UNIT 1 - Work in an effective and professional manner

Element 1.1 Develop and maintain effective working relationships
Element 1.2 Manage your own time and resources
Element 1.3 Develop yourself to improve your performance
Element 1.4 Conduct work in a professional and ethical manner

About this Unit

This Unit covers the essential, general competences expected of all professionals regardless of their working environment. You are expected to work effectively in the ways described throughout your work, whether you are in an office or at a property.

Element 1 covers the development and maintenance of effective working relationships with all those people with whom you come into contact during your work. You are expected to communicate with others in a polite, clear and respectful manner, respond to enquiries and work towards avoiding any disputes that may arise. You are also expected to handle formal complaints procedures if and when complaints are received. The main groups of people with whom you will need to develop good working relationships are sellers or their representatives, those present at the property at the time of inspection (e.g. sellers or their family), and other colleagues and professionals.

Element 2 describes the competences involved in managing your own time and resources. You must set your objectives, plan your time, take decisions and review and reschedule your activities as appropriate.

Element 3 describes the activities involved in developing and enhancing your own practice and performance. You must evaluate your performance and encourage feedback from others. You must also identify and meet your own development needs, through formal or informal means, to ensure that you keep up-to-date with the latest legislation, codes of practice, regulations and standards.

Element 4 covers the conduct of work in a professional and ethical manner. You are expected to present a positive and professional image at all times, work in accordance with prescribed codes of conduct and standards of good practice, and take steps to avoid any potential conflicts of interest during your work. Importantly, you must recognise and work within the limits of your own competence and expertise; this will entail, for example, refusing to take on unsuitable work such as the inspection of properties that fall outside your expertise and experience e.g. Grade I Listed buildings.