Experience Questions

Question 1

Why is it important for members and firms to follow the ethical standards and rules of conduct?

Answer 1

• Protects clients and consumers
• Demonstrates professionalism
• Consistency
• Underpins the entire legitimacy and integrity of the profession

Question 2

What is the purpose of the RICS?

Answer 2

• Maintain the develop the highest professional and educational qualifications and standards
• Regulate and promote the surveying profession
• Protect clients and consumers via a strict code of ethics and conduct
• Provide advice, guidance and be a stakeholder for positive change in the spheres of land, property and construction

Question 3

What is in the Ethical Decision Tree

Answer 3

• Assist in making an ethical decision
• Asks targeted questions about your potential action
• Is it legal?
• Do you have all the facts?
• How does it sit within the context of the ethical standards?
• Would you be happy for your actions to be made public

Question 4

What is your companies anti-bribery policy?

Answer 4

• Undertake ABC training and sign declaration
• Exercise professional judgement
• Record all hospitality
• Raise concerns confidentially
• Whistleblowing

Question 5

Explain the elements of the Bribery Act 2010?

Answer 5

• 4 offences - Bribe, be bribed, bribe foreign official, and corporate offence to prevent bribery.
• Sentences - Unlimited fine, 10 years prison
• Principles of adequate defence and duties:

DTMCPR

• Due diligence
• Top level commitment
• Monitor and review
• Communication
• Proportionality
• Risk assessment

Question 6

Can you explain when you’ve had a contentious compensation event?

Answer 6

• When Hitachi used VFL’s stretcher bar
• C.E. because the Employer carried out works on site not stated in the Works Information
• Hitachi didn’t like it because previously VFL took ages to get the kit in place.

Question 7

Why did you reference the HASAW and CDM regs to the Client when refusing to do what they asked?

Answer 7

• Because HASAW is they key UK legislation and it’s a key employer’s duty to protect the health, safety and welfare of their employees in the course of their works.
• CDM because I was saying that the PC/PD were legally responsible for planning and managing H&S in construction phase - they’re doing their job by refusing it.

Question 8

How did you exercise your Stop Work Authority?

Answer 8

• My company mandated they have the ability to do this especially in Rail - was captured in the PSC and rigorously defended by my company. Agreed by Client/Employer.
• WI contained provision for three safety stand down days to be exercised if both parties agreed. Not a CE.

Question 9

What do you mean by specifying levels of insurance?

Answer 9

• Setting a liability cap.

Question 10

Can you give an example where you have negotiated a compensation event?

Answer 10

• Cable tray at Eurostar.
• Adopted a win/win approach because I saw myself on site that the extra tray didn’t require any more people, but contractor got cost for additional handling costs.

Question 11

What other types of negotiation are there?

Answer 11

• Distributive - Divide Up
• Competitive - Win/Lose
• Integrative - Win/Win
• Avoid

Question 12

Can you tell me some contents of Approved Document M?

Answer 12

• Wall mounted sockets within reach
• Ramp gradients are 1:12 over 5m or 1:15 over 10m
• Lifts should be 400kg minimum

Question 13

Can you name some of the BREEAM scoring criteria?

Answer 13

• Water
• Land use and ecology
• Waste
• Innovation
• Pollution
• Energy
• Health and wellbeing
• Transport
• Materials
• Management