Ethics, rules of conduct and professionalism Flashcards
(98 cards)
Why do you want to become a member of RICS?
Level 1
Becoming a member of RICS demonstrates to clients, employers, and colleagues that I have achieved a high level of professionalism and expertise in valuation field.
Membership in RICS can provide mw an access to educational resources, networking, and professional development programs that can help advance my career.
What are the key functions of RICS?
Level 1
- Sets, eforces, and promotes global professional standards for the property industries, covering areas such as ethics, conduct, and competence.
- Investigates and takes action against members who breach the standards.
- Provides education and training
- Accredites education programs
- Research and publish guidance
What is the role of RICS?
Level 1
Set, eforce, regulate and promote global professional standards for the real estate industries, covering aprofessional ethics, conduct, and competence.
What is a Royal Charter?
Level 1
A grant to professional organizations, charities, and educational institutions that have a significant public role.
Organizations that hold a Royal Charter are known as ‘chartered’ and are allowed to use the prefix ‘Royal’ in their name.
Who is the current RICS president?
Level 1
Justin Sullivan 2025
What do you understand by the term self-regulation?
Level 1
Professional organization sets and enforces its own standards of practice, instead of relying on external regulators (ie government agencies).
Develops and implements:
codes of conduct
standards
professional guidelines
Can you tell me what you understand by the principles of better regulation?
Level 1
PACTT
*Proportionality (appropriate)
* Accountability (responsibility, answer for decisions made)
* Consistency (clear rules)
* Targeting (focused on an issue)
* Transparency (accessible and understandable)
What is a Bye-Law?
Level 1
A list of laws applied internally using powers granted by the Royal Charter (ie RICS constitution)
Examples:
* Qualifications required for membership Professional obligations of members
* The use of the RICS designation and logo
* Procedures for handling complaints
Explain to me the new RICS Rules of Conduct - what do they replace?
Level 1
New set of Rules of Conduct, which replaced the previous Rules of Conduct (2017).
They had been in place since 2007, Members voted to create one single document, now a greater focus on evolving technology and tackling climate change.
When do the new Rules of conduct take into effect?
Level 1
2 February 2022.
Who do new Rules of Conduct relate to?
Level 1
All RICS members and firms, regardless of their location or area of practice.
What are the 6 ethical principles that the Rules of Conduct are based on?
Level 1
- Integrity,
- objectivity
- professional competence
- confidentiality
- professional behaviour
- acting in public interest
What are the 5 Rules?
Level 1
- Members and firms must be honest, act with integrity and comply with their professional obligations, including obligations to RICS.
- Members and firms must maintain their professional competence and ensure
that services are provided by competent individuals who have the necessary
expertise. - Members and firms must provide good-quality and diligent service.
- Members and firms must treat others with respect and encourage diversity and
inclusion. - 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.
Give an example behaviour for each rule.
Level 1
- ROC 1: Effectively identify conflicts of interest. Open and transparent about fees and services. Dont allow to be influenced improperly by others (as a result of giving or receiving work referrals, gifts, hospitality or payments) or by their own self- interest. Protect confidential information.
- ROC 2: Act within my own area of competence and expertise. Upkeep continuing professional development (CPD) activities.
- ROC 3. Understand client’s needs first. Provide the agreed scope of the service within the scheduled timeline. Communicate material information on which information is based clearly and understandbly. Keep records of work.
- ROC 4. Treat everyone fairly and do not discriminate against anyone (no matetr the age, disability, gender, marriage status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation). Ensure supply chain does not involve modern slavery or workforce abuse.
- ROC 5. Respond to any complaints promptly, openly and professionally. Raise concerns when suspecting practices and decisions are not right. Raise concerns with colleagues, senior management, clients, RICS or any other appropriate person, body or organisation where I believe in good faith that it is necessary to do so.
What are the core professional obligations of firms and members to RICS?
Level 1
- Obligations for members
- Comply with CPD requirements (20 hours, 10 to be formal)
- Must cooperate with RICS
- Must provide all information reasonably requested by the standards and regulation board.
- Obligations for firms
- Publish complaints handling procedure, including Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) provider approved by RICS
- Maintain complaints log
- All work is covered by adequate professional indemnity policy
- Firms with a sole principal must make arrangements for their professional work to continue in the event of their incapacity, death, absence from or inability to work;
- Must cooperate with RICS
- Must provide all information reasonably requested by the standards and regulation board
- Must display they are regulated by the RICS in their business literature
- Must report any matter as required by the rules for the Registration of Firms
Who is a Responsible Principal?
Level 1
MRICS/FRICS qualified, holds a senior position (director, principal, partner) of the RICS regulated firm. Is the main point of contact with RICS regarding regulatory compliance.
What is a phoenix firm?
Level 1
A company created to replace a previous company that has become insolvent or is experiencing financial difficulties.
What happens if a firm cannot comply with the eligibility criteria?
Level 1
Firm may be unable to register with RICS or may have their registration revoked if already registered.
Non-compliance with RICS regulations can result in fines, suspension, or expulsion from RICS membership.
This can damage the reputation of the firm and its individual members.
What are the rules around use of the RICS logo and ‘Regulated by RICS’ designation?
When did these rules last change?
Level 1
Permitted use for member or registered firms only.
Effective 02/02/2022
What disciplinary procedures can the RICS impose?
Level 1
- Warning
- Fines
- Suspension
- Expulsion
In what circumstances can the disciplinary procedures be imposed?
Level 1
- Breach of RICS rules and regulations
- Professional misconduct
- Non-payment of fees
- Someone complaining to the RICS
- An allegation by a client or third party
When did RICS last update their disciplinary panel rules?
Level 1
December 2020.
* Creation of the Registration Panel, which is responsible for applicant registration and reinstatement to the RICS register.
* Clarified the procedures for managing complaints and conducting investigations
What money laundering regulations or legislation are you aware of?
Level 1
AML and CFT FEDERAL LAW NO. 20 of 2018
Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism and Illegal Organizations
Obligations of business entities to prevent and detect money laundering and terrorist financing activities.
What bribery legislation are you aware of?
Level 1
ISSUANCE OF PENAL CODE Federal Law No. 3 of 1987
Criminalizes bribery and corruption, and individuals found guilty can face imprisonment and/or fines.