Ethics Level 2 Flashcards
What does being a member of RICS Matrics entail? How does it influence your work?
Matrics supports new members entering the profession, as well as working with the RICS to shape the future of surveying and grow the size and respect of the profession across industries globally.
For me, Matrics has been imperative in supporting my APC journey and early career. Through the Matrics London Committee, I’ve been able to get involved in the peer support groups, join in on hot topic disucssions and network with likeminded professionals and aspiring chartered surveyors.
Do you have any personal involvement with LionHeart?
Through my involvement with RICS, I was able to receive the support of LionHearts counselling service in 2023 whilst dealing with the final stages of my University Degree alongside the APC Structured Training Route.
In addition, I’ve attended APC and Health & Well-being webinars hosted by LionHeart. I have also been utilising their APC presentation practice service in preparation for this interview.
I found that the guidance provided by professionals who have been through the very same APC process imperative in my journey so far.
Have you checked the terms of appointment document for compliance with RICS rules?
Can you provide an example where you identified a conflict of interest?
Yes, during the Newcastle Retail Project, I was acting as QS for two separate projects for 2 separate client departments, who were deemed 2 separate clients, with individual budgets and briefs. Let’s say Client A and Client B.
During a meeting with Client A, they listed additional works they would like to be carried out but did not have sufficient funding. Client A asked if I could effectively ‘lose’ this within Client B’s budget.
Obviously I had a DoC to Client A to fulfil client requests, but not at the risk of impeding my professional obligations to act with integrity and in good faith, nor at the risk of breaching my DoC to Client B.
I explained to Client A that I was unable to do this, with the reasons why, and suggested a meeting was held to make all parties aware and discuss a way forward.
Ultimately, Client B agreed to undertake these works as part of their scope and budget.
Can you provide an example of when you have treated others with respect and/or encouraged diversity and inclusion?
Yes, recently during my involvement in the recruitment of an Apprentice Quantity Surveyor I encouraged diversity and inclusion. Ahead of the interview, I asked the candidates if they required any further support prior to or during the interview to ensure any any reasonable adjustments can be made.
Can you give an example when it would be appropriate to accept hospitality?
If it was customary, proprtionate and reasonable in terms of value and frequency. For example,
How do you know that your company’s policy on gifts and hospitality is compliant with the RICS rules?
On the Birmingham Retail Project, how did you produce the updated fee proposal?
- ensured I understood my requirements in terms of scope and scope of service
- identified activities I needed to carry out
- identified level of resource required
- assessed the duration required to complete the activities identified
- utilised DSB’s fee template to apply an hourly rate against the identified duration
- review the total fee against historic projects of a similar nature as a benchmark before issuing to my director for approval
On the Birmingham Retail Project, in addition to sending it to the client, how did you ensure it was acceptable?
- for this particular client, we have an agreed hourly rate
- that said, I checked the duration required to complete the activity against a historic activity for a similar project as a benchmark
- I then did the same for the overall fee
- I also ratified this with my line manager
What did you check your CHP for compliance against?
RICS Rule of Conduct 5 and obligations for RICS-Regulated Firms and the RICS Complaints Handling Professional Standard
Can you give me another example of a project where you have undertaken work regarding conduct, ethics and professional development?
