RICS agents to follow new ‘behaviour standard’ from New Year
Institution's committee of great and good asks RICS member agent in UK and beyond to follow five new principles including being inclusive.
RICS has released a new global standard for property agency and management principles covering both residential and commercial agencies, auctioneers and property management.
The new standard is a mandatory requirement for RICS members and ‘regulated firms’ working in the property industry and deals largely with business openness and transparency aimed at enhancing the reputation of the industry and public confidence in surveyors.
Be honest and act with integrity
In summary the new standard asks that RICS members providing services within the property sector must be honest, act with integrity and comply with their professional obligations to their clients and RICS – something some members don’t do as the organisations disciplinary panel regularly highlights.
The rest of the requirements include that RICS members must maintain their professional competence and ensure that services are provided by competent individuals who have the necessary expertise; provide good-quality and diligent service; treat others with respect and encourage diversity and inclusion and finally act in the public interest, take responsibility for their actions and act to prevent harm and maintain public confidence in the profession.
The standard was developed by an expert group of professionals Chaired by Kelly Smith, Chief Operating Officer Letting & Management at Allsop, and the document’s authorship was led by RICS Senior Specialist for Property, Mairéad Carroll.
This important standard sets clear expectations for RICS professionals when providing property agency and management services.”
It becomes effective from 1 January 2025, and RICS is organising webinars for members over the coming months.
“This important standard sets clear expectations for RICS professionals when providing property agency and management services,” says Carroll.
“These mandatory standards apply to RICS members globally and will assist and enhance customer service and confidence in the many crucial services that surveyors provide worldwide.”