RICS News

RICS launches new guidance to supplement Rules of Conduct Rule 4

20 February 2024

RICS’ Rules of Conduct Rule 4 states that members and firms must treat others with respect and encourage diversity and inclusion. Today, RICS has launched ‘Developing an Inclusive Culture’ —guidance developed with the help of RICS members and DEI experts to reflect good practice in encouraging diversity and inclusion.

The guidance aims to support members and firms by illustrating good practice in six areas:

inclusive spaces
inclusive recruitment
inclusive policies
inclusive culture
everyday life at work
career progression

Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is a priority for RICS and the wider profession — the sector needs to attract and retain the best talent, regardless of gender, race, disability, neurodiversity, class or socio-economic background, religion, sexual orientation or age. Firms with a diverse workforce demonstrate greater creativity, innovation and efficiency, which are essential qualities in a fast-changing world. They also need staff who reflect the communities they serve if they are to be credible and understand the issues faced by those communities.

The guidance will equip RICS professionals globally with the skills and knowledge to deliver better outcomes for their stakeholders and the wider public, promoting ethics and professionalism for the public advantage. It particularly aims to support SMEs and sole practitioners by providing access to valuable specialist advice, essential tools, and resources to develop sustainable, up-to-date DEI practices.

In delivering this guidance, RICS is expanding the support available to members and firms to help shape an inclusive profession where everyone can thrive, realise their potential and deliver positive social impact.

Frequently asked questions

The guidance has been developed to supplement RICS’ Rules of Conduct Rule 4 which states: ‘Members and firms must treat others with respect and encourage diversity and inclusion.’

Many RICS professionals work in small and medium businesses that often can’t dedicate the same resources as larger businesses to optimise their DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) practices, helping them attract and retain the best candidates. The guidance provides advice sourced from other RICS members and DEI professionals that will support all businesses.

The guidance uses the UK Equality Act 2010 as its foundation but applies to members and member firms globally. We do recognise that under different countries’ legal frameworks some actions will be not possible to implement. However, all RICS members are held to account by RICS’ Rules of Conduct wherever they work or practise.

The guidance serves as a supplement to Rule 4 of RICS Rules of Conduct. It is not a professional standard but advice intended to help firms comply with their obligations under the Rules of Conduct.

Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is important for the profession as it needs to attract and retain the best talent, regardless of gender, race, disability, neurodiversity, class or socio-economic background, religion, sexual orientation or age. This new guidance gives practical, applicable advice on creating a more inclusive working environment, which has been shown to increase performance, improve morale and staff retention, among other benefits. Diversity is a proven route to greater creativity and innovation, which are essential qualities in a fast-changing world.

Yes, we will be producing webinars aligned with the six sections of this guidance and making them available in the CPD library so members can hear from the working groups that developed it on the key learnings and takeaways.

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