Surveyor Application
1. Introduction
The Code of Conduct is in place to ensure that the services offered by Elvet Chartered Surveyors comply with the stringent rules of professional conduct expected by our accreditations to the following bodies:
- Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Rules of Conduct
This Code of Conduct and the accompanying policies set out the main policies and procedures that you will need to be aware of while working for us. You should familiarise yourself with all documentation and comply with them at all times. They do not form part of the terms of your contract with us, which are provided to you separately.
Any questions you may have with regard to its contents or what you have to do to comply with it should be referred to Stuart Fisher.
2. Conduct of the Firm
2.1. Professional behaviour
We shall at all times act with integrity and avoid conflicts of interest and avoid any actions or situations that are inconsistent with Elvet Chartered Surveyors professional obligations.
2.2. Competence
We shall carry out professional work with due skill, care and diligence and with proper regard for the technical standards expected of it.
2.3. Service
We shall carry out professional work with proper regard for standards of service and customer care expected of it.
2.4. Training and Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
We shall have in place the necessary procedures to ensure that all of our subcontractors are properly trained and competent to do their work. Elvet Chartered Surveyors shall not be responsible for arranging or paying for training that the subcontractor is required to undertaken to ensure that they are competent to undertake the services they are contracted to complete.
2.5. Complaints handling
We shall operate a complaints handling procedure and maintain a complaints log. The complaints handling procedure must include a redress mechanism that is approved by our accreditation bodies.
2.6. Professional indemnity insurance
We shall ensure that all previous and current professional work is covered by adequate and appropriate professional indemnity insurance cover which meets standards approved by the RICS Regulatory Board.
Subcontractors shall be responsible for organising their own professional indemnity insurance appropriate for the services that they are engaged to undertake on behalf of Elvet Chartered Surveyors. Evidence of subcontractor’s insurances will be requested at registration stage and annually thereafter. Failure to provide evidence of insurances will result in the subcontractor being removed from the register until resolved.
2.7. Advertising
We shall promote Elvet Chartered Surveyors professional services only in a truthful and responsible manner.
2.8. Solvency
We shall ensure that finances are managed appropriately.
2.9. Data Control
We shall ensure that all data gathered by the company in connection with our services will be stored in accordance with our Data Control Policy.
2.10 Safety
We shall ensure that all places of work under our control, as far as reasonably practicable, are a safe working environment for all subcontractors and anyone visiting the premises. All subcontractors share responsibility for achieving safe working conditions. Subcontractors must take care of their own health and safety and that of others, observe applicable safety rules and follow instructions for the safe use of equipment.
Subcontractors shall ensure that they provide their own Personnel Protection Equipment (PPE), equipment and tools, safe access and all other items deemed reasonable to include to undertake the services contracted by Elvet Chartered Surveyors. Elvet Chartered Surveyors shall not provide the aforementioned unless stated on the purchase order that we provide items free of charge to complete the services.
Subcontractors are responsible for ensuring compliance with all health and safety legislation applicable to the geographical area that the services are undertaken. Elvet Chartered Surveyors will request all reasonable information from the client that may impact on the method to complete the service safely, which will be included with the purchase order.
Subcontractors should report any health and safety concerns immediately to Elvet Chartered Surveyors.
3. Subcontractor Code of Conduct
3.1. Introduction
Our clients are entitled to expect the highest standards of conduct from all subcontractors of Elvet Chartered Surveyors.
The code sets out the minimum standards that subcontractors should observe. Its aim is to lay down guidelines for subcontractors, which will help maintain and improve standards, and also protect them from misunderstanding or from criticism.
3.2. Service Standards
Subcontractors must give the highest possible standard of service to our clients and where it is part of their duties and provide appropriate advice to fellow Elvet Chartered Surveyors employees including representatives with impartiality.
Subcontractors must always remember to ensure they are courteous, efficient and impartial during the delivery of services to all of our clients.
3.3. Personal Interests
Subcontractors shall disclose in writing to Elvet Chartered Surveyors, any personal interest that may conflict with the company’s or client interests.
Subcontractors shall also declare in writing, to the Director any membership of secret societies. This includes any lodge, chapter, society, trust or regular gathering or meeting (other than a professional association),
which:-
• is not open to members of the public who are not members of that lodge, chapter, society, trust; and
• includes in the grant of membership an obligation on the part of the member a requirement to make a commitment (whether by oath or otherwise) of allegiance to the lodge, chapter, society, gathering or meeting; and
• includes, whether initially or subsequently, a commitment (whether by oath or otherwise) of secrecy about the rules, membership or conduct of the lodge, chapter, society, trust, gathering or meeting.
• Any declaration in relation to 3.3.1 shall be kept in the Register of Interests and on the Subcontractors file.
3.4. Confidentiality
Subcontractors shall not divulge to any person (other than Elvet Chartered Surveyors member of staff or client that requires information for the performance of his/her duties), any information which the Subcontractor has obtained by reason of his/her contracted work for Elvet Chartered Surveyors.
In particular, no subcontractor shall divulge personal information regarding any employee, person or contractor, having dealings with the Elvet Chartered Surveyors e.g. information relating to tenders or other such issues.
3.5 Business Relationships
Elvet Chartered Surveyors is trading name of Elvet Construction Consultants Ltd a professional company and subcontractors’ behaviour should reflect this. Subcontractors are directed to the Anti Bribery Policy.
3.6 Dress Code
Subcontractors are expected to wear traditional business dress for work that is suitable for a professional office environment.
Subcontractors must wear appropriate clothing whilst working on sites outside “normal” office conditions and must wear the appropriate PPE.
If in doubt, Subcontractors should consult with Elvet Chartered Surveyors about what clothing is appropriate.
Subcontractors must wear the identification badge provided by Elvet Chartered Surveyors.
3.7 Smoking
Elvet Chartered Surveyors are committed to protecting the health, safety and welfare of all those who work for us by providing a safe place of work and protecting all workers, service users, customers and visitors from exposure to smoke. All of our workplaces (including our vehicles) are smoke-free in accordance with the Health Act 2006 and associated regulations.
Smoking is not permitted anywhere in our workplace. The ban applies to anything that can be smoked and includes, but is not limited to, cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, pipes (including water pipes such as shisha and hookah pipes), cigars and herbal cigarettes.
To view the Code of Conduct as a PDF, click here.