First set of ethics published for housebuilders

The International Ethics Standards (IES) coalition has published the first set of ethics principles for professionals working in land, property, construction, infrastructure and related professions around the world.

The International Ethics Standards aligns the ethics principles set out in many codes of conduct published by Coalition organisations, including the Institute’s own for town planners.

Globally, real estate assets reached a value of $217 trillion in 2015. The IES Coalition believes that creating a universally applicable set of ethics values will bring greater recognition to the role that ethical values play in efficient property markets.

Peter Bolton King, Chair of the International Ethics Standard Coalition, said, “Ethical values act as an anchor to appropriate behaviours and research tells us that investment in real estate markets by pension funds and sovereign wealth funds is predicted to double over the next decade. Therefore, publishing one set of International Ethics Standards helps to underpin existing codes of ethics and create an opportunity to strengthen the role these values play in the property industry.”

Trudi Elliott, RTPI Chief Executive, said, “An over-arching, global set of ethical principles helps to strengthen the existing practice of planners working in the 80-plus countries where our members work.  The professionalism of planners, actively promoted by the Institute’s own Code of Conduct, brings clarity and transparency to multi-disciplinary projects and companies, and is key to unlocking infrastructure, housing and the jobs that places need.”

Ethics is an important element of being a professional planner. It is one of the competencies required of practitioners seeking Chartered membership of the RTPI. The Institute’s Code of Professional Conduct sets out the required standards of professional conduct and practice expected of its members. All members, irrespective of their class of membership, are required to adhere to its five core principles:

• Competence, honesty and integrity
• Independent professional judgment
• Due care and diligence
• Equality and respect
• Professional behaviour

PHOTO CREDIT: Orietta.sberla