Mandatory Flashcards
What are the 5 rules of conduct for members and firms?
Came into play 2nd feb 2022
- Members and firms must be honest, act with integrity and comply with their professional obligations, including obligations to 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 service
- 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.
Why are the Rules of Conduct important?
Ensures professionalism
Upholds reputation of myself, firm and RICS
Client/ customer confidence
Distinguishes RICS members from others in the marketplace
What are the professional obligations to RICS?
Found in Appendix A of the Rules of conduct Oct 21, effective 2nd Feb 22.
The following professional obligations to RICS are mandatory for RICS members.
Members must comply with the CPD requirements set by RICS.
Members must cooperate with RICS.
Members must promptly provide all information reasonably requested by the Standards and Regulation Board, or those exercising delegated authority on its behalf.
The following obligations are mandatory for RICS-regulated firms.
Firms must publish a complaints-handling procedure, which includes an alternative dispute resolution provider approved by RICS, and maintain a complaints log.
Firms must ensure that all previous and current professional work is covered by adequate and appropriate professional indemnity cover that meets the standards approved by RICS.
Firms with a sole principal must make appropriate arrangements for their professional work to continue in the event of their incapacity, death, absence from or inability to work.
Firms must cooperate with RICS.
Firms must promptly provide all information reasonably requested by the Standards and Regulation Board, or those exercising delegated authority on its behalf.
Firms must display on their business literature, in accordance with RICS’ published policy on designations, a designation to denote that they are regulated by RICS.
Firms must report to RICS any matter that they are required to report under the Rules for the Registration of Firms.
What is the required level of professional indemnity insurance cover?
The RICS professional indemnity insurance requirements version 9 effective 1 April 2022 states:
The minimum limit of indemnity refers to the turnover in the previous year as:
Up to £100k 250k cover
£100-200k 500k cover
200k+ 1 million cover
Level of uninsured excess relates to the firms turnover:
<£10 million 2.5% of sum insured or £10k (whichever highest)
>£10 million 2.5% of sum insured
What is required to renew Professional Indemnity Insurance?
PII pack submitted to insurers:
Name and details of the firm
Details of those insured i.e. partners, consultants and employees
Type of professional work insured
Turnover
Location of work
Details of previous and ongoing claims
Commencement date
Policy period
The uninsured
excess
Indemnity limit
Premium
Person of Contact
What does fully retroactive mean in the contact of PI insurance?
This means that the policy covers claims that are first against the insured during the period of insurance regardless of when the negligent act occurred.
What would you do if you were asked to do something unethical?
Refer to the ethics decision tree if borderline and speak to someone more senior, such as my line manager or the responsible partner
I would whistleblow if required e.g. I would report suspected Money Laundering to the MLRO who would take the matter forward on my behalf.
What has the RICS produced to help surveyors make ethical decisions?
The RICS has created the Ethics Decision Tree, which members can refer to if they are asked to do something they are unsure about.
Framework of questions members should ask themselves
Encouraged members to consider the legality of their action and the consistency with the RICS Global and Professional Ethical Standards
Ultimate question is whether members would be content to have their decisions or actions made public
RICS Regulation Confidential Hotline offers further assistance to members with any ethical issue
What is included in a letter of engagement?
Identification of Client
The Service
Fee Basis
Timescale
Client Money Handling
Complaints Procedure
Conflict of Interest
Data Protection
Limitation of Liability
Restriction on Use, Distribution and Publication
Declaration by Client (signature and date)
Why must a Chartered Surveyor remain solvent?
May impair decision making
May not act in the best interest of the client
More susceptible to take bribes
Does not reflect well on ability to manage client’s finances
What are the reputations of not meeting CPD requirements
Caution
Caution and a fine
Disciplinary panel
Name published
Purpose of the APC?
The Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) ensures that candidates are competent and meet the high standards of professionalism required to become a chartered surveyor.
What were the findings of the Levitt report?
Alison Levitt independent review established:
Internal audits were suppressed
4 non-exec board members raised concerns
They were unfairly dismissed
Levitt determined that sound governance principles were not followed
What is the central purpose of the RICS?
- To maintain high standards of education and training
- Inform policy and political engagement
- To protect customers through strict regulation of professional standards
- To be the leading source of information and independent advice on land, property, valuation and built environment
RICS Regulations as approved by Governing Council
Updated January 2023, consists 10 regulations:
- Definition
- Membership and registration
- Designations
- Contribution to funds
- Conduct
- Governing Council, officers and staff
- Subordinate boards, committees and groups
- Procedure for General Meetings and voting
- Accounts and Audit
- General
What is the (Global) structure of the RICS?
Governing Council (currently 22 members) comprising:
Interim Chair of Governing Council Nicholas Maclean
15 country reps
6 specialism reps
What Groups form the government structure of the RICS?
