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RICS APC Ethics study materials
RICS APC Ethics study resources

RICS APC Ethics practice questions

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Question 1Ethics, professional standards and conduct (draft domain - not enumerated in source)

Which of the following best describes the purpose of the RICS ethical standards?

  1. To protect the public and maintain trust in the profession Correct answer.
  2. To set minimum technical competence levels for surveyors
  3. To guarantee a fixed fee scale across the profession
  4. To replace local statutory regulation entirely

Explanation

The ethical standards exist to protect clients, the public and the profession's reputation by setting behavioural expectations for members. They sit alongside, not in place of, statutory regulation and technical competence frameworks.

Question 2Ethics, professional standards and conduct (draft domain - not enumerated in source)

The RICS ethical standards are organised around a set of core principles. Which principle requires a member to act openly and transparently in dealings with clients and others?

  1. Act with integrity
  2. Be accountable
  3. Act with objectivity
  4. Be transparent Correct answer.

Explanation

The ethical principles include transparency, which requires members to act openly in their dealings. Integrity concerns honesty and straightforwardness, while objectivity concerns impartiality of judgement.

Question 3Ethics, professional standards and conduct (draft domain - not enumerated in source)

A member is asked to sign off a valuation for a lender while also acting as sales agent for the same property. What is the primary ethical concern?

  1. A breach of the member's duty to pay fees promptly
  2. An infringement of the lender's marketing rights
  3. A failure to maintain adequate professional indemnity insurance
  4. A conflict of interest that may compromise objectivity Correct answer.

Explanation

Acting as both sales agent and independent valuer for the same transaction creates a clear conflict of interest that threatens objectivity. Members must identify conflicts and either manage them transparently or decline the instruction.

Question 4Ethics, professional standards and conduct (draft domain - not enumerated in source)

What does the principle of accountability require of an RICS member?

  1. Delegating responsibility for work to junior colleagues
  2. Guaranteeing that advice will always be correct
  3. Taking responsibility for their own actions and decisions Correct answer.
  4. Reporting every client to RICS automatically

Explanation

Accountability means a member takes responsibility for their own work and decisions and does not evade it by blaming others. Delegation does not transfer accountability for the overall instruction.

Question 5Ethics, professional standards and conduct (draft domain - not enumerated in source)

A member is offered a substantial personal gift by a contractor shortly before awarding a tender. What is the most appropriate course of action?

  1. Decline it and disclose the offer through the proper channel Correct answer.
  2. Accept it and record it in the firm's register only if asked
  3. Accept it privately as a personal matter
  4. Accept it and award the tender to a different contractor

Explanation

Accepting gifts that could influence a decision undermines integrity and objectivity. The member should decline the gift and disclose the offer so the conflict is transparent and managed.

Question 6Ethics, professional standards and conduct (draft domain - not enumerated in source)

Which of the following is the most accurate description of the RICS professional standards and guidance structure?

  1. Mandatory standards and advisory guidance are both optional
  2. Guidance is mandatory and standards are advisory
  3. Both standards and guidance are purely advisory
  4. Standards are mandatory requirements while guidance explains how to meet them Correct answer.

Explanation

Professional standards set mandatory requirements that members must meet, while guidance is advisory and explains good practice in meeting those requirements.

Question 7Ethics, professional standards and conduct (draft domain - not enumerated in source)

A member becomes aware of a serious fraud committed by a client against a third party. What is the most appropriate action?

  1. Report it through the appropriate authorities in line with legal and regulatory obligations Correct answer.
  2. Ignore it because of client confidentiality
  3. Conceal it to protect the client relationship
  4. Publish the details on social media

Explanation

Confidentiality is not absolute where there is a legal or regulatory duty to report wrongdoing such as fraud. The member should follow the proper reporting channels and applicable law.

Question 8Ethics, professional standards and conduct (draft domain - not enumerated in source)

What is the primary purpose of continuing professional development (CPD) under the RICS framework?

  1. To replace the APC assessment
  2. To maintain and develop the competence needed to serve clients properly Correct answer.
  3. To satisfy insurers only
  4. To guarantee promotion within a firm

Explanation

CPD exists to ensure members maintain and enhance the skills and knowledge needed to provide competent, ethical service. It is a professional obligation rather than a promotional or insurance tool.

