Rules Of Conduct

Question 1

What are ethics?

Answer 1

Moral values

Question 2

How would you define the ethical behaviour of a chartered surveyor?

Answer 2

Acting in accordance with the 5 Rules of Conduct

Question 3

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

Question 4

Why are the Rules of Conduct important?

Question 5

What is the full document relating to the Rules of Conduct and when was it effective from?

Answer 5

RICS Rules of Conduct, global, Oct 2021

Effective from 2 Feb 2022

Question 6

What is Rule 1?

Answer 6

Members + firms must be honest, act with integrity + comply with their professional obligations, including obligations to RICS

Question 7

What is Rule 2?

Answer 7

Members + firms must maintain their professional competence + ensure that services are provided by competent individuals with the necessary expertise

Question 8

What is Rule 3?

Answer 8

Members + firms must provide good quality + diligent service

Question 9

What is Rule 4?

Answer 9

Members + firms must treat others with respect + encourage diversity + inclusion

Question 10

What is Rule 5?

Answer 10

Members + firms must act in the public interest, take responsibility for their actions + act to prevent harm + maintain public confidence in the profession

Question 11

Can you provide example behaviours for Rule 1?

Answer 11

Being open/transparent with fees

Not misleading others by actions or omissions, or being complicit in actions or omissions of others

Not being influenced improperly by others (e.g. as a result of gifts) or by own self-interest

Identifying actual or perceived COIs + not providing advice where a COI or significant risk of one arises, unless done in accordance with Professional Standard

Question 12

Can you provide example behaviours for Rule 2?

Answer 12

Staying up to date with relevant legislation, codes of practice + other standards

Only undertaking work where have knowledge, skills + resources to do so competently

Ensuring contractors have knowledge, skills + recourses to do so competently

Developing knowledge + skills - identifying development needs + undertaking CPD

Question 13

Can you provide example behaviours for Rule 3?

Answer 13

Understanding clients’ needs + objectives before accepting work

Agreeing scope of work, limitations + timescales with clients

Understanding work in a timely manner with due care, skill + diligence

Keeping proper records of work + decisions in enough detail to answer questions from clients + allow work to be audited for regulatory purposes

Question 14

Can you provide example behaviours for Rule 4?

Answer 14

Not bullying, victimising or harassing

Treating everyone fairly + not discriminating against anyone on improper grounds, e.g. race, age, gender, disability

Respecting rights of others + treating with courtesy

Question 15

Can you provide example behaviours for Rule 5?

Question 16

What happens if you deviate from the Rules?

Question 17

What disciplinary procedures can the RICS impose?

Question 18

In what circumstances can disciplinary procedures be imposed?

Question 19

When did the RICS last update their disciplinary panel rules?

Question 20

What are the different levels of action within the RICS disciplinary procedures?

Question 21

When did the Rules of Conduct change?

Answer 21

2nd Feb 2022

Question 22

What did the Rules replace?

Answer 22

Ethical + Professional Standards
Rules of Conduct for Members
Rules of Conduct for Firms

Question 23

Why did the Rules change?

Answer 23

Were in place since 2007

Members voted to create a single document. Greater focus on evolving technology + climate change

Question 24

What is the RICS Ethics Decision Tree?

Answer 24

Flowchart that helps to determine whether to proceed when faced with an ethical grey area

1. Do you have sufficient facts?
2. Is it legal?
3. Is it in line with RICS global professional + ethical standards?

Question 25

What else is available when faced with an ethical issue (other than the ethics decision tree)?

Answer 25

Detailed case studies on RICS website

RICS confidential hotline to discuss ethical issues