- Governing Council (Nicholas Maclean is the Interim Chair, 25 members, provides management and strategic direction)
- The Standards and Regulatory Boards, Management Board and other committees report to the Governing Council.
- 17 specialist professional groups, each with an elected board responsible for outlining standards of competence and practice.
The Royal Charter incorporated the Surveyors’ Institution on 26 August 1881
- granted by sovereign
- gives independent legal personality on an organisation, defines its objectives, constitution and powers to govern its own affairs.
The RICS Rules five principles of better regulation?
PACTT:
1. Proportionality: making the penalty proportional to the breach
2. Accountability: to all members and the public
3. Consistency: treating all members the same
4. Targeting: serious breaches
5. Transparency: to all members, clients and the public
What are the RICS Byelaws?
The byelaws set out the structure, requirements and governance of the RICS as a self-regulated body.
Apply to all members, firms and other non-member individuals as defined in the royal charter, i.e. FRICS, MRICS, AssocRICS, trustees and management board officers.
BYELAW 1 – Application and Definitions
BYELAW 2 – Membership and Registration
BYELAW 3 – Designations
BYELAW 4 – Contribution to Funds
BYELAW 5 – Conduct
BYELAW 6 – Governing Council, Officers and Staff
BYELAW 7 – Subordinate Boards, Committees and Groups
BYELAW 8 – Procedure for general meetings
BYELAW 9 – Accounts and Audit
BYELAW 10 – General
Registering a firm with RICS
RICS Rules for the registration of firms (Version 8, February 2022) sets out the procedure of registration and the circumstances in which a firm can and must apply.
How would you register a firm with the RICS?
An application to register for regulation by RICS must:
- Provide information to RICS in such forms as provided by the Standards and Regulation Board
- Agree that RICS may share relevant information about the firm with government or other regulatory bodies as appropriate
- Agree that if RICS declines to register the Firm, RICS may publish its decision
- Have a Responsible Principal. They must be:
Appropriate
Able to influence strategic objectives and significant decisions of the Firm
Be a RICS member - Pay the appropriate fees
What RICS compliance matters would you consider when setting up a new firm?
- Inform RICS of your new firm by completing a Firm Detail Form
- Appoint a Responsible Principal for all RICS Communication
- Register with the RICS for regulation by the Standards and Regulatory Board
- Arrange PII Insurance
- Set up procedures for handling client money
- Register for RICS Valuer Registration Scheme if undertaking Red Book valuations
- Obtain RICS approval for the Complaints Handling Procedure
- Set up a complaints log
- Appoint a Complaints Handling Officer
- Obtain a logo kit from the RICS to use to produce all practice material to ensure compliance with the ‘Regulated by RICS’ designation
- Plan for succession if sole practitioner
- Ensure CPD is logged online
- Ensure completion of an online RICS Annual Return at the end of each year
- Ensure compliance with RICS Rules of Conduct for Firms
What statutory compliance matters would you consider when setting up a new firm?
- Employer and Public Liability Insurance
- Inform HMRC for VAT (£85,000 per annum turnover threshold) and tax
- GDPR 2016
- Requirement to disclose business name
- Equality Act 2010
- Financial Services Act 2012
- Bribery Act 2010
- The Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information to the Payer) Regulations 2017
- Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
- Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012
- Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
- Estate Agents Act 1979 & Consumer Protection Regulations 2008
- registration
- Employment law
What is the Process of Firm regulation?
- Check eligibility to register
- Prepare RICS compliant CHP
- Complete and provide RICS Regulation with “Firm Details” form
- Gather the relevant details to complete the application form
- Submit an application for regulation through RICS online portal
- Receive confirmation
Free of charge unless the firm will hold client monies
What information must be provided for RICS firm registration?
- Type of business and staffing details
- Statutory regulated services (such as for financial services)
- Nature of clients
- Complaints handling procedure
- Professional Indemnity Insurance details
- Whether the firm holds client’s money
What RICS obligations are there?
Ensure clients’ money handling procedures as per RICS guidance are in place if applicable
Obtain sufficient professional indemnity insurance (PII)
Adopt an adequate complaints handling procedure (CHP)
Ensure processes are in place ensure staff are adequately trained and competent (including CPD provision)
Comply with the rules of conduct for members and firms
Appoint a Contact Officer designated to be the main liaison point with the RICS
Appoint a locum if a sole practitioner
What are the (3) benefits of regulation for firms?
Confidence - for clients as regulated firms are monitored by RICS regulation
Professionalism - firms have to provide clear, impartial and expert advice
Security - firms have to have recognised CHP, access to ADR and PII cover
What information is required by the RICS for registration and in the annual return?
- Type of business and staffing details
- Statutory regulated activities - such as for financial services
- Nature of clients
- Complaints handling procedure and records
- Professional indemnity insurance certificate
- Whether the firm hold clients’ money
What is the RICS disciplinary procedure?
