Revised ethical rules are launched today by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors. The new Rules of Conduct set out the core principles of professional practice for RICS’ regulated members and firms worldwide.
Changes include explicit requirements for firms to encourage diversity and to ensure a fair and inclusive profession, and to support all surveyors regardless of their background or differences, across the world.
The new code also sets out refreshed requirements for professionals maintaining their skills and expertise – most importantly, including new expectations for all members in respect of advice on sustainability issues, helping clients in the drive to meet targets set by governments.
RICS has recently been engulfed in controversy following the publication of Alison Levitt QC’s full report into the organisation’s conduct following an accountancy audit which led to the dismissal of senior management in 2019. CEO Sean Tomkins, President Kath Fontana, Interim Chair of Governing Council, Chris Brooke, and Chair of the Management Board, Paul Marcuse all stepped down following the report.
The rules were set by RICS’ independent Standards and Regulation Board (SRB). The launch follows a nine-week consultation with RICS global members, clients and the public.
The updated rules pull a collection of documents into one easy-to-read code of practice, increasing clarity and simplifying implementation. The new code will be accompanied by a comprehensive programme of CPD and implementation support, freely available for RICS members, ahead of the rules taking effect from 2 February 2022.
Dame Janet Paraskeva, chair of SRB at RICS, said:
“The advice of RICS professionals around the world underpins the successful management of our built and natural environment. With so many complex challenges facing decision makers, this profession’s high standards of expertise and ethical conduct have never been more important.
“Standards in professional life must evolve to reflect modern-day expectations of clients and society at large, in order to maintain confidence. These revised Rules of Conduct will support our members and those that depend on their advice to continue addressing the challenges of today and tomorrow”
