Ethics, Rules of Conduct and Professionalism (L3) Flashcards
How does RICS ensure standards of professional conduct and practice are upheld?
RICS has Rules of Conduct (effective 2nd Feb 2022)
Rules of Conduct apply to all members (as per Bye-Law 5.1) and firms regulated by RICS
Rules of Conduct are based on ethical principles of honesty, integrity, competence, service, respect and responsibility.
Please list the Rules of Conduct
1 - M+F must be honest, act with integrity and comply with their prof obligations
2. M+F must maintain their professional competence and ensure that services are provided by competent individuals who have the necessary expertise.
3. M+F must provide good quality & diligent service.
4. M+F must treat others with respect and encourage D&I.
5. M+F must act in the public interest, take responsibility for their actions and act to prevent harm and maintain public confidence in the profession.
Example of behaviours to comply with Rule 1 (M+F must act with integrity)?
- M+F do not mislead others by your actions or omissions
- Firms have effective processes to identify actual and potential conflicts of interest
- M+F are open and transparent with clients about their fees and services
- M+F do not take unfair advantage of others
Example of behaviours to comply with Rule 2 (M+F must maintain prof competence)
- M+F only undertake work within their given level of competence
- M+F supervise employees undertaking work for them to ensure competence.
- Members must maintain their knowledge and skill level via CPD
Example of behaviours to comply with Rule 3 (M+F must provide quality diligent service)
- M+F understand client’ needs and objectives before accepting any prof work
- Firms have effective quality assurance processes for their work
- M+F communicate with clients clearly in a way they can understand
Example of behaviours to comply with Rule 4 (M+F must treat others with respect)
- M+F respect the rights of others and treat others with courtesy
- M+F do not bully, victimise or harass anyone
- Firms check that supply chains do not involve modern slavery
Example of behaviours to comply with Rule 5 (M+F must act in the public interest)
- M+F respond to complaints made against them promptly, openly and professionally.
- M+F manage their professional finances responsibly
Can you list the professional obligations for members within Rules of Conduct - Appendix A
- Members must comply with the CPD requirements set by RICS
- Members must cooperate with RICS
- Members must promptly provide all info reasonably requested by the Standards and Regulation Board, or those exercising delegated authority on its behalf.
Can you list the professional obligations for firms within Rules of Conduct - Appendix A
- Must publish a complaints handling procedure
- Firms must ensure that all previous and current professional work is covered by PI
- Firms with a sole principal must make arrangements for a locum
- Firms must cooperate with RICS
Are you aware of any RICS Regulation on the use of social media accounts?
Use of social media: guidance for RICS members. Version 1.
The overarching principle is: Standards expected of members do not change because they are communicating through social media rather than face-to-face or other traditional media
If you attended a work social event and witnessed junior colleagues acting in a way which could bring your firm into disgrace, what would you do?
I would speak with them immediately and take steps to prevent reputational damage or embarrassment. I would then address their actions formally in working hours.
Why does RICS publish guidance notes and do Chartered Surveyors have to follow them?
If a surveyor faces a professional negligence claim or RICS regulatory or disciplinary proceedings, they will need to evidence that they acted with reasonable competence. This can be achieved through complying with the guidance notes.
What is the ‘Black Book’?
A collection of technical practice documents which covers all processes throughout the construction project lifecycle.
Are you aware of any regulation associated with the use of the RICS logo?
Yes, Rules exist for the use of the RICS logo and designation by firms.
Guidelines exist for the personal use of the RICS logo by RICS professionals.
RICS have introduced two definitions for professional guidance, what are they called?
Professional Standards and Practice Information
Professional Standards set mandatory requirements for RICS members
Practice Information provides supplementary non mandatory guidance
Can you explain how you act with integrity?
By being trustworthy in all that I do
By being open and transparent in the way in which i work
By respecting confidential information
By not accepting gifts, hospitality or services which may suggest improper obligation
Why must you act within your professional competence?
To ensure I do not advise my client / employer incorrectly which could lead to a claim of negligence or complaint
Can you explain how you take responsibility?
Be accountable for all of my actions
Always act with skill, care and diligence
Ensure an appropriate complaints handling procedure is in place
I am prepared to respectfully challenge matters which are not right
How do you provide a high standard of service?
Always acting and advising within my scope of competence
Ensure my client or employer receive the best possible advice and support
Can you explain how you promote trust in the profession?
By acting in a trustworthy manner in my professional and private life
Fulfilling my professional obligations
Understand how my actions will impact others and the environment
How do you maintain a high ethical standard?
Maintain CPD appropriate to my area of work
Follow advice given by professional bodies on ethical behaviour
Address any unethical behavior by others as and when appropriate
What can employers do to create an ethical environment for staff?
Establish confidential procedures for ‘whistlebowing’
Promote CPD in the relevant area
Encourage staff to progress their APC and become chartered with RICS
Ensure adequate training exists regarding ethical standards
What is the difference between ethics and integrity?
Integrity is the internal quality of being honest, having strong moral principles and doing the right thing. Our personal code that governs how we behave.
Ethics is more external, and applies to an organisation’s rules, regulations and organisational code of conduct that have been established.
Are you aware of any tools produced by the RICS to help members make ethical decisions?
RICS have produced an ethics decision tree which can be used to consider different situations.
Are you aware of any rules associated with registering a firm with RICS?
Rules for the registration of firms.
A firm is required to register for regulation if:
1) The firm provides surveying services to the public
2) The firm operates under regulated are A (United Kingdom)
3) At least 50% of the firms Principal’s are RICS members
A firm is eligible to register for regulation if:
1) the firm provides surveying practices to the public
2) at least 25% of the firms Principals are RICS members
What is a locum?
A firm which has a sole principal must have in place appropriate arrangements in the event of that sole principal’s death or incapacity. A locum is another professional who is appointed to ‘stand in’ for the surveyor who is unable to work.
Who can be a locum?
A trustworthy professional, typically another Chartered Surveyor.
How does Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII) cover relate to locums?
Locums need to be covered for any work undertaken whilst the sole practitioner is unavailable.
Can you accept a gift from your client or contractor?
I would not accept gifts, hospitality or services which might suggest an improper obligation.
The key is to consult the ethics decision tree and make an informed decision.
