Australasia Ethics in practice: navigating the grey areas of professional conduct webinar

Overview

Ethics in the built environment is rarely black and white. While professional standards provide a clear framework, the most challenging decisions arise in the grey areas - where commercial pressure, client expectations, and professional obligations intersect. This webinar brings together leading industry voices to explore how ethical principles are applied in real-world scenarios. Grounded in the Rules of Conduct and professional standards of RICS, the session moves beyond theory to examine the nuanced judgements professionals must make daily. Joanna Todd MRICS will outline the core ethical principles underpinning professional conduct , including integrity, competence, conflicts of interest, and acting in the public interest - supported by practical case studies and common pitfalls. David Street MRICS will challenge how these rules translate into everyday practice, tackling issues such as bribery, scope creep, professional boundaries, insurance, complaints, and equality and inclusion - both visible and unseen.

Guided by moderator Craig MacDonald FRICS, the session will explore a series of complex , real-world dilemmas , including : 

• Balancing independence with commercial pressures.
• Managing conflicts of interest and conflicts of incentive.  
• Navigating scope limitations versus duty of care.
• Maintaining professional competence while growing your practice.
• Recognising and mitigating ethical drift over time.
  

Participants will also engage with thought-provoking questions around transparency , accountability , and the limits of compliance - encouraging reflection on personal and organisational ethical frameworks. This session is designed for professionals who want to strengthen their judgement, protect their reputation, and uphold public trust in an increasingly complex environment.

Speakers

• Joanna Todd MRICS - Profession Support & Assurance Technical Specialist (Valuation)
• David Street MRICS - Director, Rawlinsons