Question 9Ethics, professional standards and conduct (draft domain - not enumerated in source)

A member is asked to provide a reference for a former colleague whom they believe to be dishonest. How should the member respond?

  1. Provide a glowing reference to avoid conflict
  2. Decline to respond and ignore the request
  3. Provide an honest, fair and factual reference Correct answer.
  4. Provide a reference that omits all concerns and facts

Explanation

References must be honest, fair and factual, balancing duties to the recipient with fairness to the individual. Misleading references breach integrity and can harm third parties.

Question 10Ethics, professional standards and conduct (draft domain - not enumerated in source)

Which behaviour best demonstrates the principle of acting with integrity?

  1. Always agreeing with the client's position
  2. Being honest and straightforward even when it is uncomfortable Correct answer.
  3. Prioritising personal financial gain
  4. Avoiding difficult conversations with colleagues

Explanation

Integrity means being honest and straightforward and doing the right thing even when it is difficult. It does not mean simply pleasing the client or pursuing self-interest.

Question 11Ethics, professional standards and conduct (draft domain - not enumerated in source)

A member is instructed on a project where they hold shares in the contractor's parent company. What should the member do first?

  1. Proceed without mentioning the shareholding
  2. Ask a colleague to sign the paperwork without disclosure
  3. Sell the shares after the project is complete
  4. Disclose the interest and manage or decline the instruction Correct answer.

Explanation

A material financial interest creates a conflict that must be disclosed and managed, or the instruction declined if it cannot be managed. Concealment would breach transparency and objectivity.

Question 12Ethics, professional standards and conduct (draft domain - not enumerated in source)

What does the principle of objectivity primarily require of a member?

  1. Following the client's instructions without question
  2. Delegating all judgement to a supervisor
  3. Acting impartially and free from bias or improper influence Correct answer.
  4. Maximising the fee for each instruction

Explanation

Objectivity requires impartial, unbiased judgement that is not improperly influenced by others. It does not mean following instructions blindly or maximising fees.

Question 13Ethics, professional standards and conduct (draft domain - not enumerated in source)

A member is asked to backdate a report to make it appear it was issued before a deadline. How should the member respond?

  1. Backdate it if the client insists
  2. Refuse because it would misrepresent the facts Correct answer.
  3. Ask a junior colleague to sign the backdated report
  4. Backdate it but note the true date in a private file

Explanation

Backdating a report misrepresents when the work was done and breaches integrity and honesty. The member must refuse such a request regardless of client pressure.

Question 14Ethics, professional standards and conduct (draft domain - not enumerated in source)

Which of the following best explains why members must avoid misleading marketing or advertising?

  1. Because advertising is prohibited for surveyors
  2. Because marketing reduces the fee that can be charged
  3. Because misleading claims undermine public trust and deceive clients Correct answer.
  4. Because only RICS may advertise on a member's behalf

Explanation

Misleading marketing deceives clients and damages trust in the profession, breaching integrity and transparency. Advertising is permitted provided it is accurate and not misleading.

Question 15Ethics, professional standards and conduct (draft domain - not enumerated in source)

A member suspects a colleague has breached the ethical standards. What is the most appropriate first step?

  1. Publicly accuse the colleague on a professional forum
  2. Raise the concern through the firm's internal procedures or with the colleague directly Correct answer.
  3. Ignore it to avoid workplace conflict
  4. Immediately resign from the firm

Explanation

Concerns about breaches should first be raised through appropriate internal channels or directly where suitable, escalating as necessary. Public accusation or silence are both inappropriate.

Question 16Ethics, professional standards and conduct (draft domain - not enumerated in source)

What is the main purpose of professional indemnity insurance for a surveying practice?

  1. To protect clients and the practice against the financial consequences of professional negligence Correct answer.
  2. To replace the need for ethical standards
  3. To cover the personal tax affairs of directors
  4. To guarantee that no claims will ever arise

Explanation

Professional indemnity insurance provides financial protection for clients and the practice if professional negligence claims arise. It does not remove the need for ethical conduct or prevent claims.

Question 17Ethics, professional standards and conduct (draft domain - not enumerated in source)

A member is asked to act for two competing bidders in the same tender. What is the most appropriate course of action?

  1. Act for both but favour the higher bidder
  2. Act for both and keep information confidential between them
  3. Act for one and secretly advise the other
  4. Decline to act for both because of the clear conflict Correct answer.

