RICS Guidance and Standards

Question 1

Why does RICS publish guidance notes and do Chartered Surveyors have to follow them?

Answer 1

• If a surveyor faces a professional negligence claim or RICS regulatory of disciplinary proceedings, they will need to be able to evidence that they acted with reasonable competence.
• This can be achieved with comply with RICS guidance publications.

Question 2

What is a RICS Guidance Note?

Answer 2

Document that provides users with recommendations or approach for accepted good practice as followed by competent and conscientious practitioners.

Question 3

What is the ‘Black Books’?

Answer 3

• A collection of technical practice documents which covers all processes throughout the construction project life cycle.
• The books are essential development tools for junior professionals working through their APC. - Useful guides to best practice for more experienced professionals.

Question 4

Are you aware of any regulation associated with the use of the RICS logo?

Answer 4

• Rules for the use of the RICS logo and designation by firms.
• Guidelines for the personal use of the RICS logo and designations by RICS professionals.

Question 5

RICS have introduced two new definitions for professional guidance - what are they called?

Answer 5

• Professional Standards and Practice Information.
• These definitions are being rolled out on all new RICS guidance being published, or in some cases existing guidance is being reissued using the new definitions.

Question 6

Can you briefly explain the purpose of a Professional Standard document? What information/obligations might they contain?

Answer 6

These ‘set of requirements or expectations for RICS members and regulated firms about how they provide services or the outcomes of their actions’.

Where a Professional Standard applies to an area of practice, they set:
- Mandatory requirements that surveyors must follow (the word ‘must’ is used).
- Best practice that surveyors should follow (the word ‘should’ is used). In these instances, there may be approaches or methods that may achieve a better overall outcome. This will be up to the individual surveyor to decide upon.

Question 7

Briefly explain the purpose of a Practice Information document? What information/obligations might they contain?

Answer 7

• This is supplementary guidance to support surveyors in delivering specific services or working in specific areas of practice.
• Not mandatory - doesn’t give explicit recommendations.
• Practice Information can include ‘definitions, processes, toolkits, checklists, insights, research and technical information or advice.