General RICS and Ethics Knowledge Flashcards
What are the classes of member of RICS?
Fellows
Professional Members
Non-chartered members
Honorary members
How are the RICS standards and regulations enforced and determined?
Through the Standards and Regulation Board (SRB)
What is the RICS Ethics Decision Tree?
It provides a framework of questions which members should ask themselves when facing a situation in which they are asked to act in a potentially unethical manner or situation.
Give a summary of the RICS Ethics Decision Tree
It encourages considering the legality of ones actions and their consistency with the Rules of Conduct as well as to consult with appropriate people and have clear reasoning before making decisions. The ultimate test is whether members would be content to have their decisions or actions made public.
After using the Ethics Decsion Tree is there anywhere else where help can be sought?
The RICS Regulation Confidential Hotline offers assistance to members with any ethical issue
RICS Ethics Decision Tree
https://www.rics.org/content/dam/ricsglobal/documents/standards/ethics_decision_tree2.pdf
How are RICS members regulated?
By the Standards and Regulation Board
How can a disciplinary procedure be triggered?
- Someone complaining to the RICS
- An allegation by a client or third party
- Because of information received or established by the RICS
Where can the information on the regulatory and disciplinary approach by RICS be found?
RICS “Regulatory decision making - Version 4” provides outline RICS of regulated members, non-members and firms
The disciplinary process itself is set out in the RICS Regulatory Tribunal Rules 2022
What are the levels of disciplinary action?
- Action by Head of Regulation
Formal investigation by head of regulation
Can then instigate one of four actions:
- Serve fixed penalty notice (fine and/ or caution)
- make a regulatory compliance order (says members has to desist from doing certain actions and pay a fine)
- Refer matter to a single member of the Regulatory Tribunal for consideration
- Refer the matter to a disciplinary panel
- Disciplinary Panel
- For serious breaches of conduct
- Head of Regulation can convene a hearing
- Membership of disciplinary panel includes Lay members not RICS members
- Various penalties available - Appeal Panel
- Membership includes lay members
- Considers appeals of decisions made by disciplinary panel
Where are the RICS guidance in relation to use of social media contained?
“Use of Social Media: Guidance for RICS Members 2021”
What might give RICS concern about a social media post?
If it is:
- discrimination
- dishonesty
- abusive or threatening behaviour
- Bullying, harassment or discrimination
- Pattern of concerning communications
- Ignoring previous advice or concerns about communications
RICS can take disciplinary action if it is felt a post may damage public confidence or trust in the profession
Which social media posts are likely to NOT be investigated?
- Ones which are critical of an organisation, its policies or performance rather than individuals
- Use professional and respectful language
- Are removed if requested to do so
What are the changes to RICS Core Materials?
Professional Standards will replace Professional statements and guidance notes
Practice Information documents will be introduced to support RICS members and regulated firms
What are Professional Standards?
- Documents which set requirements for competent and ethical practice
- Set requirements about how RICS members and regulated firms provide services or the outcomes of their actions
- ## They are mandatory however contain some mandatory requirements using the word must and some best practice which use the word should