Explanation

Acting for two competing bidders creates an irreconcilable conflict of interest and a risk of breaching confidentiality. The member should decline to act for both.

Question 18Ethics, professional standards and conduct (draft domain - not enumerated in source)

Which statement best describes the relationship between a member's personal values and the RICS ethical standards?

  1. The standards set a minimum baseline that members must meet regardless of personal views Correct answer.
  2. The standards apply only during office hours
  3. Personal values are irrelevant to professional conduct
  4. Personal values always override the standards

Explanation

The ethical standards establish a baseline of expected conduct that applies regardless of personal views. Personal values may be stricter but cannot justify falling below the professional baseline.

Question 19Ethics, professional standards and conduct (draft domain - not enumerated in source)

A member is offered hospitality by a supplier that is modest and customary. What is the appropriate approach?

  1. Assess whether it is reasonable and could improperly influence decisions, and record it as required Correct answer.
  2. Accept only if it is not disclosed to the employer
  3. Refuse all hospitality in every circumstance
  4. Accept any hospitality regardless of value

Explanation

Hospitality should be assessed for whether it is reasonable and could improperly influence decisions, and disclosed or recorded in line with policy. Modest customary hospitality is not automatically prohibited.

Question 20Ethics, professional standards and conduct (draft domain - not enumerated in source)

A member is asked to provide advice outside their area of competence. What should they do?

  1. Guess the answer and note the uncertainty later
  2. Provide the advice but disclaim all responsibility
  3. Decline or seek appropriate specialist input before advising Correct answer.
  4. Provide the advice anyway to keep the client

Explanation

Members must only act within their competence and should decline or bring in a suitably qualified specialist. Advising beyond competence risks harm to the client and breaches professional standards.

Question 21Ethics, professional standards and conduct (draft domain - not enumerated in source)

What is the primary role of the RICS regulatory function in relation to members?

  1. To set technical surveying fees
  2. To investigate and address breaches of professional standards Correct answer.
  3. To promote members' businesses
  4. To provide legal representation to clients

Explanation

The regulatory function investigates alleged breaches of professional standards and can take disciplinary action. It does not promote businesses, set fees or represent clients.

Question 22Ethics, professional standards and conduct (draft domain - not enumerated in source)

A member discovers that a report they issued contained an error that could mislead the client. What is the most appropriate action?

  1. Quietly amend the file without telling the client
  2. Wait to see whether the client notices
  3. Blame a junior colleague for the error
  4. Promptly inform the client and correct the error Correct answer.

Explanation

Members must act promptly and transparently to correct errors that could mislead clients. Concealment or blame-shifting breaches integrity and accountability.

Question 23Ethics, professional standards and conduct (draft domain - not enumerated in source)

Which of the following best describes a 'conflict of interest' in a professional context?

  1. Any situation where a member disagrees with a client
  2. A delay in issuing an invoice
  3. A situation where a member's interests or duties could improperly influence their professional judgement Correct answer.
  4. A dispute between two contractors on a site

Explanation

A conflict of interest arises where personal interests or competing duties could improperly influence professional judgement. Mere disagreement or commercial disputes are not conflicts of interest in themselves.

Question 24Ethics, professional standards and conduct (draft domain - not enumerated in source)

A member is under pressure from an employer to inflate a valuation to help secure a loan. What is the most appropriate response?

  1. Inflate it slightly as a compromise
  2. Produce an objective valuation and resist improper pressure Correct answer.
  3. Inflate the valuation to keep the employer happy
  4. Withdraw the report without explanation

Explanation

Objectivity and integrity require the member to produce an accurate, unbiased valuation and resist pressure to misstate it. A compromise figure would still be a misrepresentation.

Question 25Ethics, professional standards and conduct (draft domain - not enumerated in source)

A member is asked to keep a client's unlawful activity confidential. How should the member balance confidentiality against other duties?

  1. The member should resign and take no further action
  2. Confidentiality always prevails regardless of the activity
  3. The member should disclose everything about the client publicly
  4. Confidentiality is subject to legal and regulatory duties, which may require disclosure Correct answer.

Explanation

Confidentiality is important but not absolute; it is subject to legal and regulatory obligations that may require disclosure of unlawful activity. Public disclosure beyond what is required would be inappropriate.

