Ethics, Rules of Conduct & Professionalism Flashcards
When was the RICS founded?
1868
How many members does the RICS have?
Over 140,000
What are the four levels of membership?
FRICS, MRICS, AssocRICS and Trainee / Student.
What do you need to do to become a fellow?
- Evidence of achievement of four fellowship characteristics, which include five or more years at MRICS, a leadership role, professional / technical achievement, academic achievement or raising the profile of the RICS.
- A portfolio of professional achievement to support the application is required to include within your CPD record.
How many members does the current governing council have?
Over 20 members
How many specialist groups are there within the RICS?
17
Who is the current CEO?
Justin Young
Who is the current president?
Tina Paillet
What is the role of the RICS?
To promote and enforce the highest professional qualifications and standards in the development of land, construction, real and infrastructure.
Who are the RICS accountable to?
Members and the public
What are the three main roles of the RICS?
- To maintain the highest standards of education and training.
- To protect consumers through strict regulation of professional standards.
- To be the leading source of information and independent advice on land, property, construction and associated environmental issues.
What was the Bichard Review?
Consultation with members and external stakeholders recommended a quick and phased approach to the adoption of clear responsibilities for governance by key individuals.
Has the RICS adopted all of the Bichard recommendations?
Yes - the changes are on-going
What is the aim of the Bichard Review?
To deliver a member-led public interest focussed RICS with 5 key themes of governance, strategy, people, culture and values of member service.
What was the outcome of the recent council elections that took place in April 2023?
Members are now elected to better reflect the geographical location and disciplines.
What new chairs have the RICS adopted after the April elections?
RICS has recruited diversity, equity, and inclusion & sustainability panel chairs to lead priority issued as part of the new structure.
How many recommendations did the Bichard Review make?
36 in 7 key areas
What 5 future foundations in November 2023 did the Bichard review publish?
Vision – A natural and built environment that is sustainable, resilient and inclusive for all.
Mission – Inspire members, advance knowledge, and uphold standards.
Strategic goals – Lead and influence on sustainability, attract a diverse next generation, strengthen trust in the profession and enhance member value and engagement.
Values – professional, collaborative, inclusive and ambitious.
A world class organisation
What are the 5 benefits of being a RICS member?
Status
Recognition
Market Advantage
Knowledge
Network
Can a firm register to the RICS if they do not have a member?
No
What practices can join the RICS?
Corporate body, a partnership, sole practitioner or a LLP.
What must registered firms do annually to the RICS?
Firms must annually make a return to the RICS confirming their compliance with their obligations.
When did the new rules of conduct become effective?
2nd February 2022
What information is required by the RICS for registration?
- Type of business and staffing details
- Name of the responsible principal
- Statutory regulated activities – such as for financial services
- Nature of clients
- Complaints handling procedure details and records
- Professional indemnity insurance details
- Whether the firm hold clients’ money
What are the 5 rules of conduct?
- Members and firms must be honest, act with integrity and comply with their personal obligations, including obligations to the 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 services
- 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 must RICS members do?
- Comply with the CPD requirements set by the RICS
- Cooperate with RICS
- Promptly provide all information reasonably requested by the standards and regulation board, or those exercising delegated authority on its behalf.
What must RICS regulated firms do?
- Publish a complaints-handling procedure, which includes an alternative dispute resolution provider approved by RICS, and maintain a complaints log.
- Ensure that all previous and current professional work is covered by adequate and appropriate professional indemnity cover
- If having a sole principal, make appropriate arrangements for their professional indemnity cover that meets the standards approved by RICS.
- Cooperate with RICS
- Promptly provide all information reasonably requested by the standards.
- Display on their business literature, in accordance with RICS published policy on designations.
- Report to RICS any matter that they are required to report under the rules for the registration of firms.
What does the RICS decision tree do?
The decision tree provides a framework of questions which members should ask themselves which members should ask themselves when facing a situation in which they are asked to act in a potentially unethical issues manner or situation.
What are the three levels of disciplinary action?
- Action by head of regulation
- Disciplinary panel (drawn from the independent regulatory tribunal)
- Appeal panel
What four actions can follow if the head of regulation consider that disciplinary action is required?
- Serve a fixed penalty notice
- Make a regulatory compliance order
- Refer the matter to a single member of the regulatory tribunal for consideration
- Refer the matter directly to a disciplinary panel.
What is a fixed penalty?
Procedure used for breaches of the rules relating to the supply of information to the RICS by firms and members. These may consist of a fine and / or a caution.
What is a regulatory compliance order?
It is a written document which states the terms upon which the member or firm must take or desist from taking certain actions in a specified time period, and an agreement to pay a fine
What might someone commit to receive a regulatory compliance order?
A regulatory compliance order may cover issues such as non-compliance with RICS rules, including failure to undertake appropriate CPD.
What penalties may come from attending a disciplinary panel?
o Issue a regulatory compliance order
o Reprimand
o Impose an unlimited amount of fine per breach but it must be proportionate to the offence
o Impose conditions upon future continued RICS registration
o Expulsion from membership or remove a firm
o Require publication if the results of the hearing in the RICS modus magazine, on the RICS website and in the local newspaper where the firm or member is based.