Rules of conduct, professionalism module and plagiarism

Now more than ever, professionalism matters. We are making it easier for clients and the public to choose skilled experts and have confidence in what to expect when they hire an RICS professional. As market trends change, the way RICS professionals qualify and practice is also evolving to deliver confidence and address real market challenges with ethical business practices. Here we will cover the Rules of Conduct, Professionalism Module and Plagiarism. 

Rules of Conduct

The five Rules of Conduct support positive change in the built and natural environments, through promoting and enforcing the highest ethical standards in valuation, the development and management of land, real estate, construction and infrastructure:

1. Members and firms must be honest, act with integrity and comply with their professional obligations, including obligations to RICS.
2. Members and firms must maintain their professional competence and ensure that services are provided by competent individuals who have the necessary expertise.
3. Members and firms must provide good quality and diligent service.
4. Members and firms must treat others with respect and encourage diversity and inclusion.
5. Members and firms must act in the public interest, take responsibility for their actions and act to prevent harm and maintain public confidence in the profession.

The Rules are based on ethical principles of honesty, integrity, competence, service, respect and responsibility. Professional ethical practice by RICS members and firms provides a foundation for effective markets, pioneers better places to live and work, and is a force for positive social impact.

The Rules apply to all members, including student and candidates (as defined in Bye-Law 5.1) and firms regulated by RICS.

RICS members and firms operate around the world, and the Rules of Conduct apply to members and firms wherever they work or practise. Members and firms (in particular, their responsible principal) should be prepared to explain their actions and how they have complied with the Rules.

Please visit our complimentary e-learning course on Rules of Conduct to find out more.

Professionalism Module

The RICS professionalism module is aimed at anyone studying for RICS professional membership across all routes and pathways. It is part of the process of applying for membership and demonstrates understanding of and commitment to RICS’ Rules of Conduct.

There will be a significant emphasis on the Rules of Conduct, professional practice and ethics in the interview, so you must familiarise yourself with the Rules. Please remember, you can be referred on this area alone.

You are required to successfully complete the RICS Professionalism module within the 12 months prior to the final assessment. The module includes four e-learning modules and a test.

Please note once successfully completed this is valid for 12 months. If you initially fail this course, you can retake it.

As a candidate you can  access the professionalism module via the Assessment Platform.

Plagiarism

Plagiarism RICS uses Turnitin, a system to help check candidates’ submissions are their own work and stand up to independent scrutiny.

The system compares a candidate’s submission against submissions from other candidates and other existing works from across the web. RICS reserve the right at any time either to submit or require you to submit your documentation into Turnitin. If the system flags concerns with the level of similarities between work you have submitted and existing works then you may be referred to Regulation for further investigation which could result in disciplinary action being taken against you. In addition, the progress of your application may be impacted including potential removal from the assessment process pending the outcome of the investigation.