ETHICS Flashcards
What is the meaning of the RICS Motto
“Est Modus in Rebus” means “there is measure in all things”
What is the mission statement of the RICS
- To qualify and equip their members to offer the highest standards of professional service
- To Promote and enforce standards
- To lead solutions to the major challenges facing the built environments through professional expertise
When was the RICS founded
It was founded in 1868
How is the RICS structured
- The RICS was founded in 1868 with the Royal Charter being granted by the privy council in 1881
- The RICS is self regulated and internally monitored meaning that it is not regulated by the government or external parties
- The Bye Laws determine how the RICS is regulated
- The governing council manage and agree the strategy for the RICS
- The Regulatory board, audit committee and management board are beneath the governing council and execute the strategy set by them
What are the RICS;s 5 Principles for better Regulation
- Proportionality
- Accountability
- Consistency
- Targeting
- Transparency
What is the difference between Ethics and Rules
- Ethics are a set of moral values
- Rules of conduct are a framework that we work to work to.
When did the Rules of Conduct Change
The new rules are effective from the 2nd February 2022
What is rule 1
Rule 1 - Members and Firms must be honest, act with integrity and comply with their professional obligations, including obligations to the RICS
What is Rule 2
Rule 2 ,- Members and firms must maintain their professional competence and ensure that services are provided by competent individuals who have the necessary expertise
What is Rule 3
Rule 3 - Members and Firms must provide good quality and diligent service
What is Rule 4
Rule 4 - Members and Firms must treat others with respect and encourage diversity and inclusion
What is Rule 5
Rule 5 - Members and First must act in the public interest, take responsibility for their actions and act to prevent harm and maintain public confidence in the profession
Why did the Previous Rules of conduct change
- The previous rules had been in place since 2007
- Following research and consultation with RICS Members, Firms and Members of the public, the majority voted in favour of replacing the existing Rules of Conduct and separate Global Professional and Ethical Standards.
- This was to provide a single document to enable clarity for RICS members and Firms,
- I also understand there is now a greater focus on clearer example behaviours, understanding evolving technology and tackling climate change.
What are the professional obligations of members
1 - Members must comply with the CPD requirements set by the RICS which requires 20 hours of CPD for each calendar year. 10 of which must be formal
2 - Members must co operate with RICS
3 - Members must prompt provide all information’s reasonably requested by the standards and regulations board, or those exercising delegated authority on its behalf.
What are the professional obligations of firms
1 - Firms must publish a complaints-handling procedure, which includes an alternative dispute resolution provider approved by the RICS and maintain a complaints log.
2 - Firms must ensure that all previous and current professional work is covered by adequate and appropriate professional indemnity cover that meets the standards approved by the RICS
3 - Firms with a sole principal must make appropriate arrangements for their professional work to continue in the event of their incapacity, death, absence from or inability to work
4 - Firms must cooperate with RICS
5 - Firms must promptly provide all information reasonably requested by the Standards and Regulation Board, or those exercising delegated authority on it behalf
6 - Firms must display on their business literature, in accordance with RICS’ published policy on designations, a designations to denote that they are regulated by the RICS
7 - Firms must report to RICS any matter that they are required to report under the Rules of registration of Firms
Why does the RICS have Rules of Conduct
- To prove a framework that we can all work to and so the clients knows he is getting a set level of service
- As well as being an important tool for the Institution, the Rules of Conduct are also a useful professional guide for individual members
Your Brother in Law is a chartered surveyor and you discover he is working outside the RICS rules of conduct, What do you do?
- I verify the facts and confront him reminding him of his duties as a member of the RICS
- I inform the RICS specifying my relationship to the person and any corrective action which i believe my brother in law is commited be put in place.
In the case of a breach of a rule, what is the procedure?
- Not every shortcoming will give rise to proceedings
- A formal investigation by the Head of Regulation of the RICS is the first step in the process.
- The RICS can request information and/or visit and inspect to investigate the compliance.
- Members must co operate fully all question enquiries
How can a disciplinary procedure be triggered?
- Someone complaining to the RICS
- An allegation by a client or third party
- Information received or established by the RICS
What three actions can be imposed after the end of the investigation stage?
- Fixed penalty
- Consent Order
- Disciplinary Panel
What are fixed penalties
A fine by the RICS
What are Consent Orders
- It is a written agreement between the RICS and a member or firm concerning a disciplinary issues on a breach of the RICS rules
- It can require the member to take certain corrective actions, or restrain them from taking certain actions for a specified period of time and may require them to pay a fine or costs.
When is a disciplinary panel applicable
- They are used for more serious breaches of conduct
- The panel will be usually held in public
- The burden of proof is on the RICS
- A balance of probabilities approach will be used
What sort of breaches would expulsion be suitable for?
- Gross, persistent or willful failure to comply with an RICS rules of conduct
- Fraud, dishonesty, conviction of a serious criminal offence, gross incompetence, deliberate discrimination, misappropriation of clients moneys
What procedures must you follow if you are starting up a new practice?
- Contact the RICS for guidance and obtain a company start up pack
- Inform the RICS and register for regulation
- Appoint a contact officer for all RICS communication
- Prepare a complaints handling procedure
- Obtain professional indemnity insurance cover
- Abide by the rules of conduct for firms
- Use the designation “regulated by the RICS” on all practice material
Would you advertise your company in the press
Yes, as long as it is in a trustful and responsible manner in line with the rules of conduct for firms