Hot Topics Flashcards
Are you aware of any guidance that applies to RICS Members when using social media?
- RICS introduced the Regulation Document – Use of Social Media – Guidance for Members 2021.
- Same standards as stipulated in the RICS Rules of Conduct
- Among other things, members must not be discriminatory or dishonest in social media.
Please explain your understanding of the RICS Inclusive Employer Quality Mark?
- Designed to improve diversity and inclusion within the business
- Requires employers to improve against six principles:
o Leadership and vision
o Recruitment
o Staff development
o Staff retention
o Staff engagement
o Continuous improvement
Please explain your understanding of the Birchard Review?
- Independent review commissioned by the RICS governing board in 2021 into the purpose, governance and strategy of the RICS.
- Commissioned following the Levitt Review and aimed to create a new sense of purpose and direction for the RICS.
- Advised on various recommendations such as:
o Creation of a diversity and inclusion panel
o Public interest panel set up to advise the governing council
Are you aware of any updates to the construction industry following the recent election?
- Following the election the Kings speech outlined the governments legislative programme, including the introduction of 39 new Bills.
- Such as included;
o Planning and infrastructure bill to aid reform of planning and deliver long-term improvements to the planning system.
o English devolution bill to help empower decisions to be made at a local level on things like planning, transport, and employment. - Government also announced the plan to build 1.5m new homes over the next 5 years.
Following the Grenfell disaster, are you aware of any guidance the RICS has published?
- Yes, the RICS has published the Guidance Note ‘Cladding for Surveyors’ 1st ed. 2021.
- The document seeks to improve surveyors knowledge of external wall cladding systems when working on multi-storey buildings.
What is ACM cladding and why is it significant?
- Aluminium composite material
- This is the cladding use on the external façade of Grenfell and was though to contain the combustible material that contribute to the spread of the fire.
- Material is now BANNED.
What is the RICS doing to improve diversity and inclusion?
The RICS has setup ‘Diversity and Inclusion leadership’ which is knowledge hub allowing the RICS to share ideas on how and why it is important.
Includes initiatives such as;
- Internation Womans day
- Pride 2024
What are your views on the pro’s and con’s of hybrid working?
Advantages
- Improved work-life balance
- Greater ability to focus
- Cost savings on comuting and office space
Disadvantages
- Loss of social connection
- Reduced collaboration
- Productivity can be dependent on the workplace.
What is the RICS Futures Report?
First launched in 2015 and highlighted key trends such as urbanisation and the climate crisis.
The 2020 report includes;
- Construction produces the second largest amount of data however it is estimated that 95% is wasted.
- Rapid increase in use of drones within the industry and the issues that come with this.
Are you aware of any RICS Guidance that applies to drones?
‘Drones: application and compliance for surveyors’
Provides advice on the different types of drones and the current industry legislation.
Explain your understanding of the recent updates to the Approved Documents?
1/ Part L - The changes lower the amount of carbon emissions permitted in design such as the improvement the u-values
2/ Part B - Changes include combustible materials ban and 2nd staircase in buildings over 18m
3/ Introduction of Part O (overheating), Part S (electric vehicle charging provision), and Part T (universal and ambulant toilets requirements).
Can you please advise of your understanding of the updates within the new JCT 2024 Contracts?
The key revisions are:
- Collaborative working now a default article instead of optional
- Article 5 CDM Regulations Principal Designer and Principal Contractor
- Article 6 Building Regulations – Principal Designer and Principal Contractor
- electronic communication and signature.
- changes to the recovery of liquidated damages post termination.
Following the recent insolvency of ISG, please can you advise if you are aware of the termination process under the JCT contract?
I would refer to Section 6 of the contract which deals with Termination in various scenarios. In this scenario section 6.5 would be appropriate.
In your submission you mention your experience in offering retrofit solutions to improve the energy efficiency of properties. Please can you advise if you are aware of any recent RICS Standards that have come into effect?
Yes, the RICS Residential Retrofit Standard took full effect on the 31st October 2024, which outlines a comprehensive approach to retrofit assessments, planning, and execution
What is the ‘grey belt’?
This is a section of green belt land that lacks aesthetic appeal, for example disused car parks or industrial sites that may be on a green belt.
The new government are seeking to utilise this for achieving their new housing goals.
