ETHICS DOCS

Question 1

What are the RICS Rules of Conduct?

Answer 1

The RICS Rules of Conduct set out the ethical and professional standards expected of members and regulated firms to ensure integrity, competence, and public trust in the profession.

Question 2

Who do the RICS Rules of Conduct apply to?

Answer 2

They apply to all RICS members and RICS-regulated firms.

Question 3

When were the current RICS Rules of Conduct introduced?

Answer 3

The current Rules of Conduct were introduced in 2022.

Question 4

What are the five principles of the RICS Rules of Conduct?

Answer 4

1. Act with honesty and integrity 2. Maintain professional competence 3. Provide a high standard of service 4. Treat others with respect 5. Act in a way that promotes trust in the profession

Question 5

Are the RICS Rules of Conduct mandatory?

Answer 5

Yes, they are mandatory and failure to comply can result in disciplinary action.

Question 6

How do you apply the RICS Rules of Conduct in your role?

Answer 6

I apply them by ensuring fair and transparent tendering, providing accurate valuations, maintaining confidentiality, and acting objectively when advising clients.

Question 7

Give an example of acting with integrity in your role.

Answer 7

I identified a valuation including works not yet completed and removed the item to prevent overpayment, ensuring fairness and compliance with the contract.

Question 8

How do you ensure confidentiality in line with the Rules?

Answer 8

I do not share sensitive project or tender information with unauthorised parties and ensure all data is handled securely.

Question 9

How do the Rules of Conduct influence your decision making?

Answer 9

They guide me to act objectively, avoid bias, and ensure all advice is in the client’s best interest while maintaining professional integrity.

Question 10

A contractor invites you to hospitality during a live tender. What do you do?

Answer 10

I would decline to avoid any perception of bias or conflict of interest and maintain fairness in the tender process.

Question 11

A client asks you to understate costs to secure funding. What do you do?

Answer 11

I would refuse and explain my duty to provide accurate and honest advice, in line with the Rules of Conduct.

Question 12

You notice a colleague sharing confidential tender information. What do you do?

Answer 12

I would raise the issue internally and follow company procedures, as this breaches confidentiality and professional standards.

Question 13

A valuation includes work not yet completed. What do you do?

Answer 13

I would exclude the value from the interim valuation and explain the contractual basis to the contractor to ensure fair payment.

Question 14

Why are the RICS Rules of Conduct important?

Answer 14

They ensure professionalism, protect clients and the public, and maintain trust in the surveying profession.

Question 15

What is meant by ‘acting with integrity’?

Answer 15

Acting honestly, fairly, and consistently, without being influenced by personal or external pressures.

Question 16

What does promoting trust in the profession mean?

Answer 16

Acting in a way that upholds the reputation of the profession through ethical behaviour and reliable advice.

Question 17

What should you do if you become aware of unethical behaviour?

Answer 17

Raise it through internal procedures and, if necessary, escalate in line with professional obligations.

Question 18

What happens if you breach the RICS Rules of Conduct?

Answer 18

It can lead to disciplinary action, including fines, suspension, or removal of RICS membership.

Question 19

Can you challenge a client if their instruction breaches the Rules?

Answer 19

Yes, I have a duty to act with integrity and must challenge instructions that are unethical or non-compliant.

Question 20

What is the difference between honesty and integrity?

Answer 20

Honesty is telling the truth, while integrity is consistently doing the right thing even when under pressure.

Question 21

Are firms also required to follow the Rules of Conduct?

Answer 21

Yes, RICS-regulated firms must also comply with the Rules of Conduct.

Question 22

Summarise the RICS Rules of Conduct in one sentence.

Answer 22

The RICS Rules of Conduct ensure members and firms act ethically, competently, and in a way that maintains public trust in the profession.

Question 23

What is bribery?

Answer 23

Bribery is offering, giving, receiving, or requesting something of value to influence a decision or gain an improper advantage.

Question 24

What is the purpose of the Bribery Act 2010?

Answer 24

It aims to prevent bribery and corruption by making it a criminal offence to offer, receive, or facilitate bribes.

Question 25

What are the main offences under the Bribery Act 2010?

Answer 25

1. Offering or giving a bribe 2. Requesting or receiving a bribe 3. Bribing a foreign public official 4. Failure of a commercial organisation to prevent bribery

Question 26

Does the Bribery Act apply only in the UK?

Answer 26

No, it has extraterritorial reach and applies to UK individuals and companies operating abroad.

Question 27

Are both offering and accepting a bribe offences?

Answer 27

Yes, both are criminal offences under the Bribery Act 2010.

Question 28

How do you ensure compliance with the Bribery Act in your role?

Answer 28

I follow company policies, avoid accepting inappropriate gifts or hospitality, and ensure all procurement processes are fair and transparent.

Question 29

What is acceptable in terms of gifts and hospitality?

Answer 29

Reasonable and proportionate hospitality is acceptable if it is not intended to influence decisions and is declared in line with company policy.

Question 30

How do you manage bribery risk during tendering?

Answer 30

I ensure equal information is shared with all tenderers, maintain confidentiality, and avoid any inappropriate contact with bidders.

Question 31

A contractor offers you tickets to a major event during a tender process. What do you do?

Answer 31

I would decline, as it could be perceived as an attempt to influence the tender outcome and breach the Bribery Act.

Question 32

A supplier offers a gift after being awarded a contract. What do you do?

Answer 32

I would assess whether it is proportionate and declare it in line with company policy, or decline if inappropriate.

Question 33

You suspect bribery on a project. What do you do?

Answer 33

I would report it through internal procedures in line with company policy and professional obligations.

Question 34

What is meant by “failure to prevent bribery”?

Answer 34

It is when a company fails to stop bribery by its employees or associated persons, even if senior management was unaware.

Question 35

What defence does a company have under the Bribery Act?

Answer 35

Demonstrating that it had adequate procedures in place to prevent bribery.

Question 36

What are “adequate procedures”?

Answer 36

Measures such as anti-bribery policies, staff training, risk assessments, and reporting mechanisms.

Question 37

How does bribery relate to professional ethics?

Answer 37

It breaches integrity, fairness, and trust, which are fundamental to professional conduct.

Question 38

Is all hospitality considered bribery?

Answer 38

No, only if it is intended to influence a decision or gain an improper advantage.

Question 39

Can small gifts still be considered bribery?

Answer 39

Yes, if they are intended to influence behaviour, regardless of value.

Question 40

What are the consequences of breaching the Bribery Act?

Answer 40

Criminal penalties including fines, imprisonment, and reputational damage.

Question 41

How does the Bribery Act impact your role as a Quantity Surveyor?

Answer 41

It requires me to act transparently, avoid conflicts of interest, and ensure procurement processes are fair and unbiased.

Question 42

Summarise your understanding of bribery and the Bribery Act 2010.

Answer 42

Bribery involves offering or receiving something of value to influence decisions, and under the Bribery Act 2010 both actions are criminal offences requiring strict professional compliance.