. Advise within my competence.
3. Being transparent about fees.
4. Communicating into my client in a way that allows them to make an informed decision.

Question 5

Can you explain how you promote trust in the profession?

Answer 5

1. Understand how my actions will effect others and the environment.
2. Fulfilling my professional obligations.
3. Acting in a trustworthy manner in both my professional and private life.

Question 6

Can you clarify what an individual should do to maintain a high ethical standard in their profession?

Answer 6

1. Review their own actions.
2. Maintain CPD.
3. Follow advice given by professional bodies on ethical behaviours.
4. Noting and addressing unethical behaviours by others.

Question 7

What sort of things can employers do to create an ethical environment for their staff?

Answer 7

1. Establish confidential procedures for whistle blowing.
2. Ethical evaluation in performance reviews.
3. Ethical standards in hiring and training.
4. Encourage staff to progress their APC and become chartered with RICS.
5. Promoting CPD in the relevant area.

Question 8

What is the difference between ethics and integrity?

Answer 8

Integrity - internal quality of being honest, strong morals. Personal code of conduct that dictates how we behave.

Ethics - external, and applied to an organisations rules, regulations and code of conduct created to allow employees to work following moral principles. Enforced through punishments, threats and penalties.

Question 9

Are you aware of any tools produced by RICS to help members make ethical decisions?

Answer 9

RICS have produced an ethics decision free which can be used to consider ethical matters.