RICS APC Ethics key terms

Acting in line with accepted moral principles such as honesty, fairness and integrity, and being accountable for the consequences of one's actions rather than acting solely from self-interest.

The set of principles and standards that guide how members of a profession should behave towards clients, colleagues, the public and the wider community in their working lives.

Consistently adhering to strong moral principles and being honest and straightforward in dealings, even when doing so is difficult or unobserved.

Giving advice and making judgements based on evidence and facts, free from bias, prejudice, conflict of interest or improper influence from others.

Having the knowledge, skills and experience needed to carry out a task to the required standard, and recognising the limits of one's own expertise.

The duty to keep information obtained through professional work private and to disclose it only where authorised, required by law or necessary to protect others.

A situation where a professional's personal, financial or other interests could improperly influence, or appear to influence, their judgement or the advice they give.

Freedom from relationships or pressures that could compromise a professional's ability to act and advise objectively and in the client's best interest.

Being truthful and not misleading others, including presenting accurate information and promptly correcting errors or misunderstandings when they become apparent.

Being open and clear about the basis of fees, decisions, methods and any relevant interests so that others can understand and scrutinise what has been done.

Accepting responsibility for one's decisions and actions, and being prepared to explain and answer for them to clients, employers, regulators or the public.

A legal and ethical obligation to take reasonable care to avoid causing foreseeable harm to those who rely on one's professional work or advice.

A formal set of rules and expectations that members of a professional body must follow, often forming the basis for disciplinary action if breached.

The benchmarks of behaviour, competence and service quality that a profession sets and expects its members to meet in practice.

The system of rules, oversight and enforcement by which a profession or public body controls entry to and conduct within a profession.

An organisation with legal or delegated authority to set standards, monitor conduct and take action against those who breach professional requirements.

A membership organisation that supports a profession through qualifications, standards, guidance and continuing development, and may discipline its members.

The formal process by which a professional body investigates alleged breaches of standards and decides on sanctions, including warnings or removal from membership.

A penalty imposed for breaching professional rules, such as a reprimand, fine, conditions on practice or expulsion from membership.

Behaviour by a professional that falls below expected standards, including dishonesty, negligence in a professional role or acting outside one's competence.

A failure to exercise the level of care and skill that a reasonable professional would provide in the same circumstances, causing loss to another party.

Insurance that protects a professional against claims for financial loss arising from alleged errors, omissions or negligence in the services they provide.

The ongoing process of maintaining and improving knowledge, skills and competence throughout a career, often recorded to demonstrate compliance with professional requirements.

The standards of service a professional owes a client, including clear communication, agreed terms, timely advice and handling complaints fairly.

The written agreement setting out the scope of work, fees, responsibilities and limitations of a professional appointment before work begins.

Clearly informing a client in advance about how fees will be calculated, what they cover and any other payments or commissions the professional may receive.

A defined process for receiving, investigating and responding to client complaints fairly and within set timescales, with a route to escalate unresolved matters.

The process of concealing the origin of money obtained from crime so that it appears legitimate, which professionals have duties to help detect and report.

The laws, checks and procedures, such as client identification and record-keeping, that professionals must apply to prevent and detect money laundering.

A confidential disclosure made to the authorities when a professional suspects money laundering or terrorist financing, which must be made without tipping off the client.

Offering, giving, requesting or accepting a financial or other advantage intended to improperly influence a person in the performance of their duties.

Reporting wrongdoing, malpractice or danger within an organisation to a person or body able to act on it, often with legal protection against retaliation.

The rules governing how personal information is collected, stored, used and shared, requiring lawful handling and appropriate security.

Making a false or misleading statement of fact, whether deliberately or carelessly, that induces another party to act to their detriment.

Treating all people fairly and without discrimination, valuing differences and ensuring equal access to opportunities and services.

Considering the long-term environmental, social and economic impacts of professional advice and acting in a way that supports responsible outcomes for wider society.

The collective welfare of society, which professionals must consider alongside client interests, particularly where safety, honesty or trust in the profession is at stake.