Ethics, Rules of Conduct and Professionalism Flashcards
What is the RICS?
- The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors was founded in 1868 and is now the world’s leading professional body for surveying
- It promotes and enforces the highest professional qualifications and standards in the development and management of land, real estate, construction and infrastructure
When did RICS receive a Royal Charter and what does this mean?
- RICS received a Royal Charter in 1881 from Queen Victoria
- Requires RICS to ‘promote the usefulness of the profession for the public advantage in the UK and in other parts of the world’
Where are RICS’ international headquarters located?
12 Great George Street, Parliament Square, London
What is the motto of RICS?
Est modus in rebus (there is measure in all things)
Who is the RICS President?
Ann Gray (as of January 2023) (Andy Gray kekw)
What is Lionheart?
- An independent charity ran by RICS professionals for RICS professionals
- Services range from financial support to health and wellbeing packages
Why do you want to be a Chartered Surveyor (MRICS)?
- RICS is the world’s leading professional body for surveying. By joining, I will get global recognition and become part of an international professional community
- I will gain elite professional status, guidance and support, and will become part of promoting best practices in the profession
What is RICS Matrics?
- Supports new members entering the profession
- Works with RICS to grow the size and respect of the profession across industries globally
Can you give me an overview of RICS’ governance structure?
- Privy Council
- Awards Royal Charter
. - Governing Council
- RICS’ highest governing body
- Sets RICS’ global strategy & ensures it fulfils its Royal Charter obligations
.
3.1 Standards & Regulation Board
- Oversees entry into the profession
.
3.2 Management Board
- Directs RICS affairs
.
3.3 Audit Committee
- Monitors RICS’ financial reporting and risk management systems
.
& numerous other independently chaired committees
How does RICS ensure standards of professional conduct and practice are upheld?
RICS Rules of Conduct (2/2/22), which apply to all RICS members and firms
The RICS Rules of Conduct (effective 2/2/22) are based on RICS’ 5 professional and ethical standards. What are they?
S - Always provide a high standard of SERVICE
T - Act in a way that promotes TRUST in the profession
I - Act with INTEGRITY
I - Treat others with RESPECT
R- Take RESPONSIBILITY
Why were new rules introduced?
- More simple, concise and easy to understand. Single document replaces old Rules of Conduct for members and firms, plus global ethical principles
- Easier to apply to members and firms globally, across different cultures and legal systems
What are the RICS Rules of Conduct (effective 2/2/22)?
Members & firms must…
- be HONEST, act with INTEGRITY and comply with their professional obligations, including those to the RICS
- maintain professional COMPETENCE ensure services are provided by competent individuals with the necessary expertise
- provide GOOD-QUALITY and DILIGENT service
- treat others with REPSECT and encourage DIVERSITY and INCLUSION
- act in the PUBLIC INTEREST, take RESPONSIBILITY for their actions and maintain public CONFIDENCE in the profession
In the Rules of Conduct (effective 2/2/22), what are the professional obligations to RICS for members and firms under Appendix A?
RICS MEMBERS must:
- cooperate with RICS
- promptly provide all information reasonably requested by the Standards and Regulation Board, or those acting on its behalf
- comply with RICS CPD requirements
.
RICS-regulated FIRMS must:
- cooperate with RICS
- promptly provide all information reasonably requested by the Standards and Regulation Board, or those acting on its behalf
- publish a complaints-handling procedure, including an RICS-approved ADR provider and maintain a complaints log
- ensure all work is covered by RICS-approved PI cover
- make appropriate arrangements for work to continue should a sole practitioner become unable to work
- denote on their business literature that they are regulated by RICS
.
