Ethics, rules of conduct and professionalism Flashcards
What are the RICS Rules of Conduct, and how do you ensure compliance in your professional activities?
The RICS Rules of Conduct set standards for professional behavior, including integrity, transparency, and accountability. I ensure compliance by adhering to these rules in all my professional activities, maintaining high ethical standards in my work.
How does AECOM’s ethics and compliance program support your professional conduct?
AECOM’s ethics and compliance program includes annual training on anti-bribery, corruption, and ethics. This training helps me stay informed about ethical practices and reinforces my commitment to ethical conduct in my professional activities.
How do you handle complaints, and how does AECOM’s process align with RICS procedures?
I follow AECOM’s complaints handling process, which is structured to address issues promptly and fairly, aligning with RICS procedures. This ensures that any concerns are managed effectively and in line with industry standards.
What are the benefits of Continuous Professional Development (CPD)?
CPD helps maintain and enhance professional skills and knowledge, ensuring I stay current with industry practices and standards. This continuous learning supports my professional growth and enhances the quality of my work.
How do you ensure integrity and professionalism in your work?
I act with integrity by safeguarding confidential information and avoiding biases or conflicts of interest. For example, I visit sites to assess valuations and variations accurately, adhere to quality assurance procedures aligned with ISO 9001, and refuse gifts or hospitality to avoid conflicts of interest.
Can you provide an example of how you maintain professional boundaries and provide impartial advice?
During the contract document preparation for 1 Triton Square, I advised the client to seek legal expertise for drafting a clause, as I am not a legal advisor. Similarly, I directed contractor inquiries through the formal process to maintain confidentiality and fairness. I also ensure clarity on the scope of services, such as informing clients when a task is beyond the agreed scope and would incur additional fees.
Can you explain the five ethical standards expected of RICS members and why they are crucial for maintaining trust and integrity?
The five ethical standards—Integrity, Honesty, Competence, Service, and Accountability—are crucial for maintaining trust, credibility, and professionalism. They ensure that members act with integrity, uphold high standards, and protect the public interest.
How do you ensure that your actions align with these ethical standards in your daily work?
I regularly reflect on my decisions, seek feedback, and ensure transparency in my actions. I prioritize ethical considerations in all aspects of my work to align with RICS standards.
Can you provide an example where adhering to these ethical standards had a significant impact on a project or client relationship?
Adhering to these standards, particularly in a high-stakes project, led to a strong client relationship and successful project delivery by maintaining transparency and trust.
What steps do you take if you notice a colleague or team member not adhering to these standards?
If I notice a colleague not adhering to these standards, I address it directly by discussing the issue and, if necessary, escalating it to management to ensure compliance and integrity.
Can you discuss a time when you had to make a decision based on these rules of conduct?
The RICS rules of conduct guide my professional activities by providing a framework for ethical behavior, decision-making, and maintaining professional standards in all my work.
How do the RICS rules of conduct for members and firms guide your professional activities?
I once had to refer to the rules to resolve a conflict of interest, ensuring that the decision upheld ethical standards and maintained the firm’s integrity.
How do you stay updated on any changes or updates to the RICS rules of conduct?
I stay updated through regular training, attending RICS webinars, and reviewing updates from RICS publications to ensure compliance with the latest standards.
What challenges have you faced in adhering to these rules, and how did you overcome them?
Challenges include navigating complex ethical dilemmas, but I overcome them by consulting with peers, seeking advice from RICS, and adhering strictly to the rules.
Can you elaborate on the ethics and compliance training you undergo at AECOM, particularly in relation to anti-bribery and corruption?
The training, particularly on anti-bribery and corruption, is comprehensive and reinforces the importance of ethical behavior in all aspects of project management and client interactions.
How does this training influence your approach to project management and client interactions?
This training has made me more vigilant in identifying and mitigating risks related to unethical practices, ensuring that projects are managed with the highest integrity.
Have you ever encountered a situation where your training in anti-bribery and corruption was directly applicable? How did you handle it?
I encountered a situation where a client offered an incentive to expedite work. I adhered to anti-bribery training by politely declining and reinforcing the importance of following proper procedures.
What do you believe are the most important aspects of ethics and compliance training for maintaining professionalism?
The most important aspects are understanding legal requirements, recognizing ethical dilemmas, and knowing how to respond to ensure professionalism and compliance.
How do you handle complaints according to AECOM’s complaints handling procedure?
Complaints are handled by following AECOM’s structured procedure, which involves listening to the client, investigating the issue, and providing a transparent and timely resolution.
How do you ensure that you safeguard confidential information and avoid conflicts of interest in your work?
I addressed a client’s complaint about project delays by thoroughly investigating the cause, communicating the findings transparently, and implementing corrective actions to regain client trust.
What recent CPD activities have you undertaken that have significantly impacted your understanding of ethics and professionalism?
CPD enhances my skills, keeps me updated on industry trends, and improves my professional conduct, ensuring I remain competent and effective in my role.
Can you provide an example of a situation where you had to address a client complaint, and how you resolved it?
CPD enhances my skills, keeps me updated on industry trends, and improves my professional conduct, ensuring I remain competent and effective in my role.
How does participating in Continuous Professional Development (CPD) benefit your career and enhance your professional conduct?
A recent CPD activity on risk management significantly improved my understanding of how to anticipate and mitigate project risks, enhancing my professionalism.