SOE Questions

Question 1

What are the three mandatory professional obligations to RICS for members?

Answer 1

1. Comply with CPD requirements
2. Cooperate with RICS
3. Promptly provide information requested by standards and regulation board.

Question 2

What are the mandatory obligations for firms?

Answer 2

1. CHP - published with dispute resolution and maintain complaints log.
2. Appropriate PII
3. Have Locum in place if sole practitioner
4. Cooperate with RICs
5. Promptly provide information requested by standards and regulation board.
6. Display RICS logo on business literature
7. Report matters in line with Rules for the Registration of Firms.

Question 3

What are the RICS Rules of Conduct?

Answer 3

1. Members and firms must be honest, act with integrity and comply with their personal obligations including obligations to RICS
2. Members and firms must maintain their professional competency 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 their profession.

Question 4

What can you tell me about the Professional Standard Conflicts of Interest?

Answer 4

• sets an obligation on both members and firms to act with integrity.
• Three sections:
  1. Mandatory Rules and definitions.
  2. General Commentary notes - sets put principles as to how RICS expects members and firms to apply standards.
  3. Supporting commentary notes - how they can meet obligations of part 1.

Question 5

What legislation is there surrounding anti money laundering?

Answer 5

a. Proceeds of Crime Act 2002
b. Terrorism Act 2000
c. The Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds Regulations 2017

Question 6

What is a FG policy on bribery and corruption?

Answer 6

• Zero tolerance policy
• Gifts above £50 in value should be recorded in Gift Register and Divisional Managing Partner should be notified.
• Intent, timing and proportionality of gifts should be considered.