Professional Bodies
Professional BodiesWatsons are proud to be associated with the following professional bodies. Our Property Management Team always work within the guidelines and code of conduct as set by them. Here is a brief overview of the professional bodies within the Block & Estate Management industry:
RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors)
Watsons is regulated by the RICS. RICS rules of conduct cover proportionality, accountability, consistency, targeting and transparency, and we always work within these five principles.
As a member of the RICS, our processes are audited regularly and there is a money protection scheme in place to ensure the safeguarding of all client monies. The RICS are seen as the founding professional body for the industry, of which ARMA and IRPM, link their codes of practice. Accreditation is through the qualification and regular assessment of Chartered Surveyors within our business, and therefore would not be open to everyone to become an accredited business. Find out more about RICS.
ARMA (the Association of Residential Managing Agents)
ARMA are the leading trade association for managing agents in the residential leasehold sector.
Members are bound by their code of conduct and subject to their audit requirements. To be a member, a business must prove they have at least two years’ residential management experience but they are not required to hold any qualifications. Each member must have professional indemnity insurance in place to cover against inadequate advice and negligence relating to a member and they must commit to their professional standards or their membership could be revoked.
However, all ARMA agents must ultimately comply with the RICS Service Charge Residential Management Code as this defines best practice within the sector. Watsons are currently applying for membership, so we can be seen as having links to all relevant associations. Find out more about ARMA.
IRPM (Institute of Residential Property Management)
Our Property Managers are all members of the Institute of Residential Property Management and are working towards individual qualifications. Watsons holds an IRPM status and publicise this as a business. The IRPM is a professional qualification in residential property management, with the objective to promote and improve the knowledge of individuals in property management. We operate within the Institute’s Code of Professional Conduct and ensure continuing professional development for our team through their knowledge base. Find out more about IRPM.
For more information, please contact us on 01603 226500.
