Mandatory - Ethics, Rules and Professional Conduct (L3) Flashcards

1
Q

When was the RICS founded? When did they receive Royal Charter?

A

The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors was founded in 1868. They received their royal charter in 1881.

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2
Q

What are the four membership levels (starting with the most junior)?

A
  1. Trainee Member
  2. AssocRICS
  3. MRICS
  4. FRICS
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3
Q

How do you become a Fellow of the RICS? (4)

A

You must submit evidence of achievement of four fellowship characteristics, which are:

  • 5 years or more as an MRICS
  • A leadership role in the industry
  • Professional / Technical / Academic Achievement
  • Raising the profile of the RICS
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4
Q

Who is the current President of the RICS?

A

Justin Sullivan, Acting President Nick Maclean

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5
Q

Who is the current CEO of the RICS in the UK?

A

Justin Young

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6
Q

What is the Governing Structure of the RICS?

A

The Governing Council is in charge of the management of the RICS. Consists of 26 members.

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7
Q

What are the major challenges currently facing the RICS and initiatives to address these?

A

Diversity & Inclusion: started to collect demography data in UK & Ireland for benchmarking and target setting

Sustainability: Granted observer status for COP28 in Dubai.

Rebuilding trust in the profession for both members and public.

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8
Q

What are the THREE main roles of the RICS? (MPL)

A
  1. Maintain highest standards of education and training
  2. Protect consumers through strict regulation and professional standards
  3. To be the leading source of information and independent advice in the field
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9
Q

What do you know about The Bichard Review?

A

The Bichard Review was an independent review of the RICS’ purpose, governance and strategy.

Following consultation, Bichard made recommendations to create a clearer and more simplified structure including creation of Management Board and Standards & Regulation Board.

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10
Q

Why do you want to become a Chartered Surveyor? (CCN)

A

I would like to become a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors because it would provide me with increased credibility in the eyes of my clients, help me maintain and further my professional competency, and provide me with access to a network of 140,000 property professionals worldwide

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11
Q

Mentioned in summary of experience

What are the 5 RICS Rules of Conduct (2022)? (HCSRP)

A
  1. Members and firms must be honest, act with integrity and comply with their professional obligations, including obligations to the RICS
  2. Members and firms must maintain their professional competency and ensure that services are provided by competent individuals who have the necessary expertise
  3. Members and firms must provide good-quality and diligent service
  4. Members and firms must treat others with respect and encourage diversity and inclusion
  5. Members and firms must act in the public interest, take responsibility for their actions and maintain confidence in their profession
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12
Q

What’s the Role of the RICS, according to the RICS Rules of Conduct (2022)?

A

Under its Royal Charter, RICS is required to maintain the usefulness of the profession for the public advantage, and the practice of surveying is defined as including ‘securing the optimal use of land and its associated resources to meet social and economic needs’.

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13
Q

What are the benefits of being a RICS Regulated Firm?

A

The RICS State three benefits of regulation for firms: “CPS”

  1. Confidence - for clients as regulated firms are controlled by RICS Regulation.
  2. Professionalism – firms will have to provide clear, impartial and expert advice.
  3. Security – firms have to have a recognised complaints handling procedure, access to free independent redress and PII cover.
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14
Q

What are the requirements for registration as a RICS Regulated Firm?

A
  • After April 2020, the criteria require firms to have at least 25% of their principals as RICS qualified, and there is the requirement for a responsible principal to provide accountability and engagement with RICS standards and regulations.
  • Firms can be corporations, limited liability partnerships or sole practitioner, partnerships.
  • There are strict rules on the use of the RICS logo. Firms that are registered have to use the “Registered by RICS” designation.
  • Firms that provide a surveying service to the public are required to register for regulation to ensure there is a benchmark of quality for all firms.
  • Regulation provides a Gold Standard of quality for clients
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15
Q

Is your firm regulated by the RICS, and if so what level of PI insurance do you have?

A

Yes - cover in the form of three liability caps:

up to £5m
up to £10m
up to £20m

Extra cover can be bought for assets above this

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16
Q

If a breach of Conduct is Referred to the Disciplinary Hearing, what penalties can be Imposed on the Breaching Party?

