Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
RICS can trace its history back to 1792 when the Surveyors Club was formed. However, the foundations of the current modern organization really started to take shape when 20 surveyors met at the Westminster Palace Hotel. Under the chairmanship of John Clutton, they appointed a sub-committee to draw up resolutions, by-laws and regulations. This was done in order to establish a professional association to represent surveyors and the growing property profession.
This group, which had expanded to 49 members by 1868, met again at the Westminster Palace Hotel on June 15, 1868, to approve the resolutions and elect the first Council. John Clutton was elected the first president of the Institution of Surveyors. Offices were then leased at 12 Great George Street, London, which is still part of the RICS headquarters today.
The Institution of Surveyors later became the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Queen Victoria granted RICS a charter in 1881. A series of mergers followed with associations across the property disciplines. In 1946, the title Royal was granted, creating the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and the RICS Coat of Arms, with motto ‘Est modus in rebus’ (There is measure in all things).
The requirement for such an organization was driven by the rapid development and expansion of the industrialized world. As it began to take shape — and the infrastructure, housing and transport links grew — there was a need for more stringent checks and balances.
RICS Americas established an office in New York City in 2001 and since has almost doubled its qualified membership. Even in parts of the world where the term ‘chartered surveyor’ is unfamiliar, the high standards of our members speak volumes. They are viewed by major financial institutions and world governments as the ‘Gold Standard’ when it comes to professional regulation in the property sector. RICS is incorporated by Royal Charter, which sets out the objects of the Institution and requires it to: “maintain and promote the usefulness of the profession for the public advantage. “In practice, the Charter means that important changes to the RICS constitution – its Bye-Laws – have to be ratified by the UK government, through the Privy Council, even after they have been approved by a majority of RICS members voting at a General Meeting.
Following the 2008 AGM Privy Council has approved changes to the Royal Charter and a new set of Bye-Laws to establish a new governance model for RICS. Governing Council has also approved new Regulations to support the Bye-Laws. The continued demand for Royal Charters, which may seem an antiquated concept, shows that they retain their cachet in the modern professional world as a “gold standard” of excellence and integrity.
Standards:
The RICS charter mandates that we ”maintain and promote the usefulness of the profession for the public advantage.” This commitment assures RICS members’ clients and employers that the RICS credential represents the highest standards of professionalism and conduct. RICS recognizes a critical difference between standards creation and standards implementation and enforcement.
1. We provide robust technical standards to our members. We do not necessarily set the standards.
2. We assure quality by training and regulating the individual professional to work in accord with appropriate standards.
3. We advise on best practice standards
Ethics:
Act honorably
1. Never put your own gain above the welfare of your clients or others to whom you have a professional responsibility. Always consider the wider interests of society in your judgments.
Act with integrity
2. Be trustworthy in all that you do – never deliberately mislead, whether by withholding or distorting information. Share the full facts with your clients, making things as plain and intelligible as possible.
Be open and transparent in your dealings
3. Share the full facts with your clients, making things as plain and intelligible as possible.
Be accountable for all your actions
4. Take full responsibility for your actions and don’t blame others if things go wrong.
Know and act within your limitations
5. Be aware of the limits of your competence and don’t be tempted to work beyond these. Never commit to more than you can deliver.
Be objective at all times
6. Give clear and appropriate advice. Never let sentiments or your own interests cloud your judgment.
Always treat others with respect
7. Never discriminate against others.
Set a good example
8. Remember that both your public and private behavior could affect your own, RICS’ and other members’ reputations.
Have the courage to make a stand
9. Be prepared to act if you suspect a risk to safety or malpractice of any sort.
Comply with relevant laws and regulations
10. Avoid any action, illegal or litigious, that may bring the profession into disrepute.
Avoid conflicts of interest
11. Declare any potential conflicts of interest, personal or professional, to all relevant parties.
Respect confidentiality
12. Maintain the confidentiality of your clients’ affairs. Never divulge information to others unless it is necessary
for more information about RICS : http://www.ricsamericas.org/index.html
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