Why professionalism matters! Cranfield University, Oct 2012

RICS – why professionalism matters! Introduction - James Kavanagh MRICS C.Geog – Director Land Group RICS & the surveying/real estate industries Professionalism Ethics New markets / old issues Careers

RICS & the surveying/real estate industries RICS Professionalism, ethics and regulation Professional Groups & forums Standards & Specifications Professional and technical membership

Professionalism “For the benefit of the public at large the Institution’s mission is to be the publicly recognised authority on all aspects of surveying and the ownership, occupation, development and management of property in the United Kingdom and to expand its recognition world- wide.” Corporate objective To advance and enforce standards in land, property and the built environment, and to promote the usefulness of the profession. ‘ RICS – over 163,000 members across 140 countries and 55,000 regulated firms’

Professionalism & Ethics Observe Code of Professional Conduct, bye laws Continuing Professional Development - LLL Professional Indemnity Insurance Ethics Best practice, practice notes and guidance Assessment of Professional Competence - training

Professionalism & Ethics The Five Ethical Standards Act with integrity Always provide a high standard of service Act in a way that promotes trust in the profession Treat others with respect Take responsibility

Professionalism & Ethics “Conduct Unbefitting” What does it mean? In whose opinion? Value statement of the profession Would you want others to know of your behaviour?

Professionalism & Ethics Recent Plagiarism Case Case studies submitted for the assessment of professional competence had been copied RICS Disciplinary Panel found that the student member “did not act with integrity” or “avoid actions or situations that were inconsistent with [their] professional obligations” Student member expelled and order to pay costs of almost £4,000

Professionalism & Ethics – examples scenarios 2. Your firm has a clear policy on receiving gifts: you must not accept any gift that could compromise your impartiality and professionalism. You give a presentation at a conference. After you have finished, the organisers present you with a bottle of wine. What should you do? a) Refuse to accept it because it is unethical to do so b) Accept it because it isn’t a particularly expensive bottle of wine c) Accept and share it with colleagues the next day d) Accept it, then record the gift in the firm’s register of gifts e) Accept it and give it to your Director.

Professionalism & Ethics – example scenarios 3. You were advised by a potential client that lowering your original quote for a job would lead to beating a competitor and gaining the commission. Despite some doubt, this is agreed. There are now concerns that you may not be able to carry out the job satisfactorily for this fee. What should you do? a) Complete the job despite incurring a loss, even if this is not of long-term benefit to your firm. b) Withdraw from the job, despite the risk of letting down your client and damaging the reputation of your firm. c) Adjust your accounts and attempt to cover up your mistake of accepting the commission for a lower fee. d) Cut all possible corners to complete the job within the agreed quote. e) Try to renegotiate with the client retrospectively and make good the loss.

Professional standards - Language Professional information, guidance and standards Practice Notes – mandatory for all members Guidance Notes – best practice, legal protection, technical excellence Information papers – latest technologies and practice issues, updating member skillsets and future needs Client Guides – aimed at clients, engineers, architects, planners Public Guides – aimed at public Generic route to becoming a RICS member School leaver Undergraduate/post graduate APC assessment (2 years) Qualify as RICS member (MRICS) Become a Fellow (FRICS)

Language Terminology – blinding them with science The lessons from GIS – lack of data / too much data Geographic landscape vs economic landscape Consistency, currency

Language

New markets / old issues – Scanning to BIM The BIM – CAD – GIS concept BIM as infrastructure Scanning into BIM The BIM workflow diagram

New markets / old issues – Geo - economics Recent study of UK geo - information market UK market worth £1.2 billion

Conclusions Give the customer what they need, in a format they want, in a language they can understand – bespoke Think about other global industries – commercial property, extractive industries for instance Become an essential part of the ‘workflow’ rather than a ‘nice to have’ Stay up to date, be aware of technological, social and political advances Differentiate yourself! Your skills are needed..

RICS – Contact details James Kavanagh MRICS C.Geog Director Land Group (Environment, Geomatics, Minerals & Waste, Planning & Development, Rural) RICS 12 Great George Street, Parliament Square Parliament Square, London SW1P 3AD T: +44(0) Web: Generic route to becoming a RICS member School leaver Undergraduate/post graduate APC assessment (2 years) Qualify as RICS member (MRICS) Become a Fellow (FRICS)