A

Referral to the Disciplinary panel is used for more serious breaches, the head of regulation can consider that a hearing is required under the discipline rules, 50% of this panel are lay members (i.e. not RICS). Penalties can be:

  • Issue a consent order
  • Impose an unlimited (but proportionate) fine for each breach.
  • Conditions on Continued Membership of the RICS.
  • Expulsion from Membership or Remove a firm.
  • Require publication of the results of a hearing in Modus magazine, on the RICS website and in the local newspaper of the area where the offending firm is located.
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17
Q

Rank RICS Regulation, and state whether they are Mandatory or Voluntary

A

Professional Standards

Practice Information

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18
Q

MRSKN

What are the key benefits of being an RICS member?

A
  1. Market Advantage
  2. Recognition
  3. Status
  4. Knowledge
  5. Network
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19
Q

What must you include in the Terms of Engagement prior to starting work on an instruction?

A

There must be a written agreement with the client on:

  • The fee due
  • How expenses are to be treated, including how they are to be calculated
  • A copy of the firm’s complaint handling procedure will be available on request.
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20
Q

Where would it be stated the level of Professional Indemnity Cover that you intend to offer your client?

A

In the terms of business, that are to be agreed before the instruction is undertaken.

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21
Q

What 3 things should you do prior to undertaking an instruction? (CCT)

A

You should check that there are no personal or professional conflicts of interest in accepting the instruction, ensure that you are professionally competent to complete the instruction, and confirm terms of engagement in writing prior to beginning work on the project.

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22
Q

What did the RICS publish on Conflicts of Interest?

A

The RICS published a global professional statement: “RICS Professional Statement on Conflicts of Interest (2017)”

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23
Q

Mentioned in summary of experience

In what circumstances might a conflict of interest not cause you to decline an instruction?

A

If you identify a conflict but believe that despite the conflict it is in the best interests of all those involved for you to proceed with the instruction and you have the informed consent of your client, then you may proceed despite the conflict

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24
Q

According to the RICS Global Professional Statement on Conflicts of Interest, 2017, what three types of conflict might arise?

