Ethics - Background / General RICS

Question 1

When was the RICS founded?

Answer 1

1868

Question 2

When did the RICS get its Royal Charter?

Answer 2

1881 - Granted by the Privy Council

Question 3

What are the four levels of membership?

Answer 3

Trainee
Associate
Chartered Member
Fellow

Question 4

What do you need to do to become a Fellow?

Answer 4

1. 5 years chartered
2. A leadership role
3. Professional/technical achievement
4. Academic achievement

Question 5

What is the structure of the RICS?

Answer 5

Governing Council – Standards and Regulations Board – Management Board – 17 Specialist Property Groups

Question 6

What are the three main roles of the RICS?

Answer 6

1. To MAINTAIN THE HIGHEST STANDARDS of education and training
2. To PROTECT CONSUMERS through strict regulation of professional standards
3. To be the LEADING SOURCE OF INFORMATION on land, property, construction and associated environmental issues

(RICS 2015)

Question 7

What current challenges are the RICS facing?

Answer 7

The Justin Sullivan case

Adapting to rapid technological advancements (AI)

Climate change and sustainability

Question 8

What are the benefits of being a RICS member?

Answer 8

Status
Recognition
Market advantage
Knowledge
Network

Question 9

What is the Bichard Review?

Answer 9

The Future of the RICS, laying the foundations of:

1. Vision
2. Mission
3. Strategic goals
4. Values
5. A world-class organisation

Question 10

What are the RICS Rules of Conduct?

Answer 10

1. To be honest and act with integrity
2. To show professional competence
3. To provide a good-quality, diligent service
4. Treat others with respect having particular regard to inclusion and diversity
5. To take responsibility and act in the public interest

Question 11

What is the RICS Ethics Decision Tree?

Answer 11

A framework to work to when faced with an ethical situation

Question 12

What are the steps of the Ethics Decision Tree?

Answer 12

1. Do you have sufficient facts?
2. Is it legal?
3. Is it in line with RICS Rules of Conduct?
4. Have you consulted with the appropriate people?
5. Do you have clear reasoning?
6. Would you be happy for your actions to be made public?

Question 13

What are the three levels of disciplinary action?

Answer 13

1. Action by Head of Regulation
2. Disciplinary Panel
3. Appeal Panel

Question 14

What are the four actions if a disciplinary is required?

Answer 14

1. Fixed Penalty
2. Make a Regulatory Compliance Order
3. Refer to Regulatory Tribunal
4. Refer to Disciplinary Panel

Question 15

When is the only time a fixed penalty could be used?

Answer 15

Failure to supply information to the RICS.

Question 16

When would Regulatory Compliance Orders be actioned?

Answer 16

Low level breaches of the Rules of Conduct

Failure to undertake appropriate CPD

Question 17

What actions can be taken by a Disciplinary Panel?

Answer 17

1. Issue a Regulatory Compliance Order
2. Reprimand
3. Caution
4. Fine
5. Impose conditions upon future RICS Registration
6. Expulsion of Membership
7. Published on RICS website and magazine

Question 18

What does the RICS expect from members using social media?

Answer 18

To maintain professionalism in all online communications

Question 19

When is RICS likely to investigate your social media posts?

Answer 19

Discrimination

Abusive or threatening behavior

Extreme or offensive views to cause reputational damage to the profession

Question 20

How many qualified professionals are there?

Answer 20

113,000

Question 21

How many trainee candidates are there?

Answer 21

28,000

Question 22

What are RICS Professional Standards?

Answer 22

A set of REQUIREMENTS or EXPECTATIONS for RICS members and firms about how they provide a service

Question 23

What are the FOUR requirements for CPD?

Answer 23

1. Minimum 20 hours pert year
2. At least 50% has to be formal
3. Must maintain understanding of RICS Rules of Conduct every 3 years
4. Must be recorded online by 31st January every year

Question 24

What is CPD?

Answer 24

Continued Professional Development

Question 25

What is the meaning of the RICS motto?

Answer 25

'Est Modus in Rebus' There is measure in all things

Question 26

What are the professional obligations of MEMBERS?

Answer 26

Seen in Appendix A, members must 1. Comply with CPD requirements 2. Cooperate with the RICS 3. Provide information reasonably requested by the Standards and Regulation Board

Question 27

What are the professional obligations of firms?

Answer 27

7 Seen in Appendix A, Firms must: 1. Have a Complaints Handling Procedure in place 2. Ensure that work is covered by approved PII cover 3. Ensure instruction protection in event of incapacity/death 4. To cooperate with RICS 5. Provide information reasonably requested by the Standards and Regulation Board 6. Display 'Regulated by RICS' on their business literature 7. Report to RICS any matter they are required to report under the Rules for the Registration of Firms

Question 28

What is ethics?

Answer 28

A set of moral values

Question 29

Why do we have RICS Rules of Conduct?

Answer 29

To use as an ethical framework for all members and firms to work to

Question 30

Who is the RICS President?

Answer 30

Nick Maclean is stand-in President

Question 31

How would you react if you discovered a colleague was acting unethically?

Answer 31

1. I would ensure I had sufficient facts 2. I would approach them informally 3. I would try to resolve it internally by telling my line manager 4. I would go to HR 5. If it hadn't been addressed internally, I would go to the RICS

Question 32

What legislation is used to protect individuals from discrimination?

Answer 32

The Equality Act 2010

Question 33

What are the protected characteristics in the Equality Act?

Answer 33

Age Sex Race Disability Religion Gender reassignment Marital status Pregnancy Sexual orientation

Question 34

What is the purpose of the RICS Rules of Conduct?

Answer 34

1. To promote high standards of professionalism 2. Protect the public interest 3. Maintain confidence in the profession