In June 2007 RICS launched a principles-based regulatory regime, dispensing with a 56 page rule book and introducing a short, simple set of principles prescribing how members must conduct themselves in their personal and professional lives. This major regime change followed three years' work involving an independent 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 go to the www.rics.org/regulation

"The presence of RICS in our country, the most important international professional association in the real estate sphere, has contributed to, and will contribute in the future to, the recognition of elevated professional standards. Similarly RICS has also contributed to the affirmation of clear deontological standards which must penetrate the entire Italian property sector: these being the elements which constitute the premise for a transparent and thus mature market."
Oliviero Tronconi FRICS, Politecnico di Milano, Italy