A
  1. Party Conflict – work on same or related instruction between two parties
  2. Own Interest Conflict or Personal Conflict
  3. Confidential Information Conflict relating to work between two parties which is confidential
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25
Who enforces bribery charges?
Serious Fraud Office
26
How might a conflict of interest be managed, should you receive written consent and proceed with an instruction?
If you receive written consent from all parties involved to proceed with the instruction despite the identified conflict, **information barriers** should be put in place, including keeping all related information securely, ensuring **physical separation of the two professionals involved**, and keeping an adequate **audit trail** of the acceptance of written consent.
27
You mention the “RICS Professional Statement Conflicts of Interest – UK Commercial Property Market Investment Agency, 2017,” briefly outline its key points.
- **Dual agency** must not be undertaken - **Multiple introductions** must be mentioned at ToE stage - **Incremental advice** can only be provided in circumstances where there is written informed consent and information barriers are created internally
28
You mention **Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds Regulations 2017**, briefly outline its key points.
* Requires a Risk-Based Approach to prevent money laundering/terrorist financing. * Mandatory Customer Due Diligence (CDD), Enhanced Due Diligence for high-risk cases. * Continuous Monitoring of transactions and business relationships. * Record Keeping for 5 years
29
What is Money Laundering?
When proceeds of criminal activities are disguised or converted and then realised as legitimate assets
30
**Can you give an example of where a conflict of interest has been managed in your firm?**
Where we are acting for L and T from BGP was interested in the space, reported to client, had **informed consent** in writing and use password protected files.
31
**How long should you retain a client’s files prior to securely destroying them?**
6 years
32
# Mentioned in submission **How many hours of CPD must an RICS member do each year?**
20 hours, 10 of which must be formal
33
**Are there any rules concerning CPD and Professional and Ethical Standards?**
Yes, every member of the RICS must undertake 20 hours of CPD each calendar year, with at least 10 hours of that being formal CPD. Additionally, members are required to undertake **CPD related to the Global Professional and Ethical Standards** every three years.
34
# Mentioned in submission What do you know about Data Protection Act 2018?
* UK’s implementation of GDPR, governing data privacy and protection. * Principles: Lawfulness, fairness, transparency, accuracy, storage limitation, security, accountability. * Rights: Access, rectification, erasure, restriction, data portability, objection. * Requires consent for processing personal data. * Applies to personal and sensitive data. * Mandates Data Protection Officers (DPOs) for large-scale processing. * Breach notification within 72 hours. * Penalties: Fines up to £17.5 million or 4% of global turnover
35
# Mentioned in submission What is the penalty for bribery?
Up to 10 years in prison
36
**What legislation allows authorities to recover the proceeds of crime in the UK?**
The Proceeds of Crime Act (2002)
37
**What are the penalties for assisting with Money Laundering under Money Laundering Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) 2017?**
If you are found to be assisting in the laundering of money you can face up to **14 years in prison** and an unlimited fine. If you fail to report money laundering, and or tip someone off that they are under investigation for money laundering you can also face **up to 5 years in prison and an unlimited fine.**
38
**What report would a firm’s money laundering reporting officer produce should they suspect suspicious activity and where would they send it?**
They would produce a Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) and would send it to the National Crime Agency.
39
**What position/role must each firm have in place under Money Laundering Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) 2017?**
Money Laundering Reporting Officer
40
What is a PEP, and what are you required to carry out when working with one?
A politically exposed person. You are required to undertake further checks or “**Enhanced Due Diligence**” when working with one. They present a higher risk of being involved in bribery or corruption due to the nature of their position.
41
**What piece of UK legislation covers money laundering in relation to estate agency work and ‘relevant financial business work’?**
Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017.
42
# Mentioned in submission PTRDCM What are the 6 key principles of the Bribery Act (2010)?
1) **P**roportionality 2) **T**op Level Commitment 3) **R**isk Assessment 4) **D**ue Diligence 5) **C**ommunication 6) **M**onitoring
43
# Mentioned in submission **What are the four offences under the Bribery Act (2010)?**
1. Bribing 2. Receiving a Bribe 3. Bribing a foreign public official 4. Failing to prevent bribery
44
**What are the Gender Pay Gap Reporting Regulations?**
Firms with over 250 employees are required to complete an annual report to ACAS and the Government Equalities Office, stating the difference in pay between their male and female employees.
45
**What are the requirements for a client account?**
* Must have client money in the name * Funds must be readily available for the client upon request * All interest to be paid to the client
46
**What is the RICS documentation on handling client money?**
RICS Professional Statement on Client Money Handling, 2019
