Stock Answers Flashcards
What would you include in Terms of Engagement?
- Fees, including any commission received
- Payment of expenses
- Calculation of expenses and disbursements
- Firm’s complaints handling procedure.
How would you outline a fee for a client?
- Calculated: Time Basis, Sales %
- Fixed: Job Specific, Cost
What does confidentiality apply to ?
Clients affairs
Advice given to clients
What are the principles of good practice for data handling?
- fairly and lawfully processed
- processed for limited purposes
- adequate, relevant and not excessive
- accurate
- not kept longer than necessary
- processed in accordance with the data subject’s rights
- secure and
- not transferred to any countries without adequate protection.
How do you handle confidential information?
Statutory request - seek legal advice
Non-Stat - Seek written confirmation/permission
What should be included in a Complaints Handling Procedure?
- How/where to send complaints (Written /Complaints Handler)
- An alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanism that is approved by the Standards and Regulation Board
- Free access to a Redress Scheme
- Timescales
How can you mitigate against conflicts and disputes?
- Diligent contract drafting
- Risk analysis (Traffic Lights/ Risk Matrix- prob x severity)
- Manage expectations, clear communication (EWS)
- Transparent contract negotiation
- Good record keeping
What is ADR?
*Alternative Dispute Resolution
- Processes & techniques falling outside the scope of court litigation for dispute resolution
- UK: Mediation, Arbitration, I Expert (for me)
(also: adjudication, early neutral evaluation, expert witness, advocate)
What is Mediation?
A neutral who facilitates a confidential conversation to explore a solution between parties
*Non-binding / informal / ‘without prejudice’
What is Arbitration?
A specialist is appointed to make an award, MAY invite a hearing or written representations.
*Binding / confidential solution / can be sued for negligence on a point of law
What is Expert Determination?
An expert is appointed to make a binding determination based on their own experience and evidence provided.
Speedy / Specialist
What is the difference in Expert Determination & Arbitration
Award / Determination
E - Governed by experience and evidence
A- Governed by legislation
E - Experience = Any value
A - Usually a value between the two parties +costs
E - Sued for negligence
A - Decision can be overruled in court of law
What is a conflict of interest?
An instance where a member or a firms independence or impartiality is threatened.
How can you manage a conflict?
- Outline facts & proposal to manage conflict
- Advise they may wish to obtain independent advice
- Obtain written informed consent
What types of conflict are there?
Party Conflict (same instruction)
Own Interest Conflict (Personal Interest)
Confidential Information Conflict (Information between separate parties)
What can a conflict management proposal include?
- Information/ Ethical Barrier
- No dual agency
How would you implement an information barrier?
- ‘Reasonable steps’ must be taken
- Surveyors operating in separate offices / floor
- Store data securely
- Use different PA & support teams
- Keep audit trail
What is the RICS Dispute Resolution Service?
What services are available to your industry?
Dispute resolution and avoidance services provided by RICS:
- Appointment of resolvers
- Panel of resolvers
- Training & Qualifications
My industry - The Property Ombudsman (free to consumers)
How would you negotiate with another party & an example?
Newton Close
- Prepare
- Clarify goals
- Push for win-win
- Know when to walk away
Are you aware of independent experts and expert witnesses?
They have a duty of care to the courts
Practice Statement 4th ed. - Mandatory
Who is the president and what are their aims?
Kath Fontana
-Social Impact / Technology (BIM) / Diversity
How do you become a Fellow?
-£250 fee
-Submit an application with a personal statement & 3rd-party evidence
-Statement must demonstrate 4 key areas;
Champion, Expert, Influence, Role Model
What other groups are within the RICS?
Lionheart - Independent chairty/ benevolent fund (grants, counselling, advise & information)
Matrics - Networking, CPD, Knowledge share - young professionals & recently qualified
What is the governance structure of the RICS
Governing Council (Strategic Direction)
Standards & Regulation Board
Management Board
Audit Committee
A few subcommittees and regional boards
Outline the hierarchy of RICS documents.
International standards & Professional Statement - Mandatory
Code of Practice - Both
Guidance Note - Best Practice (think negligence)
Information paper, insight, marker report, consumer guide, research
How many professional groups and some examples
18 - QS & Cons, BS, PM, P&D
What is the role of professional groups?
Best practice guidance
CPD, networking & training
Setting assessment standards
Research to improve profession
What is the Royal Charter?
Document provided by Monarch & Privy Council enabling self-governance of the RICS.
Set at the incorporation of RICS 1881
‘usefulness of the profession for the public advantage’
What are the Bye-Laws & Regulations?
B-L - Local laws specific to members and firms
R - Outlines greater detail of the Bye-Laws, these are approved by Governing Council
Bye-Law Examples; 2-Membership Classes, 5-Funds (Governing Council given the power to set fees)
What is the Carsberg report, what was the result?
A review commissioned by RICS and 2 other bodies which highlighted the voluntary regulation does not provide sufficient support to the public
Led to RoC for Firms, Revision of Rules, Intro a Conduct Board