Ethics - Background / General RICS Flashcards
When was the RICS founded?
1868
When did the RICS get its Royal Charter?
1881 - Granted by the Privy Council
What are the four levels of membership?
Trainee
Associate
Chartered Member
Fellow
What do you need to do to become a Fellow?
- 5 years chartered
- A leadership role
- Professional/technical achievement
- Academic achievement
What is the structure of the RICS?
Royal Charter
Governing Council has 29 members
There are 17 Specialist Professional Groups
CEO is Justin Young
Stand in President is Nick Maclean
What are the three main roles of the RICS?
- To maintain the highest standards of education and training
- To protect consumers through strict regulation of professional standards
- To be the leading source of information on land, property, construction and associated environmental issues
(RICS 2015)
What current challenges are the RICS facing?
The Justin Sullivan case
Adapting to rapid technological advancements (AI)
Climate change and sustainability
What are the benefits of being a RICS member?
Status
Recognition
Market advantage
Knowledge
Network
What is the Bichard Review?
The Future of the RICS, laying the foundations of:
- Vision
- Mission
- Strategic goals
- Values
- A world-class organisation
What are the RICS Rules of Conduct?
- To be honest and act with integrity
- To show professional competence
- To provide a good-quality, diligent service
- Treat others with respect having particular regard to inclusion and diversity
- To take responsibility and act in the public interest
What is the RICS Ethics Decision Tree?
A framework to work to when faced with an ethical situation
What are the steps of the Ethics Decision Tree?
- Do you have sufficient facts?
- Is it legal?
- Is it in line with RICS Rules of Conduct?
- Have you consulted with the appropriate people?
- Do you have clear reasoning?
- Would you be happy for your actions to be made public?
What are the three levels of disciplinary action?
- Action by Head of Regulation
- Disciplinary Panel
- Appeal Panel
What are the four actions if a disciplinary is required?
- Fixed Penalty
- Make a Regulatory Compliance Order
- Refer to Regulatory Tribunal
- Refer to Disciplinary Panel
When is the only time a fixed penalty could be used?
Failure to supply information to the RICS.
When would Regulatory Compliance Orders be actioned?
Low level breaches of the Rules of Conduct
Failure to undertake appropriate CPD
What actions can be taken by a Disciplinary Panel?
- Issue a Regulatory Compliance Order
- Reprimand
- Caution
- Fine
- Impose conditions upon future RICS Registration
- Expulsion of Membership
- Published on RICS website and magazine
What does the RICS expect from members using social media?
To maintain professionalism in all online communications
When is RICS likely to investigate your social media posts?
Discrimination
Abusive or threatening behavior
Extreme or offensive views to cause reputational damage to the profession
How many qualified professionals are there?
113,000
How many trainee candidates are there?
28,000
What are RICS Professional Standards?
A set of requirements or expectations for RICS members and firms about how they provide a service
What are the FOUR requirements for CPD?
- Minimum 20 hours pert year
- At least 50% has to be formal
- Must maintain understanding of RICS Rules of Conduct every 3 years
- Must be recorded online by 31st January every year
What is CPD?
Continued Professional Development
What is the meaning of the RICS motto?
‘Est Modus in Rebus’
There is measure in all things
What are the professional obligations of MEMBERS?
Seen in Appendix A, members must
- Comply with CPD requirements
- Cooperate with the RICS
- Provide information reasonably requested by the Standards and Regulation Board
What are the professional obligations of firms?
7
Seen in Appendix A, Firms must:
- Have a Complaints Handling Procedure in place
- Ensure that work is covered by approved PII cover
- Ensure instruction protection in event of incapacity/death
- To cooperate with RICS
- Provide information reasonably requested by the Standards and Regulation Board
- Display ‘Regulated by RICS’ on their business literature
- Report to RICS any matter they are required to report under the Rules for the Registration of Firms
What is ethics?
A set of moral values
Why do we have RICS Rules of Conduct?
To use as an ethical framework for all members and firms to work to
Who is the RICS President?
Nick Maclean is stand-in President
How would you react if you discovered a colleague was acting unethically?
- I would ensure I had sufficient facts
- I would approach them informally
- I would try to resolve it internally by telling my line manager
- I would go to HR
- If it hadn’t been addressed internally, I would go to the RICS
What legislation is used to protect individuals from discrimination?
The Equality Act 2010
What are the protected characteristics in the Equality Act?
Age
Sex
Race
Disability
Religion
Gender reassignment
Marital status
Pregnancy
Sexual orientation
What is the purpose of the RICS Rules of Conduct?
- To promote high standards of professionalism
- Protect the public interest
- Maintain confidence in the profession