47
**What happens if you have surplus client money in a Client Account?**
If after at least 6 years no claimant has come forward for the money and every effort has been made to identify that person then it can be donated to a registered charity. The RICS has a registered charity, **LionHeart**, to which you can donate to. Ideally, the charity will provide an indemnity, so that if a claimant comes forward at a later date then they can be paid.
48
**What’s the difference between a claim in contract and a claim in negligence?**
A contractual claim can only be brought by **a party to the contract (i.e the client)**. A claim of negligence can be brought by a **third party**, to whom the surveyor owed a duty of care. The Limitations Act 1980 limits claims in contract to **6** years from the omission, error, breach of contract, and limits claims in negligence to **15** years from the negligent act.
49
**What does the RICS say about pro-bono work for charities or friends?**
You are still required to draw up **terms of business**, and you still need **Professional Indemnity Insurance**, which would be stated therein.
50
**What is the RICS Requirement for Run-Off Cover once a firm closes?**
The RICS requires that for consumer cover, a firm maintains at least £1,000,000 of cover for **6 years**. For commercial firms, the firm should decide what level of cover is appropriate for 6 years after. The RICS recommends that you have cover in place for longer, as you are liable for negligent acts for up to 15 years under section 14A of the Limitations Act (1980).
51
**What else does the RICS say about Professional Indemnity Insurance, other than the level of cover required?**
The RICS states that a chartered surveying practice must: 1. Seek cover from an RICS approved insurer. 2. Have a Retroactive Policy. Provide details of their cover as part of a regulated firm’s annual return to the RICS
52
**How might you avoid claims of negligence made against you?**
Follow RICS guidance during practice, make sure you have a **clear understanding of your clients requirements** and clearly state and outline these in your scope of works and terms of engagement, and ensuring that I am competent to undertake the instruction prior to proceeding.
53
**Where would it be stated the level of Professional Indemnity Cover that you intend to offer your client?**
In the terms of business, that are to be agreed before the instruction is undertaken.
54
**What is the legally acceptable Margin of Error in Property Valuation?**
Following the case of **K/S Lincoln and Others v CB Richard Ellis (2010**), it was established that there was an acceptable margin of error of +/- 5% for single residential properties, +/- 10% for single commercial properties, and +/- 15% for more complex holdings.
55
What are the different types of documents the RICS publish?
1. RICS Professional Standards 2. RICS Practice Information
56
**What is the new RICS Professional Statement on Clients Money called and what does it do?**
The statement is called “Client Money Handling".
57
**What are the Three Objectives of Client Money Handling (2019)?**
1. Keep Client’s Money Safe 2. Client accounts are used appropriately 3. RICS – regulated firms have appropriate procedures in place to ensure best practice
58
**What are the 8 Mandatory Requirements of Client Money Handling (2019)?**
RICS Regulated firms must provide the following to clients in writing: * Confirm that client’s money is to be held in a client account (including bank account details), which the firm has exclusive control over. * “client” in the name of the bank account * Not to hold office money in the account, unless it is in receipt of mixed monies * Only withdraw out of high interest (penalty-bearing account) with written consent from the client. * client's money account contains no other funds, and funds withdrawn in error are replaced. * money held in a client account is immediately available even at the sacrifice of interest. * Confirm account operating conditions with bank (No set-off for other firm accounts, no mixing of funds) * Ensure that when a client requests it, money is held in an account that the firm and client have access to. (Has to be an account established by the client, not the firm).
59
**What would you consider if you were invited to a sporting event?**
I would consider the value of the gift, the situation in which I was being entertained (not alone) and the scope of ongoing and future works with that client. I would consider whether it was appropriate for me to attend and whether it would impact on my integrity as a practitioner. I would ensure that any gift accepted would not be during a current instruction and any fees payable would already made.
60
**How did you Carry Out a Conflict-of-Interest Check?**
Check company internal database to see if others have worked on similar instructions and inform team of new instruction.
61
**If you had valued the property next door would you be conflicted?**
No, not necessarily. You would in fact be well placed to inform on the value of that property.
62
**What should you include in the Terms of Business?**
You must include in the Terms of Business, the fee involved, the scope of work to be carried out, the time in which the instruction is to be completed, the level of professional indemnity cover, and details on the company’s complaints handling procedure.
63
**When starting a new practice what would you do in regard to VAT?**
You must inform HMRC for VAT and Tax registration – current threshold is £90,000 p.a. in turnover.
64
