APC 2026 > MANDATORY > Flashcards

MANDATORY Flashcards

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1
Q

What is a Complaints Handling Procedure (CHP)?

A

A formal process that allows clients to raise complaints and ensures they are addressed fairly and transparently. Required for all regulated firms under the RICS Rules of Conduct (2022). Must be clear, accessible and followed consistently.

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2
Q

Why must RICS regulated firms have a CHP?

A

Required under the RICS Rules of Conduct (2022). Ensures complaints are handled professionally and transparently. Protects consumers and maintains confidence in the profession.

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3
Q

What are the key stages of a Complaints Handling Procedure?

A

Stage 1: Internal review by the firm. Stage 2: Referral to an independent redress mechanism if unresolved. Must be acknowledged promptly and investigated fairly.

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4
Q

What is the Independent Redress Mechanism in a CHP?

A

An independent body that reviews complaints if internal resolution fails. Required by RICS Complaints Handling Guidance. Provides impartial dispute resolution.

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5
Q

What is GDPR?

A

The UK General Data Protection Regulation governs how personal data is collected, stored and processed. Ensures organisations handle personal data lawfully and securely.

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6
Q

What are the seven principles of GDPR?

A

Lawfulness, fairness and transparency; Purpose limitation; Data minimisation; Accuracy; Storage limitation; Integrity and confidentiality; Accountability.

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7
Q

What rights do individuals have under GDPR?

A

Right of access; Right to rectification; Right to erasure; Right to restrict processing; Right to data portability; Right to object.

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8
Q

What is the Data Protection Act 2018?

A

UK legislation that supplements UK GDPR. Provides the legal framework for data protection in the UK. Gives enforcement powers to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

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9
Q

What is personal data under GDPR?

A

Any information that can identify a living individual. Examples include names, email addresses and contact details.

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10
Q

What is a CSCS card?

A

A Construction Skills Certification Scheme card. Demonstrates that individuals working on construction sites have appropriate training and qualifications.

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11
Q

Is a CSCS card legally required?

A

Not legally required by law. However, most construction sites require it as evidence of competence and safety awareness.

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12
Q

What is Part M of the Building Regulations?

A

Part M ensures buildings are accessible and usable by all people, including those with disabilities.

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13
Q

What does Part M require in buildings?

A

Accessible entrances; Accessible toilets; Appropriate circulation spaces; Inclusive access for disabled users.

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14
Q

What legislation promotes equality in the workplace?

A

The Equality Act 2010.

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15
Q

What is the Equality Act 2010?

A

UK legislation that protects individuals from discrimination. Promotes equality in workplaces and society.

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16
Q

What are the nine protected characteristics under the Equality Act?

A

Age; Disability; Gender reassignment; Marriage and civil partnership; Pregnancy and maternity; Race; Religion or belief; Sex; Sexual orientation.

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17
Q

What is unconscious bias?

A

Bias or prejudice that occurs automatically and unintentionally. Can influence decision-making and behaviour.

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18
Q

Why is unconscious bias important in professional environments?

A

It can affect recruitment, teamwork and decision-making. Awareness helps promote fairness and inclusion.

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19
Q

What are principles of effective teamwork?

A

Clear communication; Mutual respect; Shared goals; Accountability; Collaboration.

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20
Q

Why is teamwork important in construction projects?

A

Construction projects involve multiple stakeholders. Effective teamwork improves coordination and project delivery.

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21
Q

What are SPONS?

A

A published database of construction cost data and rates. Used by quantity surveyors for budgeting and cost planning.

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22
Q

What is BCIS?

A

Building Cost Information Service produced by RICS. Provides historical cost data and benchmarking information.

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23
Q

What is benchmarking in cost planning?

A

Comparing project costs against similar completed projects to estimate likely costs.

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24
Q

What is market testing?

A

Obtaining current pricing from contractors or suppliers to establish market rates.