If a serious matter with supporting evidence is disclosed, the RICS can take disciplinary action against the member
Most serious cases, referred to Disciplinary Panel, drawn from the independent Regulatory Tribunal.
For less serious cases with an admission of allegations, a Regulatory Compliance Order can ensure future compliance with RICS standards.
OR, less serious cases with no admission of allegations, the matter is referred to a single member of the Regulatory Tribunal to decide whether to impose a disciplinary outcome.
The Regulatory Tribunal is independent of RICS and the regulatory department.
5 types of document the RICS produces?
International standard – international high-level principle-based standard developed in collaboration with other relevant bodies. MANDATORY
Professional Statement – a document that provides members with mandatory requirements that a member or firm is expected to adhere to. This term incorporates practice statements, RICS Red Book, RICS Rules of Conduct etc MANDATORY
Code of Practice – document approved by RICS and endorsed by another professional body/stakeholder, that provides recommendations for accepted good practice. Can be both MANDATORY and RECOMMENDED
Guidance Note – document that provides users with recommendations or approach for accepted good practice as followed by competent and conscientious practitioners RECOMMENDED
Information Papers – practice-based information that provides users with the latest technological information. INFO ONLY
What is a conflict?
A circumstance where your impartiality may be threatened.
What is Fisher Germans COI procedure for new clients?
New client COI check when preparing ToE & must identify:
a) Who the client is
b) location of the relevant property
c) nature of the instruction
d) any potentially affected third parties
Email sent to chase non-responders
Must have a response from at least one member of every team
The search function of the COI check system must be used to check for any previous involvement with the client or affected third parties which may lead to a conflict of interest
Evidence of each of the steps taken above must be retained on the file
What is Fisher German’s COI procedure for a retained client?
i.e. estate management client?
In the case of an existing management client arrangement COI checks should be made:
Annually
Whenever a new instruction outside of the management agreement is made
When the structure of the client changes
When new trustees/executors/directors/partners are appointed
When you take on a new client, what checks do you make?
Know Your Customer (KYC) due diligence must be carried out on every client that you consider doing business with.
Customer Due Diligence (CDD) required you to identify the client and verify their identity – proof of identity and proof of address
If the client is a politically exposed person (PEP), a PEP family member/business associate or from a high-risk country then you should undertake Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD).
What is enhanced due diligence?
Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) is a more detailed, risk-based approach used to check and analyse higher-risk customers.
Fisher German use Smart Search to do this externally.
How would you approach a conflict of interest?
Follow the guidance set out in the RICS Global Professional Statement on Conflicts of Interest, 2017: (effective January 2018)
- Conflict avoidance - decide whether the conflict is manageable and whether proceeding is in the best interest of all parties
- Written advice to both parties - disclose the nature of the conflict, explain how you will manage it and request written confirmation of informed consent
- Conflict management - set up information barrier in accordance with provisions agreed with the clients
Why is it important to avoid COIs?
To prevent anything getting in the way of duty to advise and represent each client objectively and independently, without regard to the consequences to another client, any third party, or your own interests
Promote trust in the clients and in turn the public that you are transparent and confident in abilities.
What would you do if you identified a conflict before taking instruction or during an instruction?
- Notify line manager/ partner
- Inform all parties
- Only seek Informed Consent if satisfied that all relevant parties will be served by you doing the work
- In seeking Informed Consent the prospective client must be told, and understand, the nature of the competing interest. If it is not possible to achieve that without breaching a duty of confidentiality owed to another client or party
- Information Barrier
- Informed consent form
- If during a sale, the conflict must be stated on the particulars
RICS requirements for money handling?
In line with RICS Client Money Handling, 1st ed. October 2019
client money must be protected
client money must be held in a separate client account
client money used for agreed purposes only
firms must have procedures and policies in place
What key components do the RICS require in a money handling procedure?
RICS Professional Statement on Client Money Handling, October 2019 requires the following:
- Client must always have access to the funds
- Client money is separate and clearly identifiable (“client” in account name)
- Interest on the account must be agreed with client first
- Account must not be overdrawn
- Controls in place to keep account secure
- Competent and knowledgeable staff to process clients’ money with cover provided for long term absence
- Client ledger must be maintained
- Annual audit and reporting obligations by certified accountant employed by RICS
- RICS Regulatory Review Visits can be undertaken by RICS usually on a routine 3 yearly basis
What is the Client Monies Protection Scheme?
RICS funds the Clients’ Money Protection Scheme.
service provided by RICS
to clients of RICS regulated firms
What are the regulatory review fees for client money handling?
All regulated firms who hold clients’ money must pay a regulatory review fee on completion of the RICs annual return.
The fee correlates to the number of principals in the firm.