Question 26Ethics, professional standards and conduct (draft domain - not enumerated in source)

Which of the following best describes the role of the RICS Standards and Regulation Board?

  1. It provides commercial advice to members on business development.
  2. It manages the RICS global property investment portfolio.
  3. It acts as an arbitrator in disputes between clients and members.
  4. It sets and enforces professional and ethical standards for RICS members and firms. Correct answer.

Explanation

The Standards and Regulation Board is responsible for setting and enforcing the professional and ethical standards that RICS members and regulated firms must meet. It operates independently of the RICS commercial functions.

Question 27Ethics, professional standards and conduct (draft domain - not enumerated in source)

What is the primary purpose of the RICS ethical standards?

  1. To guarantee that members achieve the highest possible fees.
  2. To provide a set of rules that members must follow only in the UK.
  3. To replace the need for professional indemnity insurance.
  4. To protect the reputation of the profession and ensure public trust. Correct answer.

Explanation

The ethical standards exist to protect the public and maintain confidence in the profession by setting out the behaviour expected of members. They are not designed to maximise fees or replace insurance.

Question 28Ethics, professional standards and conduct (draft domain - not enumerated in source)

A member is asked to sign off on a building survey they did not carry out and have not reviewed. What is the most appropriate action?

  1. Sign the survey as a matter of convenience for the client.
  2. Ask a junior colleague to sign it instead.
  3. Sign the survey but note in small print that they did not conduct it.
  4. Refuse to sign and explain that they can only sign off work they have properly reviewed. Correct answer.

Explanation

Members must only sign off work they are competent in and have actually reviewed. Signing off unreviewed work would be misleading and could breach professional standards.

Question 29Ethics, professional standards and conduct (draft domain - not enumerated in source)

Which of the following is a key requirement of the RICS Rules of Conduct for Firms?

  1. Firms must have adequate professional indemnity insurance. Correct answer.
  2. Firms must only operate in the country where they are headquartered.
  3. Firms must publish their profit margins annually.
  4. Firms must ensure all staff are RICS members.

Explanation

The Rules of Conduct for Firms require regulated firms to have adequate and appropriate professional indemnity insurance cover. They do not require all staff to be members or restrict international operation.

Question 30Ethics, professional standards and conduct (draft domain - not enumerated in source)

A client offers a member a substantial cash gift to ensure a favourable valuation. What should the member do?

  1. Accept the gift and adjust the valuation slightly to show appreciation.
  2. Accept the gift as it is a gesture of goodwill.
  3. Accept the gift but disclose it to their employer.
  4. Decline the gift and report the offer to their employer or appropriate authority. Correct answer.

Explanation

Accepting a substantial gift in return for a favourable outcome would be bribery and a serious breach of integrity. The member must decline and report the offer.

Question 31Ethics, professional standards and conduct (draft domain - not enumerated in source)

What is the primary purpose of the RICS disciplinary process?

  1. To resolve commercial disputes between members.
  2. To maintain public confidence and uphold professional standards. Correct answer.
  3. To punish members financially for any mistake.
  4. To provide compensation to clients for poor service.

Explanation

The disciplinary process exists to protect the public and maintain confidence in the profession by addressing breaches of standards. It is not primarily about punishment or compensation.

Question 32Ethics, professional standards and conduct (draft domain - not enumerated in source)

A member is asked to provide a professional opinion on a matter they are not qualified to assess. What should they do?

  1. Provide the opinion based on general knowledge.
  2. Decline and recommend a suitably qualified professional. Correct answer.
  3. Provide the opinion but label it as 'provisional'.
  4. Ask a colleague to provide the opinion and sign it themselves.

Explanation

Members must only act within their competence. If not qualified, they should decline and refer the client to someone who is competent.

Question 33Ethics, professional standards and conduct (draft domain - not enumerated in source)

Which of the following best describes the requirement for members to act with integrity?

  1. Avoiding any situation that might involve conflict.
  2. Maximising profit for the firm in every transaction.
  3. Being honest and straightforward in all professional and business relationships. Correct answer.
  4. Always agreeing with the client to maintain good relations.

Explanation

Integrity means being honest and straightforward in all professional and business relationships. It does not mean always agreeing with clients or avoiding all conflicts.

Question 34Ethics, professional standards and conduct (draft domain - not enumerated in source)

A member is asked to act on a matter where they have a personal relationship with one of the parties. What should they do?

