Ethics, Rules of Conduct and Professionalism Flashcards
How does RICS ensure standards of professional conduct and practice are upheld?
- RICS has Rules of Conduct that apply to all members and firms regulated by RICS. The Rules of Conduct are based on ethical principles of honesty, integrity, competence, service, respect and responsibility.
Are you aware of any RICS guidance on the use of social media accounts?
Use of Social Media: Guidance for RICS Members (Version 1- Effective from 30th June 2021).
The overarching principle is - Standards expected of members do not change because they are communicating through social media rather than face-to-face.
What are the various standards and their status?
Professional Statements: These contain ‘musts’ - Mandatory Requirements, along with details of regulatory interventions if these requirements are not met
Guidance notes: These contain ‘shoulds’ - Non-mandatory Requirements, but recommendations on best practice.
Data Standards: These ensure software programmes and technology can adopt RICS standards into their offering.
What is the Black Book?
The ‘Black Book’ is a suite of guidance notes that define good technical standards for quantity surveying and construction professionals. For example ‘Accounting Principles and Procedures’.
Can you explain how you act with integrity?
- Being trustworthy in all that I do
- Being open and transparent in the way I work
- Respecting confidential information
- Not taking advantage
- Not allowing bias or conflict of interest
- Not offering or accepting fits that must suggest improper obligation
Why must you act within your professional capabilities / competence?
To ensure I do not advise my clients incorrectly which could lead to a complaint or claim of negligence
Can you explain how you take responsibility?
- Be accountable for all my actions
- Always act with skill, care and diligence
- Ensure an appropriate complaint handling procedure is in plane in the event someone makes a complaint about me
- If I think something isn’t right, I am prepared to respectfully challenge and raise the matter with colleagues
Can you explain how you treat others with respect?
- I treat everyone with courtesy and politeness
- I am always polite and considerate to clients, potential clients and everyone else
- I never discriminate against anyone
Can you explain how you provide a high standard of service?
- I always ensure my client or others to whom I have a professional responsibility, receive the best possible advice and support
- Acting within my scope of competence
- Being transparent about fees and costs
- Communicating effectively to all Clients to make an informed decision
What is the difference between ethics and integrity?
- Ethics are moral principles that govern a person’s behaviour or the conducting of an activity.
- Integrity is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles and values.
Are you aware of any rules associated with registering a firm with RICS?
Rules for the registration of firms - Version 8 with effect from 2 February 2022.
What is a locum?
A firm which has a sole principle must have another appropriate arrangements in place in the event the sole principle dies. A locum is another professional who is appointed to ‘stand in’ for the sole principle.
What is a Conflict of Interest?
A Conflict of Interest arises in a situation where there may be an actual, perceived or potential risk that the professional judgement of an RICS-regulated firm or member will be compromised when undertaking an assignment.
Has RICS published any information on Conflicts of Interests?
Conflict of Interest, 1st Edition, March 2017 (Professional Statement)
What is a Party Conflict?
A situation in which the duty of an RICS member or firm acts in the interests of a client or other party which conflicts with a duty owed to another client or party in relation to the same or related professional assignment.
