Mandatory Flashcards
when was the RICS founded?
1881
current membership members
140,000 qualified and trainee members
what are the 4 levels of membership
FRICS
MRICS
assocoRICS
trainee/student
what are the major challenges facing the RICS and recent initiatives?
diversity and inclusion
what is RICS governed by
governed under terms of royal charter
how many specialist professional groups are there?
17- covering property land and construction.
who is current CEO of RICS?
justin young
current president of RICS?
Tina Paillet- also chairs governing council
RICS- 3 main roles
- maintain highest standards of education and training.
- to protect consumers through strict regulations or professional standards.
- leading source of info and independent advice on land property construction and associated environmental issues.
what is the Bichard Review
following independant review of internal governance failings within RICS in 2021. Lord Bichard commisioned to undertake further review.
what was included in the Bichard Review
36 recommendations including-
1. increased focus on public interest including amending the Royal Charter and creating public interest panel to advise governing council.
2. maintaining self regulation.
3. increased focus on diversity and inclusion.
difference between diversity and inclusion
diversity- variation in gender, ethnicity, age, and education.
inclusion- strategies and procedures organisations implement to integrate everyone, ensuring their differences coexist beneficially.
what are the 5 rules of conduct
- members and firms act with honesty and integrity.
- members and firms must maintain competence
- members and firms provide good quality and diligent service.
- members and firms treat others with respect and encourage diversity and inclusion
- members and firms act in the public interest.
decision tree format/questions
do you have sufficient facts
is it legal
is it in line with RICS rules of conduct
have you consulted with appropriate people to make informed decision
do you have clear reasoning in reaching your decision
purpose of decision tree
framework of questions when facing an unethical dilemma. encourages thinking of if its in line with RICS.
Colliers anti bribery procedures and gifts requirements?
proportionality
Can never accept cash, no matter the amount. Always act with honesty and integrity in-line with rules of conduct.
- Under £30 don’t report
- £30-60 gifts register
- £60-200 authorisation by director sign off and add to register
- £200+ authorisation as above + compliance officer
What’re estate agents legal obligations in relation to Money Laundering?
- Individuals/businesses need to be approved and remain registered by HMRC in order to trade
- Customer DD checks – check on buyers, landlords and tenants to identify/ verify client using passport, driving licence.
For company- company name, registered address, names of directors. Bank statements 3 months - Enhanced DD checks undertaken if red flags occur at CDD. Detailed examination into background, increased monitoring. Usually required where you’ve got a relationship who is established in a high risk 3rd world country or politically exposed person
What is money laundering?
Money laundering = when proceeds of criminal activities are disguised or converted into legitimate assets
What is a bribe?
Bribe = giving, receiving or offering an advantage such as payment or a gift for an action that is illegal or breach of trust
What is the purpose / key compliance of the Bribery Act (2010)?
- Aims to reduce bribery in UK and abroad. Based on 6 principles:
1. Proportionality
2. Top level commitment
3. Risk assessment
4. Due diligence
5. Communication
6. Monitoring & Review
4 Offences:
1. Bribing
2. Receiving a bribe
3. Failing to prevent bribery
4. Bribing a public official
Serious fraud office
What’re the requirements and information requirements for RICS registration?
- Require the firm to register with the RICS:
- 50% principles are RICS then you must
- 25% principles then you can
What themes did the Bichard Review recommend?
5 key themes: governance, strategy, culture, values and members service
Why was the Bichard review undertaken?
- Following an independent review of internal governance by Alison Levitt in 2021- RICS commissioned the Bichard review to:
- Clarify the purpose of the RICS – recommendations on governance structure, future culture and strategy
What are the benefits to clients of you being regulated?
- Confidence in quality
- PII cover
- Complaints handling procedures
What are the benefits of being a member of RICS for firms and members?
- Status
- Recognition
- Market advantage
- Knowledge
- Network
What is the role of the RICS?
- Role of the RICS is to promote and enforce the highest professional qualifications and standards in real estate
3 main roles:
1. Maintain highest standards in education and training
2. Protect consumers through regulation
3. Leading source of information
How would you start a practice?
There are both RICS and Statutory Compliance that must be met.
RICS Compliance:
1. Inform RICS by completing a Firm Details Form
2. Appoint a Responsible Principal for all RICS communication- makes sure RICS’ professional, technical and ethical standards are applied upheld and supported.
