What is the Ethics Decision Tree?
A framework that provides guidence to RICS members when they are faced with ethical dilemmas. Questions asked include:
Is it Legal?
Is it in line with the Rules of Conduct?
Have you consulted with appropriate people to make an informed decision?
RICS regulated Confidential Hotline offers assistance to members.
Rules of Conduct
Mandatory Obligations of firms and members.
Fee negotiations
Terms of Engagement
What is a Conflict of Interest
When a member of firm’s independence is impartially threatened due to the existence of a conflict between two clients
Conflict avoidance v conflict management
o Conflict avoidance is when you do not accept the instruction
o Conflict management is when the instruction is accepted, and steps are agreed to and put in place to manage the conflict, such as information/ethical barrier, with the written agreement of all parties.
What is the RICS publication of Conflict of Interest?
3 types of conflict of interest
o Party conflict – work on the same or related instruction for two different parties
o Own interest conflict – personal interest
o Confidential information conflict – work relating between two parties that is confidential.
Explain informed consent
o Can only be given in writing by the party if the person explaining the position to them is entirely transparent about any material factors and are sure that the party affected understands what they are doing.
o Surveyors should only seek informed consent if satisfied that all relevant parties are best served by doing so.
How to handle a conflict of interest
Explain the use of information/ethical barriers
What is a personal interest/own interest conflict?
Confidentiality
What are the 4 CPD requirements
Talk to me about negligence
Professional Indemnity Insurance
What are the current PII requirements for a firm’s minimum limit of indemnity.
Firm’s turnover in the preceding year Minimum limit of indemnity
£100,000 or less = £250,000
£100,001 to £200,000 = £500,000
£200,001 and above = £1,000,000
What are the current PII requirements when considering a firm’s maximum uninsured excess
Turnover up to £10m - The greater of 2.5% of the sum insured or £10,000
Over £10m - No set limit
RICS Professional Standard: Client Money Handling, 2019
What are the procedures for handling client’s money
o Client accounts must be kept separate and clearly identifiable
o Word ‘client’ is on the bank account and cheque book
o Client must be made available on demand
o Payment of interest agreed with a client and accounts must be kept in credit
o Regular bank reconciliation checking that payments received are transferred to the bank account and expenditure records are checked at least monthly.
o Accurate records are kept with a running balance available
o Annual audit and reporting obligations by certified accountant employed by the RICS are met
o Money can only be withdrawn from a client account if properly required.
o If cash receipts are made to settle transactions, make sure your records show all cash transactions.
o Signatories must be agreed with authorised staff and two signatories should be required.
o A discrete account is for a single named client account only
o All firms handling client money need to display their procedures documents on their website.
Starting a new practice under RICS compliance
o Inform RICS by completing a Firm Details Form
o Appoint a Responsible Principal
o Register with RICS for regulation of the firm
o Arrange PII and send details to RICS
o Set up procedures for client money handling
o Register for the RICS Valuer Registration Scheme (VRS) if undertaking Red Book valuation work
o Obtain RICS approval for CHP.
o Set up a complaints log
o Appoint a Complaints Handling Officer (or select a surveyor in another practice if sole practitioner)
o Use a logo kit from the RICS for all practice material to comply with the designation ‘Regulated by RICS’
o Plan for succession/future running of business if a sole practitioner.
o Ensure CPD logged online and set up staff training plan
o Ensure completion of an online RICS Annual Return
Starting a new firm statutory compliance includes
o Requirement to disclose business name
o Disability discrimination compliance (Equality Act 2010)
o Financial services compliance (Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, Financial Services Act 2012)
o Bribery Act 2010 compliance
o Appoint a Money Laundering Reporting Office (Money Laundering Regulations, 2017, as amended)
o Health and Safety compliance (Health and Safety Act 1974, as amended)
What is the key legislation regarding bribery?