Ethics, Rules of Conduct & Professionalism Level 2 Flashcards
Why do you believe it is important for the RICS to have Rules of Conduct?
- to ensure consistency of service / approach, therefore maintaining professional standards
- to help members act in a professional capacity & to delivery a robust, ethical & proper service
- they maintain & promote the usefulness of the profession for public advantage
Can you explain how you act with integrity?
- I am trustworthy in all that I do
- I am open & transparent in the way that I work
- I respect confidential information
- I do not take advantage
- I do not allow bias, conflicts of interest or the undue influence of others to override my decisions
- I do not offer or accept gifts, hospitality or services which might suggest improper obligation
Can you explain how you take responsibility?
- I am accountable for all of my actions
- I always ensure I act with skill, care & due diligence
- I would ensure the appropriate complaints handling procedure is followed in the event that somebody makes a complaint about me
- If I think something is not right, I am prepared to respectfully challenge & raise the matter with my colleagues
Why do you ensure you act within your professional capabilities?
To ensure I do not advise my clients incorrectly which could lead to a complaint or claim of negligence
Can you explain how you treat others with respect?
- I always treat everyone with courtesy and politeness
- I am always polite to clients, potential clients & everyone else
- I never discriminate against anyone for any reason
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
- I act within my scope of competence
- I am transparent about fees
- I communicate with my client in a way that will allow them to make informed decisions
Can you explain how you promote trust in the profession?
- I understand how my actions will affect others & the environment
- I fulfil my obligations
- I always try to meet the spirit of my professional standards and not just the letter of the standard
- I act in a trustworthy manner in both my professional & private life
Can you explain what you do to maintain a high ethical standard in your profession?
- Keep my own actions under review, inside & outside of work
- Maintain a level of knowledge & training appropriate to my area of work (laws, regulations, etc)
- Maintain my CPD
- Follow advice given by professional bodies on ethical behaviour
- I am prepared to note any unethical behaviour & address where appropriate
Why do you think it’s important to act with integrity?
- I am representing both myself & the profession, so I want others to view me in the best light possible
- Also, acting with integrity is one of the 5 ethical standards
What sort of professional development have you done during your training period?
- In-house training courses
- RICS Online Academy training
- Personal reading of relevant articles
- seminars and lectures
- Podcasts relating to my field of practice
How will you go about selecting CPD subjects over the next 12 months?
- Consider weak & limited areas of my knowledge
- Consider ‘hot topics’ that may be relevant for the next 12-18 months
- Consider future projects and/or project requirements
How do you keep up to date with topical issues?
- RICS website & journals
- Discussions with colleagues
- I regularly read construction related news
Do you accept gifts from clients or contractors?
- I do no accept gifts, hospitality or services which might suggest an improper obligation
- However, gives & hospitality can be accepted in some circumstances
- They key is to consult the ethics decision tree & make an informed decision
What do you consider when assessing if a gift is appropriate?
- What is the value
- Has it been offered at an appropriate time? Is it given just before tender award, for example
- Is is proportionate to the working relationship?
- Will the gift effect my ability to act impartially?
- Who is the gift or hospitality being given to? Is it just one person or a range of people from different organisations?
- Is it in line with the RICS ethical standards?
What action would you take if a conflict of interest arose?
I would disclose this to my client in writing, detailing the possibility & nature of the conflict. I would advise my client in writing that I cannot continue to represent unless:
- parties feel they can act 100% impartially
- the client finds it acceptable & gives informed consent
