Rules of Conduct

Question 1

How does RICS ensure standards of professional conduct and practice are upheld

Answer 1

• Rules of conduct (effective 2nd Feb 22) which apply to all RICS regulated members and firms
• Based on ethical principles of honesty, integrity, competence, service, respect, and responsibility

Question 2

List the Rule of Conduct

Answer 2

Members and firms must:
1. Be honest, act with integrity, and comply with their professional obligations, including obligations to RICS
2. Maintain their professional competence and ensure services are provided by competent individuals who have the necessary expertise
3. Provide good quality and diligent service
4. Treat others with respect and encourage diversity and inclusion
5. Act in the public interest, take responsibility for their actions, and act to prevent harm and maintain public confidence in the profession

Question 3

Provide 5 examples of how you comply with rule 1 (honesty, integrity)

Answer 3

• Don’t mislead others
• Have processes to identify conflicts of interest
• Be open and transparent about fees and services
• Don’t take advantage of others
• Don’t facilitate any financial crime

Question 4

Provide 5 examples of how you comply with rule 2 (maintaining CPD and provide competent service)

Answer 4

• Only undertake work you are able to do competently (with resource, skills, and knowledge)
• Supervise employees to ensure they work competently
• Reflect on work undertaken and apply lessons learned
• Develop knowledge and skills, addressing development needs
• Stay up to date and comply with relevant legislation, codes of practice, etc.

Question 5

Provide 5 examples of how you comply with rule 3 (good quality and diligent service)

Answer 5

• Understand clients needs and objectives before accepting work
• Agree the scope, limitations, and timescales for delivery
• Ensure clear communication, understandable language
• Understand the risks and benefits of using relevant technology
• Have quality assurance processes for their work

Question 6

Provide 5 examples of how you comply with rule 4 (treat others with respect)

Answer 6

• Respect the rights of others and treat them with courtesy
• Do not bully, victimise, or harass anyone
• Check supply chains to not involve modern slavery or other abuses of workforce
• Work cooperatively with others
• Develop an inclusive culture, support equal access and opportunity for all, and identify and address unconscious bias

Question 7

Provide 5 examples of how you comply with rule 5 (act in public interest)

Answer 7

• Support those who act in good faith to report concerns
• Respond promptly to complaints made against them, openly and professionally
• Do not dissuade complainants from approaching ADR providers or the RICS
• Manage professional finances responsibly
• Take appropriate action when they consider rules have been breached and report significant breaches to the RICS

Question 8

List the core professional obligations of RICS members as detailed in the Rules of Conduct

Answer 8

• Comply with RICS CPD requirements
• Cooperate with RICS
• Promptly provide all information reasonably requested by the Standards and Regulatory Board, or those exercising delegated authority on its behalf

Question 9

List the core professional obligations of RICS fims as detailed in the Rules of Conduct

Answer 9

• Publish a complaints procedure, including an ADR provider, and maintain a complaints log
• Ensure RICS compliant PI cover is in place for all historic and current professional work
• If you have a sole principal, ensure arrangements are in place for continuation of service in the event of incapacity, death, etc.
• Cooperate with RICS
• Promptly provide all information reasonably requested by the Standards and Regulatory Board, or those exercising delegated authority on its behalf
• Display on business literature that they are regulated by RICS
• Report any matter they are required to report under the Rules for the Registration of Firms