Hot Topics Flashcards
What is the RICS guidance on Social Media?
- RICS Guidance Note ‘Use of Social Media: Guidance for Members Version 1’ took affect from 2021
- Sets out rules in the Rules of Conduct and how these don’t change when using social media
How do you operate in accordance with Use of Social Media Guidance Note?
- Use social media in a responsible and professional manner
- Use professional and respectful language
When would the RICS investigate a social media post by one of its members?
- If it is discriminatory
- Dishonest
- Abusive or threatening
- Likely to cause significant harm, distress or offence
What does RAAC concrete stand for?
Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete
When was RAAC concrete commonly used?
Between the 1950s and 1990s in schools, hospitals etc
What are the properties of RAAC concrete?
- Used to form panels or planks
- Has no aggregate like concrete
- Normally used in flat roofs, wall panels or floor panels
What are the concerns with RAAC concrete?
It has recently been linked to structural failure due to damage due to water ingress, corrosion of reinforcement, excessive thermal degradation and poor original installation
How do you identify RAAC concrete?
Light grey or white panels, smooth on underside, inside of planks appear bubbly
What is the RICS Inclusive Employer Quality Mark?
- RICS launching this scheme to improve diversity and inclusion in construction and property sector
- Requires employers to pledge their commitment to adopting and continually improving against the following 6 principles: leadership and vision, recruitment, staff development, staff retention, staff engagement and continuous improvement
- Firms must assess against the criteria on a biannual basis
What are the benefits of diversity and inclusion?
- Attract skilled professionals from diverse backgrounds
- Sense of belonging
- More connected
- Increases productivity
- Reduces staff turnover
- Allows employees to feel valued and accepted
What is the RICS doing to improve diversity and inclusion?
- Set up diversity and inclusion panel
- Includes initiatives such as International Womens Day, Pride etc
What are the pros and cons of Hybrid working?
Pros
- Less distraction
- More productivity
- Less cost and time spent on travel and food
- Encourages work life balance and flexibility
- Savings on office space
Cons
- Loss of social connection
- Reduced collaboration
- Risk of burn out / hard to switch off
- Less recognition
- Productivity depends on quality of work space
What was the Birchard Review?
- Commissioned by RICS in 2021 into purpose, strategy and governance of the RICS
- Followed on from Levitt review
- Advised on recommendations such as: introduction of diversity and inclusion panel, improvement of technology, commercial activity separated from other activities, RICS Matrics should give young members a voice by putting them on Governing Council
How do you define Professional Standards vs Practice Information?
- Professional standards set out requirements and expectations with a focus on baseline expectations in terms of competence and ethical behaviour.
- Practice information sets out supporting guidance in delivery specific services or working in specific areas of practice, guidance is not mandatory.
What is the guidance around the use of the RICS logo?
- Guidelines split into Rules of Conduct for Firms and individuals
- Contain info regarding correct usage approved by Standards and Regulation Board
- As a qualified member you have the right to use logo for personal use i.e., email signature, business cards etc
- Font and colour must not be adjusted, minimum clearance equivalent to the size of the R in RICS
What is IPMS?
- International Property Management Standards
- Coalition of 80 global professional organisations
- Various versions - IPMS office, IPMS residential, IPMS retail
- IPMS All Buildings introduced in Jan 2023, superseding all previous versions
Why was IPMS recently updated?
- Shorter and more concise format
- Definitions deliberately unique to prevent confusion amongst existing standards
- Organised into 4 volumes
- Thought to encourage adoption of the simplified version of the standard
What is the RICS Futures Report?
- Launched in 2015
- Highlighted key trends such as urbanisation, disruption of big data and climate crisis as key challenges to property and construction industries
- 2020 report findings included:
- Construction industry produces a huge amount of data, 95% of which is wasted. RICS set up innovation and technology hub to provide expertise on how data can be put to good use.
- Rapid urbanisation in China
- Rapid increase in use of drones - compliance issues