RICS Logo and Social Media

Question 1

What RICS Regulation relates to the use of the RICS logo?

Answer 1

RICS Regulation: Rules for the use of RICS Logo and Designation by firms 2022

Question 2

Summarise the RICS Regulation: Rules for the use of RICS Logo and Designation by firms 2022?

Answer 2

● Logo can only be used by a member or registered firm (cannot be altered)
● ‘RICS Registered Firm’ designation (‘Regulated by RICS’) may only used by an RICS Registered Firm and is mandatory on all business literature (letterhead, website, TOE, information on complaint handling)
● Must include mandatory text in all TOEs
● ‘Chartered surveyors’ designation for firms - sole practitioner can use if chartered.
● ‘Chartered surveyors’ designation for firms - Partnership and company can use if 50% or more of directors are chartered and certain other requirements.

Question 3

What RICS document relates to the use of social media?

Answer 3

Regulation: RICS Use of Social Media 2024

Question 4

What factors may RICS consider when investigating a potential social media breach of the Rules of Conduct 2021?

Answer 4

Factors that may be relevant to whether social media use is in breach of the Rules of Conduct:

1) Whether the content is dishonest or misleading (untrue information may damage public trust in the profession)
2) Whether the content is discriminatory (may damage public trust in the profession)
3) How closely connected the content is to professional life (content in which you are identified as a professional is more likely to be relevant for regulatory purposes)
4) The way in which the content is expressed (Rules of Conduct 4 - treat others with respect and encourage diversity and inclusion)
5) Whether the content is confidential or private (Sharing confidential data may damage public confidence in the profession and may demonstrate a lack of integrity)

Question 5

Summarise the Regulation: RICS Use of Social Media 2024?

Answer 5

● Outline factors that may be relevant to whether social media use is in breach of the Rules of Conduct.
● Includes illustrative case studies to demonstrate how social media posts may be investigated.