RICS Guidance & 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 a RICS regulatory or disciplinary proceedings l, they will need to be able to evidence that they acted with reasonable competence. This can be achieved by complying with RICS guidance publications.

Question 2

What is the ‘Black Book’?

Answer 2

Collection of technical practice documents which covers all processes throughout a projects lifecycle. Essential development tool for juniors working through APC and useful guides to best practice for more experienced professionals.

Question 3

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

Answer 3

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

Question 4

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

Answer 4

• Professional standards and Practice Information.
• These definitions are being rolled out across new RICS guidance published, or in some cases existing guidance is being reissued with the new definitions.

Question 5

Can you briefly explain the purpose of a Professional standard document please, what information/obligations might they contain?

Answer 5

• Set requirements and expectations for RICS members and regulated firms about how they should provide services or the outcome of their actions.

Where a Professional Standard applies to an area of practice, they set:

1. Mandatory requirements that surveyors must follow, where the word ‘must is used.
2. Best practice that surveyors should follow, where the word ‘should’ is used.

In these cases there may be alternative approaches or methods that may achieve a better overall outcome. This will be up to the individual surveyor to decide upon.

Question 6

Can you briefly explain the purpose of a Practice Information document please, what information/obligations might they contain?

Answer 6

• Supplementary guidance to support surveyors in delivering specific services or working in specific areas of practice. It is not mandatory.
• Can include definitions, processes, toolkits, checklists, insights, research.

Question 7

What are some examples of professional standards?

Answer 7

Rules of Conduct
Conflicts of interest
NRM

Question 8

What are some examples of practice information ?

Answer 8

RICS Black books
1. Cost reporting
2. Interim Valuations and Payment
3. Tendering strategies
4. Retention
5. Management of risks