Ethics & RICS Flashcards
What does the RICS designation mean and how does a firm get one?
RICS Designation means that we are a firm that has a duty to promote our industry to the public advantage
Designation is issues by the King to firms,
What are the 6 principles that underpin the ethical standards and rules?
Honesty
Integrity
Competence
Respect
Service
Responsibility
What is a bye-law and give an example?
Bye-laws are rules set out by the body to govern themselves.
5.2.1A - members must in a manner befitting of the RICS designation.
What are the 5 codes of conduct?
- Members and firms must be honest, act with integrity and comply with their
professional obligations, including obligations to RICS. - Members and firms must maintain their professional competence and ensure
that services are provided by competent individuals who have the necessary
expertise. - Members and firms must provide good-quality and diligent service
- Members and firms must treat others with respect and encourage diversity and
inclusion. - Members and firms must act in the public interest, take responsibility for their
actions and act to prevent harm and maintain public confidence in the profession.
Explain Rule 1 in more depth
- Members and firms must be honest, act with integrity and comply with their
professional obligations, including obligations to RICS.
Members and firmed should not allow themselves to be influenced improperly through the acceptance of work referrals, gifts or hospitality.
Members and firms must also be sure to identify conflicts of interest and not provide services or advice where these conflicts occur.
Don’t mislead or be mislead. Do not allow for conflicts of interest - or manage
Do not take advantage of others
Take care of client money - do not allow money crimes / bribery
Explain Rule 2 in more depth
- Members and firms must maintain their professional competence and ensure
that services are provided by competent individuals who have the necessary
expertise.
members and firms must only act for clients where they have the necessary knowledge, skills and resources to carry out the work competently.
Firms must supervise any employees or subcontractors undertaking work on their behalf. Ex, requesting a junior surveyor to undertake a complex valuation due to resourcing issues would be against this rule.
Do not take on anything that is out with your expertise.
Keep up to date with CPD.
Explain Rule 3 in more depth
- Members and firms must provide good-quality and diligent service
Understand clients needs and objectives, agree scope of services, agree changes / exclusions.
Give good service, be timely, due care, skill and diligence
Promote sustainable options
Keep accurate records
Explain Rule 4 in more detail
- Members and firms must treat others with respect and encourage diversity and
inclusion.
Respect other rights and treat with courtesy
Be fair and do not discriminate
No tolerance of bullying or harrassment
Check supply chains and report abuse
Work cooperatively
Develop inclusive cultures and support equal access and opportunities
Explain Rule 5 in more detail
- Members and firms must act in the public interest, take responsibility for their
actions and act to prevent harm and maintain public confidence in the profession.
Question practices and decisions they suspect are not right and raise issues
Support each other to act in good faith
Do not undermine public confidence in the profession
Respond to complaints and don’t dissuade
Cooperative with investigations
Consider health affects on your competence
Manage professional finances responsibly
Take appropriate action when rules have been breached
What are the 5 concepts of good regulation?
Proportionality
Accountability
Consistency
Transparency
Targeted
What is in Annex A / The requirements of members and firms?
- members must comply with the CPD requirement set by RICS.
- members must cooperate with RICS.
- Members must promptly provide all information reasonably requested by the Standards and Regulation Board, or those exercising delegated authority on its behalf.
- Firms must publish a complaints-handling procedure, which includes an alternative dispute resolution provider approved by RICS, and maintain a complaints log.
- 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 RICS.
- Firms with a sole principle must make appropriate arrangements for their professional work to continue in the vent of the incapacity, death, absence from or inability to work.
- Firms must cooperate with RICS.
- Firms must promptly provide all information reasonably requested by the Standards and Regulation Board, or those exercising delegated authority on its behalf.
- Firms must display on their business literature, in accordance with RICS’ published policy on designations, a designation to denote that they are regulated by RICS.
- Firms must report to RICS any matter that they are required to report under the Rules for the Registration of Firms.
What is the difference between Guidance Notes and Survey Standards - give examples
Guidance notes - used as guidance and best practice, generally refers to locations legislation and law.
Standards - prescriptive documents on how to go about our business. Must be adhered to.
Surveying Safely 2019 versus Riles of Conduct 2021
What must you do to become an RICS firm?
- Register with RICS
- Inform them of your type of business.
- Have a CHP and ADR
- Agree to RICS governance
- Have appropriate RICS approved insurance.
- Minimum 25% of principles RICS qualified.
Why were the previous rules revised? What are the changes?
The previous rules had been in place since 2007.
Members, firms and the public voted for new rules.
Replaced the separate docs: rules for members, rules for firms, and global professional and ethical standards. Provided a single document with greater clarity and more example behaviours. Includes evolving technology and tackling climate change.
Appendix A now contains the professional obligations of members and firms.
What are the offences of the Bribery Act?
Making a bribe
Receiving a bribe
bribery of a foreign public official
Failure of a corporate entity to prevent bribery on its behalf
What companies does the bribery act apply to
The legislation applies to all UK Entities and includes associated Persons, for example sub-consultant and external advisors.
What procedures can companies put in pace to prevent bribery on their behalf?
- Proportionate procedures
- Top level commitment
- Risk Assessments
- Due diligence
- Communication
- Monitoring & review