
Behaving ethically is at the heart of what it means to be a professional; it distinguishes professionals from others in the marketplace.
RICS professionals demonstrate their commitment to ethical behaviour by adhering to five global professional and ethical standards.
Be honest and straightforward in all that you do. This is one of our five professional and ethical standards. This standard includes, but is not limited to, the following behaviours or actions:
Some of the key questions that you could ask yourself include:
Always ensure your client, or others to whom you have a professional responsibility, receive the best possible advice, support or performance of the terms of engagement you have agreed to. This standard includes, but is not limited to, the following behaviours or actions:
Some of the key questions that you could ask yourself include:
Act in a manner, both in your professional life and private life, to promote you, your firm or the organisation you work for in a professional and positive way. This standard includes, but is not limited to, the following behaviours or actions:
Some of the key questions that you could ask yourself include:
Treat everyone with courtesy, politeness and respect and consider cultural sensitivities and business practices. This standard includes, but is not limited to, the following behaviours or actions:
Some of the key questions that you could ask yourself include:
Be accountable for all your actions – don't blame others if things go wrong, and if you suspect something isn't right, be prepared to take action. This standard includes, but is not limited to the following behaviours or actions:
Some of the key questions that you could ask yourself include:
Philippa Foster Back OBE from the Institute of Business Ethics talks about the importance of ethical business and Keith Richards, barrister, and Chair of the Ethics Sub-Group for RICS Regulation talks about ethics, consumer protection and the property profession.