RICS Sets New Standards of Conduct

REVISED ETHICAL RULES are launched today by RICS, the global professional body for chartered surveyors.

The new Rules of Conduct set out the core principles of professional practice for the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors’ 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.

RICS Standards

The new code also sets out refreshed requirements for professionals maintaining their skills and expertise. Most importantly, there are new expectations for members in respect of advice on sustainability issues, helping clients in the drive to meet carbon emissions targets set by governments.

The rules were set by the organisation’s independent Standards and Regulation Board (SRB).  The launch follows a 9-week consultation with RICS global members, clients and the public.

The updated rules pull a collection of documents into one code of practice, aiming to increase clarity and simplify implementation. The new code will be accompanied by a 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”

RICS Members can access the free training course “Introduction to the New Rules of Conduct” here.

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