Ethics, rules of conduct and professionalism (lvl 1) Flashcards
Why do you want to become a member of RICS?
RSMNK
1. Recognition
2. Status
3. Market Advantage
4. Network
5. Knowledge
What is the role of RICS?
- Education and training standards
- Protect consumers through regulations and standards.
- Leading source of information and advice for the sector.
What is a Royal Charter?
Method of incorporation of the RICS granted by the Queens Privy Council and highlights the requirement for the RICS to act into the public interest.
Who is the current RICS president?
Tina Paillet
(Justin Sullivan - President Elect)
What do you understand by the term self-regulation?
Can you tell me what you understand by the principles of better regulation?
What is a Byelaw? (+ Example)
Laws approved by the members and made under the Royal Charter to allow the RICS to self regulate.
Bye law 3 = designations (MRICS & FRICS)
Explain to me the new RICS Rules of Conduct - what do they replace? When do they take effect? Who do they relate to?
What are the 5 Rules?
- 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.
What are the core professional obligations of firms and members to RICS?
- Publish CHP and maintain a complaints log
- Ensure all work is covered by adequate PII cover
- If a sole principal = make appropriate arrangements for professional work to continue in the event of their inability to work.
- Cooperate with RICS
- Display ‘regulated by RICS’ on business literature
What disciplinary procedures can the RICS impose? In what circumstances can these be imposed?
- Action by Head of Regulation
- Disciplinary Panel (where the head has referred a matter)
- Appeal Panel
On more serious breaches of conduct.
Regulatory Compliance Order
Unlimited fine per breach
Conditions on future RICS registration
Expulsion
Publication of results in Modus/website/newspaper
When did RICS last update their disciplinary panel rules? What are the different levels of action within these procedures?
What do you understand by the term professional practice?
What money laundering regulations or legislation are you aware of?
Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing, and Transfer of Funds Regulations (2019)
It covers estate agency.
What is a red flag of money laundering?
- Unwillingness to provide documents
- Unusual patterns of transaction i.e. undue urgency, potential loss-making
- Changing currencies/ unusual currency
- Changes to parties involved
What bribery legislation are you aware of?
Bribery Act 2010
What is a bribe?
The giving or receiving of an advantage such as payment for an action - which is illegal.
What are the penalties for accepting a bribe?
Maximum 10 years in prison and /or unlimited fine.
What are the penalties for being involved in money laundering?
Assisting with ML = MAX 14 YEARS imprisonment and/or unlimited fine
Tipping off someone if you know they are under investigation = MAX 5 YEARS imprisonment and/or unlimited fine
What constitutes an offence under the Bribery Act 2010?
- Bribing
- Receiving a bribe
- Bribing a foreign public official
- Failure to prevent bribery
What constitutes an offence under the current money laundering regulations?
How long should you keep anti money laundering records for?
5 years
What is Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII)?
Insurance to protect clients, surveyors and third parties against negligence claims for damages after a Duty of Care is breached.
Can you tell me about the RICS requirements in relation to PII?
Must be made on an each and every claim basis;
Sets out the minimum levels of indemnity required;
Sets out maximum levels of uninsured excess;
Sets out run-off cover requirements
What is a PII aggregation clause?
Clause in a PI policy that allows or requires a number of similar or linked claims to be treated as a single claim.
What does ‘claims made’ mean in terms of PII
This means that the policy covers claims that are first made against the insured during the period of insurance regardless of when the negligent act occurred.
Is a PII excess usually paid for per claim?
In a negligence claim, what would help to show that you acted with consideration and due process?
Good record keeping/file notes
If you were providing services outside of your usual scope to a client, what might you need to do in relation to your PII cover?
What is run off cover?
Cover required following cessation of trading. It is split for consumer & commercial claims.
What RICS requirements are there relating to run off cover?
For consumer claims = min £1,000,000 of aggregate cover for min of 6 years.
For commercial claims = firm must consider what is adequate for min 6 years.
What changes did RICS recently make to the Minimum Approved PII Wording?
A
In-line with the RICS “Professional Indemnity Insurance Requirements” April 2022 they are based on firm preceding years turnover as follows:
Less than £100k = £250k min
£100,001 to £200k = £500k min
> £200,001 = £1,000,000
What precedent has caselaw set in terms of keeping adequate site notes (and therefore providing a defence in a PII claim)? Would a dictated report avoid the need to have any written site notes?
Explain PII requirements relating to fire safety cover and cyber cover.
How long can a PII claim arise after the work is undertaken?
PII claims can be made up to 15 years after work was undertaken.
What is the Assigned Risks Pool (ARP)?
PII for members not able to arrange cover.
Explain your understanding of the RICS Guidance Note Risk, Liability and Insurance (1st Edition).
Explain when you might agree a liability cap.
How would set out third party reliance in Terms of Engagement?
What are the three key terms that should be considered from a risk perspective in the context of every instruction you undertake?
What is an annual return?
Tell me what you understand about Complaints Handling Procedures (CHP).
When and how can the RICS be involved in a complaint about a firm or member?
Can you tell me about the CPD requirements for members of RICS?
(Once chartered)
20 hours minimum.
50% formal.
Ethics CPD every 3 years
Why is CPD important?
To continually update skills and knowledge in order to remain professionally competent.
Tell me about the RICS’ guidance on dealing with Conflicts of Interest.
Conflicts of interest - Global, 2018. Reissued 2023 as a professional standard
What is double dipping (dual agency)?
When an agent has a relationship with both the seller & buyer at the same time. MUST NOT HAPPEN!
Why is double dipping (dual agency) an unacceptable practice?
Conflict of interest
How would you close down a regulated firm?
- Inform RICS
- Inform Clients
- Return any money held
- Inform PI insurers
- Get PII run-off cover for a minimum of 6 years with minimum of £1,000,000 aggregate cover
- Retain files for a minimum of 6 years
What can you tell me about RICS guidance relating to bribery, corruption or money laundering? What status does it hold? What are some of the key principles of this guidance? What must/should firms/members do to comply with the guidance?
What are the current RICS rules for registration of firms?
When did these last change?
What were the key changes?
RICS ‘Rules for Registration of Firms’ (2022)
Registering for regulation is to ensure a quality benchmark for all firms.
- if no RICS members = cannot register.
- 25% of principles are RICS members = it can apply to be regulated.
- 50% of principles are RICS members = has to be regulated.
Each firm also has to nominate a ‘Responsible Principal’ to ensure all systems are in place to comply with RICS requirements.
Who is a ‘qualified member’ of RICS?
A qualified member of RICS is a Chartered Surveyor, who is a professional member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)