# Mentioned in submission **What are the key elements of the RICS Professional Statement on Countering Bribery and Corruption, Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing, 2019?**
NHRPR Mandatory requirements are: - Not to offer or accept anything that could constitute a bribe. - Having procedures in place to comply with the law. - Report suspicion to the relevant authority. - Perform periodic written evaluations of the risks the firm faces. - Retain records to show the firm has met the requirements of the Professional Statement.
65
**What are the 5 exceptions from Red Book Global valuations?**
**In PS 1 – Compliance with standards and practice statements where a written valuation is provided.** **E-A-S-I-N** (1) Expert Witness work. (2) Agency and Brokerage work. (3) Statutory work – e.g. for a tax return. (4) Internal Purposes – no 3rd party reliance. (5) Negotiations or Litigation
66
**What are the three types of conflicts of interest?**
(1) ‘Party Conflict’ – relating to work on the same or related instruction. (2) ‘Own Interest Conflict’ – relating to a personal interest. (3) ‘Confidential Information Conflict’ – relating to work between two parties which is confidential.
67
# Mentioned in summary of experience **What is ‘informed consent’?**
Consent to carry on with an instruction that involves a conflict of interest. Can only be given in writing by the party if it is entirely transparent about any material factors. Party must understand what they are doing. Surveyors should only seek informed consent if satisfied that all parties are best served by doing so.
68
What are the 3 benefits to being a regulated firm?
Confidence - clients and firm are monitored by RICS Regulation Professionalism - firms are obligated to provide clear, impartial, expert advice Security - firms have to have a complaints procedure, access to free independent redress and PII cover
69
What 7 bits of information are needed in an RICS annual return?
1. **T**ype of business and staffing details 2. **N**ame of the Responsible Principal 3. **S**tatutory regulated activities e.g. financial services 4. **N**ature of clients 5. **C**omplaints handling procedure details and records 6.**P**rofessional indemnity insurance details 7.**W**hether the firm holds client money
70
# CCP What are the THREE professional obligations of RICS members?
1. Comply with CPD requirements (20 hours inc. 10 hours formal) 2. Cooperate with RICS 3. Promptly provide information reasonably requested by Standards and Regulations Board
71
What are the SEVEN professional obligations of RICS firms?
1. Publish a CHP 2. PII Cover 3. Have adequate cover for a sole principal 4. Cooperate with RICS 5. Promptly cooperate with Standards and Regulations Board 6. Display 'regulated by RICS' on all literature 7. Report to RICS under the Rules for the Registration of Firms
72
What is the Ethics Decision Tree?
It is a decision making tool to help members make reasoned ethical decisions. Decisions need to be based on the facts, legal, and in line with Rules of Conduct.
73
# FRRD What are the disciplinary procedures available to the RICS?
Head of Regulation to formally review which can lead to: * **F**ixed penalty * **R**egulatory compliance order * Refer to **R**egulatory Tribunal for consideration * Refer directly to **D**isciplinary Panel
74
What disciplinary outcomes are you aware of?
In Jan 2024, a member was charged with failing to record 20 hours of CPD. This contravened Bye Law 5 (Conduct) and Rule of Conduct 2 (Competency) which resulted in expulsion from RICS.
75
Tell me about Use of social media (2021) guidance note.
RICS will **investigate social media posts that contravene Rules of Conduct** e.g. discrimination, dishonesty, harassment But unlikely to investigate matter of opinion that doesn't contravene Rules of Conduct. e.g. critical of a firm's performance.
76
Can you outline what you include in your terms of engagement?
How expenses are treated Fee value Information on CHP
77
Can you outline how you calculate fees?
Size and complexity of the job dictates fee level.
78
What document covers conflicts of interest?
Global Professional Statement Conflicts of Interest, 2017
79
What is the difference between conflict avoidance and conflict management?
Conflict Avoidance: not accepting an instruction Conflict Management: identifying conflict and putting steps in place to manage it e.g. information barrier
80
# Mentioned in summary of experience What is informed consent?
Informed consent is given when all parties are aware of a conflict of interest and are satisfied that proceeding is: - in the interest of all parties concerned - not illegal - does not affect the ability to provide competent advice Inform each party to seek independent advice if needed.
81
Can you give me an example of a conflict of interest that has been managed in your firm?
89 Charterhouse Street - had informed consent in writing and in best interests of my client.
82
# MCC Can you talk about three RICS bye-laws?
I know there are 10. Examples include: 2. Membership and registration - to be eligible as a chartered member, a non chartered member must demonstrate appropriate professional competence 4. Contribution to funds - a person is liable to payment of their fees whilst in membership 5. Conduct - all members shall comply with the rules and regulations laid out by the RICS
83
What is a complaint?
An expression of dissatisfaction
84
How would you handle a complaint?
Send a copy of the CHP to the complainant advising that 1. Complaint will be acknowledged by the Compliance Officer within 7 days and responded to within 28 days. Notify PII insurers of the complaint. 2. If not resolved at this stage, it can be escalated to senior leadership for further review 3. If this is still not satisfactory, referral to our third party ADR
85
What are the FOUR requirements of CPD?