3. KEY- Arrange PI insurance and send details to RICS
4. Set up procedures for Client Money Handling incl. a protection scheme
5. KEY- Register for Valuer Registration Scheme (VRS)
6. KEY Set up Complaints Log & appoint Complaints Handling Officer (CHO)
7. Use RICS logo kit
8. Plan for succession
9. Ensure CPD logged for members
10. Ensure completion of RICS annual return (eo each year)
What’re the penalties for a failure to comply with AML?
- Money Laundering assistance = up to 14 years and unlimited fine
- TIPPING OFF a suspect = 5 years and unlimited fine
- Report to the National Crime Agency
What was the reason for the new RoC (2022)?
RICS rationale for changes into a new rules of conduct (was code of conduct and ethical standards):
* Simpler structure
* Clear examples
* Focusing on respect and D&I
* Technology
* Tackling global issues e.g. ESG
Can you negotiate on fees?
Yes, as long as you are not price fixing or fee cutting, and any agreement is stated in the terms of engagement
Not for a valuation unless scope of works changes
What are minimum CPD requirements? What types of CPD are there?
Minimum of 20 hours (10 must be formal) – must be recorded and logged onto the RICS system
Maintain understanding of RoC every 3 years
Formal CPD = structured learning with clear objectives
Informal CPD = self managed learning or that is relevant to professional role
Is Surveying Safely mandatory?
no guidance
What’s new in the second edition of Surveying Safely?
- Safe Person - each individual responsible for self, colleague and others‘ health and safety while at work
- Safe employers - must
i. Safe working environment
ii. Safe equipment
iii. Safe systems
iv. Competent staff - Seeks to ensure individuals take responsibility for their own actions and have the tools needed to do job safely
- Legal duties including around asbestos as 2012 regs
- Audit template for members
- Update on fire safety advice
Three examples of what you would do before leaving the office on inspection from a Health and Safety perspective?
- I would arrange the inspection
- Inform clients
- Ensure my phone is charged
- Put in calendar online
- Take necessary PPE
What is Radon and how can you mitigate the risk?
Colourless and odourless radioactive gas from the ground
Seal cracks in floor etc
What are the CDM regs?
Construction design and Management Regulations 2015- criminal offence to breach.
Health and Safety of all parties when on site
How do you know your hard hat is safe to use?
- Expiry date in the hat
- Visual inspection
How would you know what might be appropriate PPE for inspection?
- Contact and ask site manager
- Refer to Surveying safely which provides advice on how to identify and mitigate risks and hazard
- So I would undertake a risk assessment and mitigate accordingly
What else is required if over 5 people in size for HSE risk assessment?
A Written H&S Policy Document outlining organisations commitments and assessments
Colliers Lone Working Policy
calendars up to date
intended timings
told supervisor
phone full power
What is in a HSE risk assessment? How often undertaken one?
What else do employers have to ensure if over 5 members?
Legal requirement if firm is over 5 employees
Five steps
i. Identify hazards
ii. Identify people at risk from hazard
iii. Evaluate the risk of it happening
iv. Record the findings
v. Review assessment annually
Health and safety policy document
Organisations commitment to H&S
Health and safety structure
What does the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 as amended state?
- Duty of every employer to ensure health and safety of all employees at work
- Employers must
i. Report injuries and dangerous occurrences
ii. Must undertake record and regularly review risk assessments
iii. Hazard = anything that causes harm, Risk = likelihood
iv. Detailed H&S info to be held on site - Duty of employees to look after self and others
What H&S statute are you aware of?
i. Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
v. Equality Act 2010
vi. Fire Risk Management Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
vii. The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012
Difference between Hazardous and Deleterious materials?
Deleterious are materials harmful to buildings, environment or health
Hazardous are deleterious materials harmful to health
Commercial implications of finding asbestos?
- Expensive to deal with
- Liability under Occupiers Liability Act, Asbestos Regulations…
When would you not expect asbestos to be in a building?
From 2000 onwards
How might you research asbestos in a building?
- Surveying safely outlines common places to find Asbestos and best practice
- It’s age
- Asbestos Register
- Asbestos Management or Refurb/Demolition survey
Names and colours of the three types of asbestos
- Crocidolite – Blue
- Amosite – Brown
- Chrysotile - White
- How do you ascertain if a property is safe for an incoming tenant?
Ask if a Fire Risk Assessment had been undertaken
Use of Social Media guidance and give me an example of social media used wrong
Use of Social Media: Guidance for RICS Members
posting a post on your personal or work social media account being sexist/ racist. impacting reputation of RICS and members