Ethics

Question 1

Tell me about a time you upheld professional integrity when under pressure from a contractor or client.

Answer 1

At Holborn, a contractor offered me hospitality in a corporate box after contract award. I recognised this as a potential conflict under the RICS Rules of Conduct and the Bribery Act 2010. I declined the offer and informed my line manager. I maintained a professional working relationship to ensure impartiality was not compromised.

Question 2

How do you ensure fairness in tendering situations?

Answer 2

At Citizen’s Advice in Reading, I disqualified a late tender submission to ensure fairness and transparency. I communicated clearly to the client that accepting it would disadvantage compliant bidders, aligning with ethical standards and procurement best practice.

Question 3

What would you do if the client insisted on accepting the late tender?

Answer 3

I would clearly advise against it, documenting the risks including lack of transparency and potential challenge. If they insisted, I would ensure my advice is recorded and consider whether I could continue acting without breaching professional obligations.

Question 4

What would you do if a client asked you to act outside your competence?

Answer 4

I would explain my limitations and recommend involving a suitably qualified specialist. Acting outside my competence would breach RICS Rules of Conduct and risk providing incorrect advice.

Question 5

How do you ensure you always act ethically in your day-to-day role?

Answer 5

By following the RICS Global Professional and Ethical Standards, undertaking regular CPD, working within my competence, and seeking guidance when required.

Question 6

What are the RICS Global Professional and Ethical Standards?

Answer 6

The five standards are:
1. Act with integrity
2. Always provide a high standard of service
3. Act in a way that promotes trust in the profession
4. Treat others with respect
5. Take responsibility

Question 7

What is the purpose of the RICS Rules of Conduct (2022)?

Answer 7

They provide a framework for professional behaviour for members and firms, ensuring ethical practice, competence, and accountability.

Question 8

What are the key principles of the Rules of Conduct?

Answer 8

They include:
• Honesty and integrity
• Competence
• Service
• Respect
• Responsibility

Question 9

What is a conflict of interest?

Answer 9

A situation where personal or professional interests could compromise, or appear to compromise, impartiality.

Question 10

What types of conflict of interest are there?

Answer 10

• Party conflict
• Own interest conflict
• Confidential information conflict

Question 11

How do you manage a conflict of interest?

Answer 11

By identifying it early, disclosing it to all relevant parties, and implementing appropriate mitigation such as informed consent or declining the instruction.

Question 12

What is the Bribery Act 2010?

Answer 12

UK legislation that prohibits offering, giving, or receiving bribes, including corporate failure to prevent bribery.

Question 13

What is a gift or hospitality policy?

Answer 13

A policy that sets limits and procedures for accepting gifts or hospitality to avoid conflicts of interest or bribery risks.

All about the timing, proportionality
Reciprocal or not
Put into a gift register

Question 14

What is a Complaints Handling Procedure

Answer 14

A formal process for handling complaints, required for RICS-regulated firms, including access to an independent redress mechanism.

Question 15

What are the key stages of a CHP?

Answer 15

1. Internal complaints process
2. Escalation to an independent redress provider if unresolved

Question 16

What is Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII)?

Answer 16

Insurance that protects against claims of negligence or professional error.

Question 17

Why is PII important?

Answer 17

It protects both the client and the surveyor against financial loss arising from professional advice.

Question 18

PII Levels

Answer 18

Up to £100k turnover > £250k level
Up to £200k turnover > £500k level
Over £200k turnover > £1M level

Question 19

What would you do if you made a professional mistake?

Answer 19

I would inform my line manager immediately, be transparent with the client, and follow internal procedures, including notifying insurers if required.

Question 20

What would you do if your client asked you to ignore a safety issue to save money?

Answer 20

I would refuse and clearly explain the legal and ethical obligations. Health and safety cannot be compromised, and I would escalate if necessary.

Question 21

What if your manager told you to do something unethical?

Answer 21

I would challenge the instruction, refer to the RICS Rules of Conduct, and escalate internally if required. If unresolved, I would consider withdrawing from the instruction.

Question 22

What would you do if you discovered a colleague acting unethically?

Answer 22

I would raise the issue internally in line with company procedures, ensuring it is handled appropriately and confidentially.

Question 23

What if a client offers you cash to secure a contract?

Answer 23

I would refuse immediately, report it internally, and potentially withdraw from the instruction. This would be a clear breach of the Bribery Act.

Question 24

How do you promote trust in the profession?

Answer 24

By acting with integrity, providing transparent advice, maintaining competence, and behaving professionally at all times.

Question 25

Why are ethics so important in surveying?

Answer 25

Because clients rely on our advice to make significant financial and safety decisions. Ethical behaviour ensures trust, protects the public, and maintains the reputation of the profession.