Ethics, Rules of Conduct and Professionalism Flashcards
What is the latest addition of the RICS Rules of Conduct and when did they become effective?
Rules of Conduct 2021
Effective from the 2nd February 2022.
Why did RICS update the new Rules of Conduct?
- A simpler structure, Rules of Conduct contained within a single document.
- Contains clear examples to illustrate to members how they are expected to comply with the rules.
- Greater focus on respect, diversity & inclusion
How is the new Rules of Conduct 2021 laid out?
- 5 Rules of Conduct for members and firms with example behaviours.
- Appendix A - Professional obligations for members and firms
What are the 5 Rules of Conduct for members and firms?
- Members and firms must be honest, act with integrity and comply with their professional obligations, including RICS.
- Members and firms must maintain their professional competence and ensure services are provided by competent individuals who have the necessary expertise.
- Members and firms must provide good-quality and diligent services.
- 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.
How can you ensure to meet Rule 1 of the Rules of Conduct?
Rule 1: “Members and firms must be honest, act with integrity and comply with their professional obligations, including to RICS”.
- Must not mislead others by actions or omissions
- Must not be influenced improperly by others (gifts, self interest etc.)
- Provide advice honestly, based on evidence.
- Protect confidential information
How can you ensure to meet Rule 2 of the Rules of Conduct?
Rule 2: “Members and firms must maintain their professional competence and ensure that services are provided by competent individuals who have the necessary expertise”.
- Only undertake work I have the necessary knowledge, skills and resource to carry out competently.
- Ensure contractors have the necessary knowledge, skills and resource
- Stay up to date with relevant legislation, codes of practice and technical standards.
- Reflect on work undertaken, apply lessons learnt to future work
How can you ensure to meet Rule 3 of the Rules of Conduct?
Rule 3: “Members and firms must provide a good-quality and diligent service”.
- Take time to fully understand clients needs and objectives.
- Agree scope of service, limitations and timescales.
- Undertake work in a timely manner.
- Communicate clearly
- Maintain proper records of work
- When giving advice, encourage solutions that are sustainable, economic, social & environmental
How can you ensure to meet Rule 4 of the Rules of Conduct?
Rule 4: “Members and firms must treat others with respect and encourage diversity and inclusion”.
- Respect the rights of others and be courteous.
- No discrimination, age, disability, gender, religion
- No bullying, victimisation or harassment
- Develop an inclusive culture in the workplace, support equality and opportunity for all.
How can you ensure to meet Rule 5 of the Rules of Conduct?
Rule 5: “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 practice and decisions, raise concerns with colleagues.
- Respond to complaints and have proper procedures in place.
- Manage finances responsibly.
- Take action where RICS rules may have been breached.
Where can you find professional obligations for members and firms?
Appendix A of the 2021 Rules of Conduct Practice statement
What are the professional obligations for members?
Obligation 1: members must comply with the CPD requirements set by RICS. A minimum of 20hours each year.
Obligation 2: members must cooperate. With RICS.
Obligation 3: members must promptly provide all information reasonably requested by the standards and regulations board, or those exercising delegated authority on its behalf.
What are the professional obligations for firms?
Obligation 1: firms must publish a complaints-handling procedure.
Obligation 2: firms must ensure all previous and current works are covered by professional indemnity cover.
Obligation 3: firms with a sole principal must make arrangements for their professional work to continue in the event of incapacity/inability to work.
Obligation 4: firms must cooperate with RICS.
Obligation 5: firms must promptly provide all information reasonably requested by the standards and regulation board.
Obligation 6: firms must display on their business literature, “in accordance with RICS” to denote they are regulated by RICS.
Obligation 7: firms must report to RICS any matter they are required to report under the Rules for Registration of firms.
Why do the RICS have Rules of Conduct?
To set a standard and framework members can work to. This enables the client to know they are getting a set level of service.
You find out a colleague is working outside the Rules of Conduct. What do you do?
Initially, verify the facts then confront them or senior colleague to remind them of their duties as a member of RICS.
Inform RICS specifying relationship to the person in breach of the rules any corrective actions committed to be put in place.
