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Writer's pictureJen Lemen

Hot Topic Highlight - Complaints Handling Procedure (CHP)


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What is today's blog about?


This week we are going to look at another RICS APC hot topic; Complaints Handling Procedures (CHP). This specifically forms part of the Conduct rules, ethics & professional practice and Client care RICS APC competencies, as well as being vital knowledge for qualified members and RICS APC candidates in your everyday working life.


Essential reading for AssocRICS and RICS APC candidates.


You can also listen to our CPD podcast on Anchor for more free AssocRICS and RICS APC training and support.


What is a complaint?


A complaint is defined as 'a statement that something is unsatisfactory or unacceptable' or 'any expression of dissatisfaction'. They generally arise when expectations are not met, e.g. timing, scope of work, misunderstandings and delays. 


How can complaints be avoided?


  • Setting out clear expectations in Terms of Engagement (referring to your CHP) and Key Performance Indicators

  • Communicating clearly and effectively with your client and other key stakeholders

  • Seeking feedback and resolving issues efficiently as they arise


By managing complaints in an appropriate manner, you can create an opportunity to rectify service problems and further develop client relationships.


What are the RICS requirements?


RICS regulated firms are required by Rule 7 of the Rules of Conduct for Firms to 'operate a complaints handling procedure and maintain a complaints log.


The complaints handling procedure must include an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism that is approved by the Regulatory Board'.


A firm's CHP should also be approved by your Professional Indemnity Insurance provider.


The RICS have issued a Guidance Note for residential surveyors and valuers on complaints handling; Complaints handling (1st edition, 2016). This is also likely to be of interest to surveyors within other sectors, e.g. commercial, although the principles are of primary application to the residential sector. 


What are the principles of an effective CHP?


The key principles of an effective CHP are being:


  • Fit for purpose

  • Understood

  • Available

  • Readily shared

  • Reviewed regularly


We recommend reviewing your firm's CHP in preparation for your RICS APC.


What are the key stages of complaints handling?


Stage 1 - written complaint received and reviewed by the firm, acknowledged within 7 days and responded to within 28 days.


Stage 2 - complaint reviewed by an independent redress provider (approved by RICS and confirmed by the firm to RICS in their annual return).


Stage 2 should include a separate redress provider for business-to-consumer (customer complaints) and business-to-business clients (contractual disputes), both of which must be approved by RICS. This is where the new 2019 RICS Regulation paper becomes relevant. 

What are the principles that the RICS Regulatory Board consider when approving ADR mechanisms?


  • Customer complaint mechanisms should be free of charge to the consumer

  • The scheme must be well-established

  • The scheme must be independent of the firm

  • The scheme must use a transparent, accountable and consistent decision making process


What are examples of consumer redress mechanisms?


  • Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR) (which replaced Ombudsman Services: Property from August 2018)

  • The Property Ombudsman

  • The Property Redress Scheme

  • Financial Ombudsman Service and the Local Government Ombudsman


These are generally all ombudsmen schemes.


What are examples of business-to-business redress providers?

  • CEDR Solve

  • RICS DRS

  • Neutral Evaluation Procedure for Surveying Disputes

  • SCSI DRS.


These generally involve negotiation, mediation, arbitration or single issue adjudicators.


When may RICS be involved in a complaint?


Finally, a client can also complain to the RICS about the service or professionalism of a member or regulated firm, i.e. if the standard of a reasonable professional or firm has been breached. 


They will not determine whether a professional's opinion is correct or offer a second opinion and cannot resolve issues subject to Court proceedings or where another resolution mechanism exists, e.g. challenging an Award under the Party Wall Act etc. 1996.


However, RICS generally only investigate matters if they are in the public interest in order to take disciplinary action to protect the public, rather than to punish the professional or firm.

The process usually takes 6 months and there is generally no right of appeal against a decision to close a case or agree a consent order. 


How can we help?

  • Head to our blog archive to access even more free CPD and AssocRICS and RICS APC training and support.

  • Download your free AssocRICS and RICS APC resources, including e-books and revision quizzes.

  • Find out more about our bespoke AssocRICS and RICS APC training and support, before booking your free 15 minute consultation and signing up for your services online.

  • Not sure about signing up? Make sure you read what our recent successful candidates have to say in our Testimonials.


Stay tuned for our next blog post to help build a better you


N.b. Nothing in this article constitutes legal or financial advice.

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