  1. Disclose the relationship and consider whether they can act objectively. Correct answer.
  2. Proceed without disclosing the relationship as it is personal.
  3. Ask a family member to act on their behalf.
  4. Proceed but charge a lower fee to show impartiality.

Explanation

Members must disclose any personal interests that could affect their objectivity. They should then assess whether they can act impartially or should decline.

Question 35Ethics, professional standards and conduct (draft domain - not enumerated in source)

What is the primary purpose of the RICS professional and ethical standards?

  1. To ensure members always win disputes with clients.
  2. To replace the need for continuing professional development.
  3. To provide a code of conduct that members must follow to maintain public trust. Correct answer.
  4. To set out the minimum fees members should charge.

Explanation

The standards set out the behaviour expected of members to protect the public and maintain trust in the profession. They do not set fees or replace CPD.

Question 36Ethics, professional standards and conduct (draft domain - not enumerated in source)

A member is instructed to prepare a report that they know will be used to mislead investors. What should they do?

  1. Prepare the report but include a disclaimer that it may be inaccurate.
  2. Prepare the report and report the client to the police.
  3. Refuse to prepare the report and explain why it would be misleading. Correct answer.
  4. Prepare the report as instructed to fulfil the client's request.

Explanation

Members must not be involved in misleading conduct. They should refuse to prepare a report intended to mislead and explain their reasons.

Question 37Ethics, professional standards and conduct (draft domain - not enumerated in source)

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'professional scepticism'?

  1. An attitude of questioning and verifying information rather than accepting it at face value. Correct answer.
  2. A tendency to distrust all clients.
  3. A requirement to always assume the worst-case scenario.
  4. A belief that all data provided by clients is false.

Explanation

Professional scepticism involves questioning information and seeking evidence before relying on it. It is not about distrusting everyone or assuming the worst.

Question 38Ethics, professional standards and conduct (draft domain - not enumerated in source)

A member is offered an inducement by a contractor to specify their products in a project. What is the most appropriate response?

  1. Accept the inducement but ensure the products meet the specification.
  2. Accept the inducement and share it with colleagues.
  3. Accept the inducement if it is of low value.
  4. Decline the inducement and disclose the offer to their employer. Correct answer.

Explanation

Inducements that could influence professional judgement should be declined and disclosed. Accepting them, even if low value, can compromise objectivity.

Question 39Ethics, professional standards and conduct (draft domain - not enumerated in source)

What is the primary purpose of the RICS 'Rules of Conduct for Members'?

  1. To explain how to set up a limited company.
  2. To guarantee that members will never be sued.
  3. To provide a list of recommended fee scales.
  4. To set out the minimum standards of ethical and professional behaviour for individual members. Correct answer.

Explanation

The Rules of Conduct for Members set the minimum standards of ethical and professional behaviour expected of individual members. They do not set fees or provide legal guarantees.

Question 40Ethics, professional standards and conduct (draft domain - not enumerated in source)

A member discovers that a colleague has been falsifying expense claims. What is the most appropriate first step?

  1. Report the colleague to the police immediately.
  2. Report the matter internally through the appropriate channel. Correct answer.
  3. Ignore it as it is not their concern.
  4. Confront the colleague publicly.

Explanation

Members should report suspected wrongdoing through the appropriate internal channels first. This allows the matter to be investigated properly.

Question 41Ethics, professional standards and conduct (draft domain - not enumerated in source)

Which of the following best describes the requirement for members to be objective?

  1. Maximising the value of the client's asset.
  2. Always agreeing with the client's opinion.
  3. Avoiding any situation where they might have to make a judgement.
  4. Acting impartially and not allowing bias, conflict of interest or undue influence to override professional judgement. Correct answer.

Explanation

Objectivity requires members to act impartially and not let bias or influence affect their professional judgement. It does not mean always agreeing with clients or avoiding judgement.

Question 42Ethics, professional standards and conduct (draft domain - not enumerated in source)

A member is asked to act for a client in a matter where the member's firm has previously advised the opposing party. What should the member do?

  1. Act for the new client but keep the previous advice confidential.
  2. Decline to act in all circumstances.
  3. Disclose the previous advice and obtain consent from both parties before acting. Correct answer.
  4. Act for the new client without disclosing the previous advice.

