6. Rules of Conduct

Question 1

What is the difference between RICS ethics and rules of conduct?

Answer 1

• Ethics are a set of moral values.
• Rules of conduct are a framework that we work to.

Question 2

Why did the previous Rules of Conduct change?

Answer 2

• The previous rules had been in place since 2007.
• Following research and consultation with RICS Members, Firms and Members of the public, the majority voted in favour of replacing the existing Rules of Conduct and separate Global Professional and Ethical Standards.
• This was to provide a single document to enable greater clarity for RICS members and firms.
• I also understand there is now a greater focus on clearer example behaviours, understanding evolving technology and tackling climate change

Question 3

Talk us through your understanding of the Rules of Conduct changes?

Answer 3

• The Rules of Conduct October 2021 Global Practice Statement will overhaul the previous separate
  documents:
  o Rules of conduct for Members.
  o Rules of Conduct for Firms.
  o Global Professional and Ethical Standards.
• Appendix A of the Rules of Conduct now contains the professional obligations of Members and Firms.

Question 4

Why does the RICS have Rules of Conduct?

Answer 4

• To provide a framework that we can all work to and so the client knows he is getting a set level of service.
• As well as being an important tool for the Institution, the Rules of Conduct are also a useful professional guide for individual institution members.

Question 5

Your brother-in-law is a chartered surveyor. You find out that he is working outside the RICS Rules of Conduct. What do you do?

Answer 5

• I verify the facts and confront him reminding him of his duties as a member of the RICS.
• I inform the RICS specifying my relationship to the person and any corrective action which I believe my brother-in-law is committed to put in place.

Question 6

In the case of a breach of a rule of conduct what is the procedure?

Answer 6

• The first step is A formal investigation by the Head of Regulation of the RICS
• The RICS can request information and/or visit and inspect to investigate compliance.
• Members must cooperate fully with all enquiries.

Question 7

What is Rule of Conduct 1

Answer 7

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

Question 8

What is Rule of Conduct 2

Answer 8

Members and firms must maintain their professional competence, and ensure services are provided by competent individuals who have the necessary experience

Question 9

What is Rule of Conduct 3

Answer 9

Members and firms must provide good quality and diligent service

Question 10

What is Rule of Conduct 4

Answer 10

Members and firms must treat others with respect

and encourage diversity and inclusion

Question 11

What is Rule of Conduct 5

Answer 11

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 12

What is the difference between RICS ethics and rules of conduct?

Answer 12

Ethics are a set of moral values.
Rules of conduct are a framework that we work to.

Question 13

What are the New Rules of Conduct?

Answer 13

Rule 1. Members and firms must be honest, act with integrity and comply with their professional obligations, including obligations to RICS.

Rule 2. Members and firms must maintain their professional competence and ensure that services are provided by competent individuals who have the necessary expertise.

Rule 3. Members and firms must provide good-quality and diligent service.

Rule 4. Members and firms must treat others with respect and encourage diversity and inclusion.

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.

Question 14

Why did the previous Rules of Conduct change?

Answer 14

• The previous rules had been in place since 2007.
• Following research and consultation with RICS Members, Firms and Members of the public, the majority voted in favour of replacing the existing Rules of Conduct and separate Global Professional and Ethical Standards.
• This was to provide a single document to enable greater clarity for RICS members and firms.
• I also understand there is now a greater focus on clearer example behaviours, understanding evolving technology and tackling climate change

Question 15

Why does the RICS have Rules of Conduct?

Answer 15

To provide a framework that we can all work to and so the client knows he is getting a set level of service.

As well as being an important tool for the Institution, the Rules of Conduct are also a useful professional guide for individual institution members.

Question 16

Explain your understanding of Rule Number 1

Answer 16

Having reviewed the example behaviours I understand members and firms should not allow themselves to be influenced improperly through the acceptance of work referrals, gifts and hospitality

Members and firms must also be sure to identify conflicts of interest and not provide services or advice where these conflicts of interest occur

Reduced impartiality due to an existing relationship for example with a main contractor who has subsequently been selected to submit a tender

Question 17

Explain your understanding of Rule Number 2

Answer 17

For example is a junior surveyor undertakes a complex valuation due to resourcing issues, this would be breaking rule 2

Question 18

Talk us through your understanding of the changes

Answer 18

The rules of Conduct October 2021 Global Practise statement overhauled the previous separate documents:
* Rules of conduct for members
* Rules of conduct for firms
* Global professional and ethical standards

Question 19

Explain your understanding of Rule Number 3

Answer 19

I must understand the clients’ project specific requirements before acting on their behalf

Clients’ scope of services should be agreed along with any exclusions and timescales for achieving each of the deliverables before signing up to formal terms of engagement

Question 20

Explain your understanding of Rule Number 4

Answer 20

I need to ensure that everyone is treated fairly and look to eliminate any instances of discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender, pregnancy, race, religion

RICS firms must also adopt a no tolerance of bullying or harassment policy

Question 21

Explain your understanding of Rule Number 5

Answer 21

We are required to ensure that when my firms make public statements, we need to ensure these do not undermine public confidence in the profession

Members and firms are required to question practices and decisions that they suspect are not right and raise concerns with colleagues

In complying with Rule 5, a useful sense check to ensure compliance is to ask ourselves if we would be comfortable in standing behind our actions if these were brought into the media or a public forum

Question 22

What is the RICS Decision Tree?

Answer 22

Flowchart to help members decide how to act in difficult situations where their professional ethics may be at stake

Question 23

What factors does the RICS Decision Tree consider?

Answer 23

1. Sufficient facts
2. Legality
3. Ethical standards
4. Consultation of appropriate people
5. Clear reasoning
6. Impact if actions made public

Question 24

What are your obligations as a member?

Answer 24

Members must comply with the CPD requirements
Members must cooperate with RICS
Must promptly provide all information requested by the Standards and Regulation board

Question 25

What are the firms obligations?

Answer 25

Publish complaints handling procedure with a complaints log
Must ensure all work is covered by sufficient PII
Firms with a sole principal must ensure their professional work is covered in case of death or inability to work
Firms must cooperate with RICS
Must provide all information requested by Standards and regulations board