Rules and Ethics Questions

Question 1

What are the five RICS rules of Conduct?

Answer 1

1. Members and firms must be honest, act with integrity and comply with their professional obligations, including obligations to RICS.
2. Members and firms must maintain their professional competence 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 act to prevent harm and maintain public confidence in the profession.

Question 2

Why do we have the RICS Rules of conduct?

Answer 2

The RICS Rules of Conduct are established to ensure professional integrity, competence, and ethical behaviour among RICS members and firms. They are designed to provide clients and the public with confidence in the services provided by RICS professionals, and to uphold the reputation of the profession. These rules also serve as a framework for ethical decision-making and ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

Question 3

Give me an example of a situation in which you have acted with integrity?

Answer 3

• Following works at Unit 10 - Covent Garden Market, I was invited out for dinner and drinks by a Contractor.
• I politely declined the offer as this could have compromised my integrity.
• I believe I acted with integrity as accepting the the offer may suggest a inducement.

Question 4

Give me an example of a situation in which you have provided a high standard of service?

Answer 4

• Whilst undertaking a License to Alter for Unit 1 - 4 Hitchin, the client requested my advice on whether the tenant could remove a small section of a load-bearing wall.
• I advised the client that this was beyond my area of expertise and advised that a structural engineer be instructed to provide expert advice.
• On receipt of the structural engineer’s report, I communicated the relevant information to the client which included feasibility, budget costs, programme implications and risks, in order for the client to make an informed decision.
• I also ensured the structural engineer’s invoice was processed and forwarded to the client for payment in a timely manner to ensure payment within the agreed timescales.

Question 5

Give me an example of a situation in which you have treated others with respect?

Answer 5

• Whilst acting as Project Manager for Level 11 - Canary Wharf, refurbishment project, I was responsible for chairing construction project meetings.
• I ensured all meeting attendees had a specified section within the meeting in which they could raise their items and opinions.
• Furthermore, I made sure I contacted members of the project team prior to the meeting who were unable to attend to ensure their opinions were raised at the meeting.
• Finally, I encouraged all project team members to contribute to the meeting regardless of age, sex, gender, religion and experience and ensured their points were considered and addressed.

Question 6

Give me an example of a situation in which you have taken responsibility?

Answer 6

• Whilst undertaking a site progress inspection of a unit, I noted that contractors were not wearing hard hats.
• I raised the issue directly with the site foreman in order to rectify the issue immediately.
• I also requested the site foreman hold a meeting with all contractors to ensure they had been fully inducted and were aware of the health and safety procedures on-site.

Question 7

Who do the RICS rules of conduct for members apply to?

Answer 7

• All RICS members including non-chartered members.

Question 8

Briefly outline the RICS principles of RICS regulation for members and firms?

Answer 8

• Proportionality (RICS to ensure the penalty is proportional to the breach).
• Accountability (RICS must be able to justify their actions to all RICS members and the public).
• Consistency (RICS to apply and enforce the regulations consistently).
• Targeting (RICS to focus primarily on serious breaches).
• Transparency (RICS to ensure all regulations are regulations are user-friendly and clearly communicated).

Question 9

What are the different parts to the RICS rules of conduct for members?

Answer 9

• Part I - General Interpretation (detailing who the rules apply to and how the RICS will communicate with members).
• Part II – Personal and Professional Standards (detailing seven standards RICS members must follow).

Question 10

What are the RICS rules of conduct for members?

Acronym: ECS CPD SIC

Answer 10

ECS CPD SIC:

• Ethical behaviour (act with integrity and avoid conflicts of interest).
• Competence (due care, skill and diligence).
• Service (high standards of client service and client care.
• CPD
• Solvency (ensure personal and professional finances are appropriately managed).
• Information to RICS (member must submit required information to the RICS regulatory board in timely manner).
• Co-operation (co-operate fully with RICS and persons appointed by RICS regulatory board).