Explanation

Members must disclose any potential conflict and obtain informed consent from both parties before acting. If confidentiality prevents disclosure, they should decline.

Question 43Ethics, professional standards and conduct (draft domain - not enumerated in source)

What is the primary purpose of the RICS 'professional statement' on conflicts of interest?

  1. To set out the disciplinary penalties for conflicts.
  2. To offer optional guidance on how to avoid all conflicts.
  3. To explain how to maximise profit despite conflicts.
  4. To provide mandatory requirements for identifying and managing conflicts of interest. Correct answer.

Explanation

The professional statement sets mandatory requirements for identifying and managing conflicts of interest. It is not optional guidance or about maximising profit.

Question 44Ethics, professional standards and conduct (draft domain - not enumerated in source)

A member is asked to provide a valuation for a property they own. What should they do?

  1. Provide the valuation but disclose their ownership.
  2. Provide the valuation as they know the property best.
  3. Provide the valuation and charge a reduced fee.
  4. Decline to act and recommend an independent valuer. Correct answer.

Explanation

Members must avoid conflicts of interest. Valuing their own property creates a clear conflict, so they should decline and recommend an independent valuer.

Question 45Ethics, professional standards and conduct (draft domain - not enumerated in source)

Which of the following best describes the RICS requirement for members to maintain confidentiality?

  1. Members must keep information confidential only if the client pays a fee.
  2. Members must share client information with competitors.
  3. Members must keep all client information confidential unless disclosure is required by law or consented to. Correct answer.
  4. Members must disclose all client information to the public.

Explanation

Confidentiality requires members to keep client information private unless disclosure is required by law or the client consents. It is not conditional on payment.

Question 46Ethics, professional standards and conduct (draft domain - not enumerated in source)

A member is asked to act on a project where they have a financial interest in a supplier. What should they do?

  1. Proceed and keep the interest confidential.
  2. Proceed but ensure the supplier is chosen on merit.
  3. Disclose the interest and decline to act if it creates a conflict. Correct answer.
  4. Proceed without disclosing the interest as it is not relevant.

Explanation

A financial interest in a supplier creates a potential conflict of interest. Members must disclose it and, if it cannot be managed, decline to act.

Question 47Ethics, professional standards and conduct (draft domain - not enumerated in source)

What is the primary purpose of the RICS 'ethical decision-making' framework?

  1. To help members make decisions that align with ethical standards when facing dilemmas. Correct answer.
  2. To ensure members never face ethical dilemmas.
  3. To provide a step-by-step guide to maximising profit.
  4. To replace the need for professional judgement.

Explanation

The ethical decision-making framework helps members navigate ethical dilemmas in line with professional standards. It does not replace judgement or guarantee no dilemmas.

Question 48Ethics, professional standards and conduct (draft domain - not enumerated in source)

A member is asked to sign a contract that includes a clause requiring them to ignore any unethical practices they observe. What should they do?

  1. Sign the contract and ignore unethical practices as instructed.
  2. Sign the contract but secretly report any unethical practices.
  3. Sign the contract as it is a standard clause.
  4. Refuse to sign and explain that the clause conflicts with professional standards. Correct answer.

Explanation

Members cannot contract out of their ethical obligations. A clause requiring them to ignore unethical practices is unacceptable and should be refused.

Question 49Ethics, professional standards and conduct (draft domain - not enumerated in source)

A member is offered a directorship in a client company in return for favourable advice. What is the most appropriate action?

  1. Accept the directorship as it is a legitimate business opportunity.
  2. Decline the offer and disclose it to their employer. Correct answer.
  3. Accept the directorship but disclose it to the client.
  4. Accept the directorship and continue to advise the client.

Explanation

Accepting a directorship in return for favourable advice would compromise objectivity and could be seen as a bribe. It should be declined and disclosed.

Question 50Ethics, professional standards and conduct (draft domain - not enumerated in source)

Which of the following best describes the RICS approach to managing a conflict of interest that cannot be avoided?

  1. The member must always decline to act.
  2. The member may act without disclosing the conflict.
  3. The member may act if appropriate safeguards are put in place and all parties consent. Correct answer.
  4. The member must transfer the matter to a colleague without informing the client.

Explanation

Where a conflict cannot be avoided, members may act if they can implement safeguards (such as information barriers) and obtain informed consent from all parties. Declining is not always required.