Ethics Flashcards
Who is the current RICS President
Tina Paillet
What is the role of the RICS?
To work in the public interest to:
- advance knowledge
- uphold standards
- inspire current and future professionals
What is the Royal Charter and what does it mean?
In 1881 royal charter granted to RICS. The royal charter means to promote the usefulness of the profession in the public advantage.
Name the principles of better regulation
Proportionality
Accountability
Consistency
Targeting
Transparency
Think PACTT!
What is the role of the RICS Governing Council?
To set strategic direction and policies of the institution
What is the role of the RICS Regulation Board?
To oversee regulatory function of RICS, ensure members adhere to prof stands and ethics.
What date are the Rics rules of conduct effective from?
2nd feb 2022
What are the 5 rules of conduct?
- Be honest and act with integrity
- Maintain professional competence
- Provide good quality and diligent service
- Treat others with respect and encourage diversity and inclusion.
- Act in public interest and prevent harm and maintain public confidence in profession
What is an example of Rule 1 of the rules of conduct?
Identify actual or potential conflicts of interest. Only provide further advise on conflicted instruction if in line with Rics professional standard conflict of interest
What is an example of Rule 2 of the rules of conduct?
Only undertake work that you are competent to do so. Keep up to date with current regulations/stands. Do cpd etc
What is an example of Rule 3 of the rules of conduct?
Understand clients objectives before proceeding with instruction
What is an example of rule 4 of the rules of conduct?
Do not bully, victimise or harass anyone
What is an example of rule 5 of the rules of conduct?
Respond to complaints made against them promptly, openly and professionally
What 6 ethical principles are the rules of conduct based on?
Honesty, integrity, competence, service, respect and responsibility.
What is Bye Law 1?
Application and definitions. Sets out who bye laws apply to and the definitions of the document.
What is bye law 2?
Membership and registration. Includes specific classes of rics eg honorary members, fellows, professional members, etc. the eligibility of classes. The procedure to being a member. Member privalges and obligations and registration of firms.
What is bye law 3?
Designations. Info on use of MRICS, FRICS, chartered surveyor, etc.
What is bye law 4?
Contribution to funds. Includes info on failure to pay member subscription.
What is bye law 5?
Conduct. Includes the liability for both members and firms, powers of which the rics have to discipline and any appeals and reviews.
What is bye law 6?
Governing council, officers and staff. Sets out composition, duties and powers and appointment for both the governing council and officers. Also mentions appointment and duties of ceo.
What is bye law 7?
Subordinate boards, committees and groups. Sets out what boards the governing council should set out eg standards and regulation board. And the responsibilities for each board.
What is bye law 8?
Procedure for general meetings. Talks about when meetings should take place and structure of these meetings.
What is bye law 9?
Accounts and audit. Talks about publishing of annual accounts and the appointment of auditor.
What is bye law 10?
General. Includes info on trustees, property and funds of rics. Along with rics contracts and administration procedure.
When were the RICS bye laws updated?
February 2020
What are bye laws?
Rules made by the RICS to control actions of members.
Document relating to disciplinary panel rules?
RICS Regulation - RICS Disciplinary, Registration and appeal panel rules. Version 8 effective from October 2019
What is a Regulatory Compliance order?
Regulatory compliance order- agreement between rics and member that member has fallen short and they are liable for disciplinary order. Punishment usually consists of a caution, reprimand, fine of up to £2000 per breach, conditions on the rics member continuation membership or a req that member stoops certain actions within specific time.
What is the role a disciplinary panel?
To hear disciplinary cases involving regulated members, to make findings of fact in relation to allegations brought by the RICS in order to determine whether regulated member is liable to disciplinary action and if so, what sanction should be imposed.
What sanctions can a disciplinary panel issue?
Fines, cautions, conditions or an order to de-register regulated member.
What is the Bichard Review?
Commissioned by RICS Governing Council in December 2021 following Levitt Review which looked into treasury management issues at RICS during 2018/19. The Bichard report was released in June 2022.
Can you list some of the recommendations found within the Bichard Review?
36 recommendations total.
- Governing Council consider global strategy and delegation framework to give approp freedoms, resources and responsibilities and areas boards, whilst managing maintaining globally consistent standards.
- RICS Matrics should be re-invigorated to give younger members stronger voice.
- Diversity and Inclusion Panel should be established to provide advice to Standards and Regulation Board.
What are the 5 main categories of red flag indicators outlined regarding money laundering?
- The client
- The parties
- The source of funds
- The transaction
- The instructions
What are some red flags for money laundering?
- if a client is secrative or evasive about who they are, the beneficial owner, the source of funds, the reason for the transaction or what the big picture is.
- if the client has criminal associations.
- If client avoids personal contact without good reason.
-If the client is a PEP subject to sanctions.
-If there is no obvious commercial purpose to transaction.
What bribery regulation are you aware of?
Bribery Act 2010 (effective July 2011)
RICS Professional Standard - Countering Bribery, corruption, money laundering and terrorist financing (effective September 2019)
What are some things listed in the RICS PS - Countering bribery, corruption, money laundering and terrorist financing?
for bribery and corruption:
- report any activity breaching anti-bribery and corruption laws to relevant authorities.
- declare gifts, hospitality, etc to employwer.
-Retail info detailing who firm met req of this PS.
for money laundering and terrorist financing:
-report any suspicions of money laundering or terrorist financing activities to relevant authorities.
-provide appropriate training to staff.
What constitutes an offence under the Bribery Act 2010?
Person located inn UK paying or receiving a bribe directly or indirectly.
How long should you keep AML records for?
At least 5 years.
What are the reasons that Firms are to have PII cover?
- If Firm faces claim, its protected from financial loss that its cant meet from own resources.
- To protect both the member and firm against consequences of liability to pay damages to 3rd parties in respect of breaches.
-The client doesnt suffer financial loss.
What is the minimum level of PII indemnity for Firms?
Not fixed. Based on turnover for each firm.
What is run-off cover and how long is a member or firm required to have it for?
Run-off cover is a type of PII cover for businesses that have stopped trading. Required to have cover for 6 years.
What are some penalties of breaching the Bribery Act 2010?
-Individuals can face 10 years in prison
-Individuals and companies can face unlimited fines.
Can you tell me about the RICS requirements in relation to PI?
As per the Professional indemnity insurance requirements (version 9, 2022), Firms must ensure all previous and current professional work is covered by adequate and appropriate PI cover.
What is the minimum level of indemnity for Firm’s?
- £250k for turnover of less than £100k
- £500k for turnover between £100,001k and £200k
- £1m for turnover above £200k
What is a PII aggregate clause?
Most PI policies include this clause and it allows number of similar claims to be treated as single claim.
What is the maximum level of uninsured excess for PI cover?
-Greater of either 2.5% of sum insured or £10k for Firms with liability up to £500k.
-2.5% of the sum insured for Firms with liability above £500k.
What does ‘claims made’ mean in terms of PI cover?
Means that policy covers claims made first against insured during period of insurance regardless of when negligent act occurred.
How long can a PII cliam arise after work undertaken?
6 years from date client suffered financial loss.
What is an assigned risks pool (ARP)?
Can be used for Firms unable to obtain PII cover. Is used by firm until they are able to obtain their own PII cover.
Explain your understanding of the RICS Guidance Note - Risk, Liability and Insurance (1st Edn)?
The guidance note helps members understand the main risks and liabilities associated with surveying. Also guides how to draft meaningful contracts with clients in order to avoid pitfalls. Also discusses liability caps and their use in profession.