Rules of Conduct Flashcards
What are the New Rules of Conduct - Rule 1
Rule 1 - Members and Firms must be honest, act with integrity and comply with their professional obligations, including obligations to RICS
What are the New Rules of Conduct - Rule 2
Rule 2 - Members and Firms must maintain their professional competence and ensure that services are provided by competent individuals who have the necessary expertise
What are the New Rules of Conduct - Rule 3
Rule 3 - Members and Firms must provide good quality and diligent service
What are the New Rules of Conduct - Rule 4
Rule 4 - Members and Firms must treat others with respect and encourage diversity and inclusion
What are the New Rules of Conduct - Rule 5
Rule 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
Can you provide 3 examples behaviours to comply with Rule 1 - honest, act with integrity
There are 12 example behaviours for rule 1 within the rules, but three that come to mind are:
Members and firms do not allow themselves to be influenced improperly by others (as a result of, for example, giving or receiving work referrals, gifts, hospitality or payments) or by their own self interest.
Members and firms identify actual and potential conflicts of interest throughout a professional assignment and do not provide advice or services where a conflict of interest or a significant risk of one arises, unless they do so in accordance with the current edition of Conflicts of interest, RICS professional statement
Members and firms are open and transparent with clients about their fees and services
3 example behaviours to comply with Rule 2 - maintain professional competence and ensure services are provided by competent individuals
There are 6 example behaviours for rule 2 within the rules, but three that come to mind are:
Only undertake works that they have the knowledge, skills and resources to carry out competently
Supervise any employees undertaking work for them and ensure that these employees have the necessary knowledge, skills and resources to do their tasks competently
Develop their knowledge and skills throughout their careers. The identify development needs, plan and undertake continuing professional development CPD activities to address them and are able to demonstrate they have done so
3 example behaviours to comply with Rule 3 - good quality and diligent service
Members and firms understand clients’ needs and objectives before accepting any professional work
Undertake their work in a timely manner; with due care, skill and diligence, and in accordance with RICS technical standards.
Communicate with clients and others clearly and in a way they can understand
3 example behaviours to comply with Rule 4 - treat others with respect and encourage inclusion
Respect the rights of others and treat others with courtesy
Do not bully, victimise or harass anyone
Treat everyone fairly and do not discriminate against anyone on any improper grounds, including age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.
3 example behaviours to comply with Rule 5 - act in public interest, take responsibility and maintain public confidence
Respond to complaints made against them promptly, openly and professionally
Members and firms ensure that public statements made by the firm, or in which members
are (or could be) identified as members of the profession, do not undermine public confidence in the
profession.
Respond to complaints made against them promptly, openly and professionally
What documents did the Rules of Conduct replace
- The old Rules of Conduct for Members
- The old Rules of Conduct for Firms
- The Global Professional and Ethical Principles
Appendix A of the Rules of Conduct now contains the professional obligations of Members and Firms
What is the purpose of the Rules of Conduct
- Structure for making ethical decisions about how to behave as a professional. Ethical decisions
- Helping to protect the public and uphold the reputation of the profession. Protect public
- Independent external confidence External confidence
Why is it important to act with integrity?
It is important to act with integrity as I am representing both myself and the profession, and want others to view me in the best possible light
What are the penalties for failing to adhere to the RICS ethical practices?
Investigation and possible disciplinary procedure by RICS
What tools can be used to make ethical decisions
RICS Ethics Decision Tree – tells you whether to ACT, RECORD, or NOT PROCEED
· Which is a sequential list of questions to ask yourself if you find yourself in a complicated ethical situation. The questions include:
o Do you have sufficient facts on the issue?
o Is it legal?
o Is it in line with the RICS Rules of Conduct?
o Etc.
