RICS defines professional ethics as: ‘giving of one's best to ensure that clients' interests are properly cared for, but in doing so the wider public interest is also recognised and respected'. RICS Membership enhances status and brings many privileges and associated responsibilities. The primary responsibility, as defined in the Royal Charter, is to maintain and promote the usefulness of the profession to the public advantage.

Because RICS is recognized as a self-regulating body, specific rules of conduct and disciplinary powers maintain the standards. All RICS members have a vital role to play in developing the reputation of the profession.  In June 2007, RICS launched a principles-based regulatory regime to support this.  The new system, which replaced a 56-page rule book with a short, simple set of principles, prescribes how members must conduct themselves in their personal and professional lives. This major regime change followed three years' work, involving an independent root and branch review of RICS' regulatory framework, consultation with members, government and stakeholders and, at an EGM in October 2006, overwhelming member support for change.

For full information, please see www.rics.org/newregulation