RICS releases revised Rules of Conduct

The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) released revised ethical rules on October 11. These will come into effect from February 2, 2022.

According to a press release, the new Rules of Conduct set out the core principles of professional practice for RICS’ regulated members and firms worldwide.

The changes include explicit requirements for firms to encourage diversity and to ensure a fair and inclusive profession and support all surveyors regardless of their background or differences across the world.

The revised rules highlight transparency, ethical behaviour and sustainability, said the release.

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.

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.

Dame Janet Paraskeva, Chair of SRB at RICS, said: “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.”