(- report to RICS any matter they are required to report under the Rules for the Registration of Firms)
Give 3 example behaviours that comply with Rule 1
- Be open and transparent with clients about their fees and services
- Not offering or accepting gifts, hospitality or services which could affect my impartiality
- Not allowing conflicts of interest to override my decisions
(- Respect confidential information)
(- Don’t take unfair advantage of others)
Give 3 example behaviours that comply with Rule 2
- Act within scope of competence
- Supervise employees undertaking delegated work and ensure they have the resources to do it COMPETENTLY
- Check subcontractors have the resources to do their work COMPETENTLY
(- Apply what was learned from past work to future work)
(- Develop knowledge throughout careers e.g. CPD activities)
(- Comply with evolving relevant legislation)
Give 3 example behaviours that comply with Rule 3
- Understand client’s needs and objectives before accepting work
- Complete work on-time with due diligence and in accordance with RICS technical standards
- Communicate clearly with clients in a way they can understand
(- Follow QA processes)
(- Agree scope of services, limitations and timescales)
Give 3 example behaviours that comply with Rule 4
- Treat others with respect and courtesy
- Work cooperatively with others
- Never discriminate against anyone for any reason
(- Check supply chains don’t involve workforce abuse e.g. modern slavery)
(- Firms develop an inclusive culture in their workplaces)
Give 3 example behaviours that comply with Rule 5
- Question practices and decisions I suspect are not right, and raise concerns with others where I believe in good faith it is necessary to do so
- Support those who have acted in good faith to report concerns
- Respond to complaints promptly, openly and professionally
(- Report significant breaches of the Rules of Conduct to RICS)
Can you explain how you promote trust in the profession?
- Always act in a trustworthy manner
- Consistently provide good quality and diligent service to clients
Are you aware of any RICS guidance on the use of social media? What does it say?
[Regulation] Use of social media: guidance for RICS members, 2021
- Essentially standards expected of members don’t change on social media
You attend a work social event and witness two junior colleagues acting in a way which could bring your firm into disgrace. What would you do in this situation?
- I’d speak with my colleagues immediately and take steps to prevent reputational damage
- I’d then address their actions formally in working hours
What are the various RICS professional standards and what is their status?
Professional statements (MUSTs) - mandatory requirements with details of interventions if these aren’t met
Guidance notes (SHOULDs) - non-mandatory requirements, recommendations of best practice
APC - requirements and guidelines for entry into the profession
Data standards - ensure technology and software can adopt RICS standards
Why does RICS publish guidance notes?
Do Chartered Surveyors have to follow them?
Guidance notes provide:
- recommendations on best practice in the profession
- advice to surveyors on how to complete certain tasks
Don’t have to follow them, but if a professional negligence claim is made against a member the courts will likely look at the relevant RICS guidance notes to determine whether the surveyor had acted with reasonable competence
What is the ‘Black Book’?
A suite of guidance notes published by the RICS that define good technical standards for quantity surveying
Why must you act within your professional capabilities/competence?
- To avoid providing negligent service to my clients which could lead to a complaint or claim of negligence
- To comply with Rule 3 of the RICS Rules of Conduct - to provide good quality and diligent service
What should an individual do to maintain a high ethical standard in their profession?
- Follow professional body guidance on ethical behaviour
- Help their company develop ethical ways of working
- Note any unethical behaviour by others and address this with them where appropriate
What should employers do to create an ethical environment?
- Include ethical standards in employee hiring and training
- Include ethical evaluations in performance development appraisals
- Promote CPD relating to ethics
What’s the difference between ethics and integrity?
- Ethics: moral principles that govern a person’s behaviour
- Integrity: the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles
What tools produced by RICS are available to help members make ethical decisions?
What sort of decision would you consult the tool about?
RICS ethics decision tree
Any ethical issue I may encounter as a professional
Are you aware of any rules associated with registering a Firm with RICS?
When is a Firm required to register for RICS regulation?
[Regulation] Rules for the registration of firms, 2022
3.1a) Firm provides surveying services to the public
3.1b) Firm operates in the UK
3.1c) At least 50% of the Firm’s Principals are RICS Members
In what circumstances are Firms eligible to register for RICS regulation? (under the Rules for the registration of firms, 2022)
4.1a) the Firm provides surveying services to the public AND EITHER,
4.1b) at least 25% of the Firm’s Principals are RICS Members OR,
4.2a) Head of Regulation is satisfied Firm will achieve this in a reasonable period of time OR,
4.2b) Head of Regulation is satisfied Firm is supervised by another RICS-registered Firm or Firms fulfilling 4.1 requirements
What is a locum?
- A professional who is appointed to ‘step in’ for a surveyor when they are unable to work, e.g. illness, holiday, sabbatical, death
- Typically another Chartered Surveyor, but can be a different trustworthy professional, e.g. an accountant
(required for a sole practitioner under RICS Rules of Conduct)
How does PII cover relate to locums?
Work undertaken by locums must be covered by PII, either through their own cover or the Firm’s PII policy