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25
When would benchmarking be used?
Early project stages (RIBA Stages 1–2) when limited design information is available.
26
When is market testing used?
Later design stages when more detailed project information is available.
27
Advantages of benchmarking
Quick method of estimating cost. Useful in early feasibility studies.
28
Disadvantages of benchmarking
Less accurate if projects are not comparable.
29
Advantages of market testing
Provides current market pricing. Reflects real contractor costs.
30
Disadvantages of market testing
Time consuming. Requires more developed design information.
31
What are components of a business plan?
Vision and objectives; Market analysis; Financial forecasts; Operational strategy.
32
Why are business plans important?
Guide strategic direction. Support financial planning and decision making.
33
What is the purpose of a firm’s annual review?
Assess employee performance. Identify training needs. Support professional development.
34
Why are annual reviews important for professional development?
Provide feedback and career progression planning.
35
What health and wellbeing policies might firms have?
Mental health support; Flexible working; Employee assistance programmes.
36
Why is wellbeing important in construction?
Construction has higher rates of stress and mental health issues. Firms have a duty to support employee wellbeing.
37
What are CDM Regulations?
**Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015**. UK legislation aimed at improving health and safety in construction.
38
What is the purpose of CDM Regulations?
Reduce risks during construction projects. Ensure health and safety is considered during design and construction.
39
Who are the main CDM dutyholders?
Client; Principal Designer; Principal Contractor; Designers; Contractors.
40
What is the role of the Client under CDM?
Ensure suitable arrangements for managing health and safety. Appoint competent dutyholders.
41
What is the role of the Principal Designer?
Plan, manage and monitor health and safety during the design phase.
42
What is the role of the Principal Contractor?
Plan, manage and monitor health and safety during construction.
43
What is Pre-Construction Information (PCI)?
Information about risks that designers and contractors need before construction begins.
44
What is the Construction Phase Plan?
Document outlining how health and safety will be managed during construction.
45
What is the Health and Safety File?
A record of key safety information required for future maintenance or works.
46
What legislation underpins health and safety in the UK?
**Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974**.
47
What does the Health and Safety at Work Act require?
Employers must ensure the health, safety and welfare of employees and others.
48
What is COSHH?
**Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002**. Controls exposure to hazardous substances.
49
What are Work at Height Regulations?
Regulations aimed at preventing falls from height.
50
What are PUWER Regulations?
**Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998**. Ensure work equipment is safe to use.
51
What are the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations?
The **Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015** are UK legislation governing health and safety on construction projects. • They aim to reduce risks by ensuring health and safety is considered throughout the project lifecycle. • They place duties on key parties including the client, principal designer, designers, principal contractor and contractors.
52
What are the key principles of CDM?
• Health and safety should be considered **throughout the project lifecycle**. • Risks should be **eliminated or reduced during design** where possible. • **Competent dutyholders** must be appointed. • **Communication and coordination** between project teams is required.
53
What is the role of the Client under CDM?
• The client has overall responsibility for ensuring health and safety arrangements are in place. Examples of client duties: • Appoint a **Principal Designer and Principal Contractor** where required. • Ensure **sufficient time and resources** are allocated for safe project delivery. • Provide **Pre-Construction Information** to designers and contractors.
54
What is the role of the Principal Designer?
• The Principal Designer manages health and safety during the **design phase**. Examples of PD duties: • Coordinate **health and safety during design**. • Identify and eliminate risks through **design risk assessments**. • Prepare or assist in preparing the **Health and Safety File**.
55
What is the role of the Principal Contractor?
• The Principal Contractor manages health and safety during the **construction phase**. Examples of PC duties: • Prepare the **Construction Phase Plan**. • Manage **site safety arrangements**. • Coordinate **contractors working on site**.
56
What are the duties of Designers under CDM?
Examples include: • Eliminate foreseeable risks through design. • Reduce risks where elimination is not possible. • Provide information about remaining risks.
57
What are the duties of Contractors under CDM?
Examples include: • Plan work safely. • Comply with site safety procedures. • Provide appropriate training and supervision.
58
What is the Health and Safety File?
• A document required under CDM that contains information needed for future maintenance and safety. Examples of information included: • As-built drawings. • Details of hazardous materials. • Maintenance and access requirements.
59
Why is it important to use multiple sources of cost data?
• Improves accuracy of cost estimates. • Reduces reliance on a single data source. • Provides better market insight. Examples of cost data sources: • In-house cost data. • **BCIS**. • SPONS.
60
What are advantages of in-house cost data?
• Based on **real projects completed by the firm**. • Reflects **current contractor pricing**. • More relevant to the firm's typical project types.
61
What are limitations of in-house cost data?
• May not reflect **wider market trends**. • Limited if the firm has not completed similar projects. • May become outdated without regular updates.
62
When would benchmarking be used in cost planning?
• Early project stages when design information is limited. Examples: • Feasibility studies. • Early cost advice. • Strategic cost planning.
63
What are advantages of benchmarking?
• Quick cost estimate. • Useful when limited information is available. • Helps establish an initial budget.
64
What are limitations of benchmarking?
• Projects may not be directly comparable. • Does not reflect current market fluctuations. • Less accurate than detailed estimates.
65
What is the Equality Act 2010?
• The **Equality Act 2010** protects individuals from discrimination in the workplace and wider society. Examples of discrimination it covers: • Direct discrimination. • Indirect discrimination. • Harassment.
66
What are examples of discrimination under the Equality Act?
• Direct discrimination – treating someone less favourably due to a protected characteristic. • Indirect discrimination – policies that disadvantage certain groups. • Harassment – unwanted behaviour creating a hostile environment.
67
Why is diversity important in construction?
Examples include: • Encourages **different perspectives and innovation**. • Helps address **skills shortages**. • Creates **inclusive workplaces**.
68
What are examples of personal data in construction projects?
• Names of project team members. • Email addresses. • Contact details.
69
Why is data protection important in professional services?
Examples include: • Protects personal information. • Maintains trust with clients. • Ensures legal compliance.
70
What behaviours contribute to effective teamwork?
Examples include: • Clear communication. • Respect for other professionals. • Accountability for responsibilities.
71
What can cause poor teamwork on projects?
Examples include: • Poor communication. • Unclear roles and responsibilities. • Lack of collaboration.
72
Why is accessibility important in building design?
Examples include: • Ensuring buildings are usable by people with disabilities. • Promoting equality and inclusivity. • Complying with Building Regulations.
73
What are examples of accessibility measures in buildings?
Examples include: • Step-free access. • Accessible toilets. • Appropriate door widths and circulation spaces.
74
Why are performance reviews important in professional practice?
Examples include: • Provide feedback on performance. • Identify training needs. • Support career development.
75
Why is professional development important for surveyors?
Examples include: • Maintain competence. • Stay updated with industry developments. • Comply with professional standards such as **RICS Global Professional and Ethical Standards (2021)**.
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