Ethics Rules and Professionalism Flashcards
What are the RICS Rules of Conduct?
Set of Rules which:
Support positive change in natural and built environments by promoting and enforcing highest ethical standards in:
*Valuation
*Development & management of land Real Estate, *construction & infrastructure.
2 short documents: Setting out the professional conduct and practice expected of members and firms.
1 for Members
1 for Firms.
When did the Rules of Conduct come into force?
2nd February 2022
What are the Key Elements of the Rules?
- Combined Codes
- Focus on Ethics
- Application to all members
What are RICS Rules of Conduct Based on?
Ethical principals of:
- Honesty
2.Integrity - Competence
- Service
- Respect
- Responsibility
What are the 5 Professional Standards
- Members & Firms must be honest, act with integrity & comply with professional obligations inc. those to RICS.
- Members & Firms must main their Professional Competence & ensure services are provided by competent individuals with necessary expertise.
- Members and Firms must supply good quality diligent service.
- Members and Firms must treat others with respect, encourage diversity & inclusion.
- Members and Firms must act in the Public interest, take responsibility for their actions, prevent harm & maintain public confidence in the profession.
Why are Rules of Conduct Important?
Ensure:
Consistency
Integrity
High quality service
Highest level of professionalism are maintained
Build trust in the profession
Select one Standard what does it mean in your role why is it important?
Members and firms must supply a good quality diligent service.
*Proof reading all work before sending to the client
*Returning phone calls and answering queries promptly
*Providing regular updates
* Clear communication
*Taking a proactive approach to an instruction
* Understand each clients individual needs
Important:
Promotes trust
Professional reputation of myself/firm
Repeat business
Maintaining standards required of members of the RICS
What does RICS stand for?
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
What Legislation covers Anti-Money Laundering Policies?
The proceeds of Crime Act 2002
The Money Laundering Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds Regulations 2017 as amended by the Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Regulations 2024.
What is RICS Guidance for Anti-Money Laundering?
RICS Professional Standard Countering Bribery, Corruption, Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing - Global Edn Feb 2019 effective from 1st September 2019.
Pt 1. Mandatory Requirements
Pt 2. Guidance
Pt 3. Supplementary Guide.
Who do Anti- Money Laundering Policies Protect?
RICS members & firms from being used for financial crimes
Clients & the public - preventing property transactions from being used to launder illicit fund. Ensuring legitimate buyers & sellers are not unknowingly involved in illegal activities
Supports Regulatory & Law Enforcement Agencies by requiring professionals to report suspicious activities
Do you handle money in your firm?
How does your firm maintain compliance with Anti-money laundering policy and legislation?
What is the RICS Ethical Decision Tree?
Tool provided by the RICS to help them navigate complex situations by guiding them through a framework of questions to assess if a potential action/decision aligns with RICS Code of Conduct.
What is PII?
Professional Indemnity Insurance
Why is PII Important?
Mandatory requirement by the RICS.
Protects surveyor, firm and client against losses incurred as a result of claims inc. negligence, misconduct, omissions or errors
What Level of PII is required?
Minimum should be written on a full civil liability basis.
Based on firms turnover in previous year:
£100,000 or less - £250,000
£100,001 to £200,000 - £500,000
£200,001 & above £1,000,000
Where is PII Purchased from?
From a listed insurer as required by the RICS
What is runoff cover?
Retro active insurance required by the RICS
Ensures members, firms and clients are not exposed to financial detriment for a period of 6 years after ceasing trading.
Does your firm have a complaints handling procedure (CHP)?
Yes, detailed on the terms of engagement.
Why is CHP important?
Mandatory requirement of RICS firms
*Ensure complaints are handled consistently, protect client rights and resolve disputes efficiently
*Where complaint is valid take step to prevent similar falling in the future
*upholds reputation & accountability of RICS members & firms
What is process of CHP in Rendells?
- Provide CHP & request complaint in writing
(providing details & inform complainant matter been referred to CHO) - 1 day to notify PII provider & RICS
- Complaint acknowledged by CHO within 7 days.
- Substantive response within 21 days from receipt of complaint. If the matter is complex may take longer and a full response may not be possible within this timeframe, complainant must be kept fully informed on progress.
What if Complainant still not satisfied?
Refer the complainant to RICS ADR provider The centre for dispute resolution
What Alternative Dispute Resolutions are available?
Mediation
Advantages - Cost effective, quick, flexible.
Disadvantages - relies on voluntary agreement, parties may not honour agreement.
Not legally binding
Arbitration - privacy, efficiency, cost effective.
Disadvantages - limited discovery, finality of decisions.
Legally Binding
Expert Determination - expertise, quicker than arbitration, more cost effective than litigation.
Disadvantages - finding the right expert.
enforceable under contract law of parties sign legally binding agreement inline with experts finding and decisions