Rules of Conduct

Question 1

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

Answer 1

• RICS has Rules of Conduct.
• The rules of conduct apply to all members (Bye-Law 5.1) and RICS regulated firms.
• the rules of conduct are based on ethical principles of honesty, integrity, competence, service, respect, and responsibility.

Question 2

Please list the Rules of Conduct.

Answer 2

1. Members and firms must be honest, act with integrity and comply with their professional obligations.
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 3

Provide 5 example behaviours to comply with Rule 1 (act with honesty, integrity and comply with professional obligations).

Answer 3

• Members and firms do not mislead others by their actions or omissions.
• Firms have effective processes to identify conflicts of interest.
• Members and firms are open and transparent with clients about their fees and services
• Members and firms do not take unfair advantage of others.
• Members and firms do not facilitate any financial crime including money laundering, tax evasion, bribery or corruption.

Question 4

Provide 5 example behaviours to comply with Rule 2 (maintain professional competence).

Answer 4

• Members and firms only undertake work in which they have knowledge, skills and resources to do so.
• Members and firms supervise any employees undertaking work for them, and ensure that they are capable of carrying it out competently.
• Members and firms reflect on the work they have undertaken and the impacts, and consider how they might apply what they have learned to their future work.
• Members maintain and develop their knowledge and skills throughout their careers through CDP.
• Members and firms stay up to date and comply with relevant legislation, codes of practice and other professional and relevant technical standards.

Question 5

Provide 5 example behaviours to comply with Rule 3 (provide good-quality and diligent service).

Answer 5

• Members and firms understand clients needs and objectives before accepting any professional work.
• Members and firms agree with clients the scope of the service to be provided and it’s limitations, and timescales for the work.
• Members and firms communicate with clients and others clearly and in a way they can understand.
• Members and firms understand the risks and benefits of using relevant technology.
• Firms have effective quality assurance processes for their work.

Question 6

Provide 5 example behaviours to comply with Rule 4 (treat others with respect and encourage diversity and inclusion).

Answer 6

• Members and firms respect the rights of others and treat others with courtesy.
• Members and firms do not bully, victimise or harass anyone.
• Firms check that supply chains do not involve modern slavery or other abuses of the workforce.
• Members and firms work cooperatively with others.
• Members and firms develop an inclusive culture in their workplace, support equal access and opportunity for all, and identify and address unconscious bias.

Question 7

Provide 5 example behaviours to comply with Rule 5 (act in the public interest, take responsibility for their actions and act to prevent harm and maintain public confidence in their profession).

Answer 7

• Members and firms support directors, partners, employees, colleagues or clients who have acted in good faith to report concerns.
• Members and firms respond to complaints made against them promptly, openly and professionally.
• Members and firms do not dissuade complainants from approaching and alternative dispute resolution provider, RICS or any other regulatory body.
• Members and firms manage their professional finances responsibly.
• Members and firms take appropriate action when they consider that rules have been breached and report suspected significant breaches of the Rules if Conduct by themselves or others to RICS.

Question 8

List the core professional obligations for members and firms detailed in Rules of Conduct - Appendix A.

Answer 8

Mandatory professional obligations for members:

• Must comply with CDP requirements.
• Must cooperate with RICS.
• Must promptly provide information reasonably requested by the Standards and Regulations board.

Mandatory obligations for firms:

• Must publish a complaints-handling procedure, which includes ADR provider approved by RICS and maintain complaints log.
• Must ensure that all previous and current professional work is covered by PI cover that meets the standards approved by RICS.
• Must make appropriate arrangements for their professional work to continue in the event of their incapacity, death, absence from, or inability to work.
• Must cooperate with RICS.
• Must promptly provide information reasonable requested by the Standards and Regulations board.
• Must display on their business literature, in accordance with RICS published policy on designations, a designation to denote that they are RICS regulated.
• Must report to RICS any matter that they are required to report under the Rules for Registration of Firms.