1. At least 20 hours of CPD in a calendar year 2. At least 10 hours must be formal 3. Maintain understanding of RICS Rules of Conduct every 3 years 4. Record all CPD online by 31st January
86
# Mentioned in summary of experience What is a duty of care?
A moral or legal obligation to others, ensuring that your actions do not cause harm to others.
87
What is PII?
Professional Indemnity Insurance to protect clients, surveyors and third parties against **negligence** claims
88
What are the minimum PII levels required and how is it calculated?
Calculated on preceding year's turnover: * <£100k: £250k * £100k - £200k: £500k * £200k: £1m
89
What are the maximum levels of uninsured PII excess?
Up to £10m turnover: the greater of 2.5% of sum insured or £10k Over £10 turnover: no limit
90
What is negligence?
When a surveyor **fails in their duty of care** which results in a **loss or damages** to a client or third party
91
How do you avoid negligence?
- Ensure you are competent - Act in accordance with RICS standards and guidance notes - Keep detailed records - Confirm client objectives in terms of engagement
92
What are the SIX areas of good practice set out in RICS Client Money Handling (2019)?
1. Holding client money 2. Providing information to clients 3. Receipts of client money 4. Payments from client accounts 5. Accounting records and controls 6. Clients
93
If you are successful in the APC and decide to set up your own business, identify the matters that must be addressed (8)
- Must create a business plan - If limited company then register with companies house - Get PI cover - Open a business bank account and a client account - Lay out a complaints handling procedure - Register with RICS - Devise a CPD plan - Set up a system to counteract bribery and corruption
94
If you want to retire from running your own business, what must you do?
- inform RICS - inform clients and hand over to a new firm - return any monies held back to clients - inform insurers and arrange run off over for 6 years - keep a copy of files for at least 6 years
95
What is your company policy on accepting gifts, entertainment and hospitality?
Gifts up to £100 are acceptable. Gifts above this must be recorded on the gift register.
96
How do you complete a conflict-of-interest check to confirm there is no previous involvement with a property or connected parties?
I use our internal CRM system to see if we have had any fee earning relationship with the property or business/persons relating to the property within the last two years. I will also inform all staff of a new instruction.
97
One example of a Rule of Conduct and an example of when you have adhered to it?
Good quality and diligent service - I have regular, monthly leasing meetings with my client where I provide updates on interest and market trends. This upholds the RICS principle of good quality and diligent service.
98
Rule 2 Example
Asked to value to residential uppers, advised client to speak to residential professional as I am not competetent in that field
99
Tell me the three types of misrepresentation?
Fraudulent, Innocent, Negligent
100
Tell me a time when you adhered to Rule 1 of the RICS Rules of Coduct
Members and firms must be honest, act with integrity and comply with their professional obligations, including obligations to RICS. I had conflict of interest on 89 Charterhouse Street.
101
Tell me a time when you adhered to Rule 4 of the RICS Rules of Coduct
Interview process, broad array of people on panel
102
Tell me a time when you adhered to Rule 5 of the RICS Rules of Coduct
We have a Complaints Handling Procedure
103
What is a Conflict of Interest?
A conflict arises when a member or firm's **independence** or **impartiality** is threatened due to the existence of a conflict between two clients
104
Three levels of disciplinary action?
1. Action by Head of Regulation 2. Disciplinary Panel 3. Appeal Panel
105
RICS compliance when starting a new practice?
Inform RICS Arrange PII Client money account CHP - RICS approval CHO RICS annual return
106
Statutory compliance when starting a new practice?
Companies House HMRC Client money account
107
What are RICS Professional Standards?
* "set requirements or expectations for RICS members and regulated firms about how they provide services or the outcomes of their actions" * Mandatory requirements
108
What is RICS Practice Information?
"information to support the practice, knowledge and performance of RICS members and regulated firms"
109
RICS Vice President?
Maureen Ehrenberg
110
If you were succesful in the APC and set up your own firm, what would you need to do?
1. Business Planning * Define services: agency, valuation, landlord & tenant, investment * Market research * Financial plan, pricing strategy, growth targets 2. Legal Structure * Choose business structure: sole trader, partnership, Ltd. * Register with Companies House & HMRC * Set up VAT and tax accounts 3. RICS Regulation * Apply to become an RICS-regulated firm * Appoint Responsible Principal * Implement Complaints Handling Procedure (CHP) * Obtain Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII) 4. Compliance & Professional Standards * Follow RICS Rules of Conduct * Adhere to Red Book, valuation standards (if applicable) * AML checks, conflict of interest procedures * GDPR & Data Protection Act 2018 compliance 5. Operational Setup * IT systems with secure data storage * Client onboarding process * Templates for heads of terms, leases, marketing reports * Build client base through networking & online presence 6. Staff & CPD * Contracts, induction & ongoing CPD for employees * Embed RICS ethics & professionalism * Option to register as RICS training firm 7. Risk & Performance Monitoring * Financial tracking, client feedback * Insurance, cybersecurity, business continuity * Regular compliance checks