Competency Examples Flashcards
Summarise your work in Cost Audits of Sub-contractors?
I ensured that the client was made aware of all outstanding issues with the Sub-contractors payment methodology and what the sub-contractor agreed to change as a result. For example the sign-off process was inadequate without sufficient controls.
Summarize a time you acted ethically?
At NNEP.
Contractor submitted wrong rates.
Advised that these should be reduced to match agreed rates.
They agreed and reduced the amount submitted in the AfP.
Cost Estimating and planning, how did you provide value-for-money for the client?
- Prelims benchmarking at 28% rather than standard 14%.
- Advised client to instruct contractor to reduce prelims.
- Value of prelims reduced by 20% by increasing the working window by an hour each side of the normal hours.
- Logistical costs were benchmarking higher, so this made up the additional cost.
Example of construction tech knowledge in practice?
- Heathrow metal floor grommets.
- Back of house.
- Plastic floor grommets were half the price and did not need to be aesthetically pleasing.
- £100k cost saving.
- Re-use of glazed screens, saved £250k.
- Feature lighting not needed, removed £100k from the cost.
Example of contract practice, SALUS AfP?
- £700k AfP.
- Disallowed costs within the AfP, such as additional prelims that were not utilised that month.
- Charges for works on public holidays when works were not taking place.
Example of when you advised the Client to shut down the contract?
- Option E not incentivising the contractor to complete works within budget.
- Advised to move the remaining small amount of works to a TSC contract to close out retention.
Example of when you worked on Option C contract?
I calculated Pain/gain shares on 13 Option C contracts.
Tell me about how you shut down the contract at NNEP?
Underperforming on older framework contracts, and shut down the historic framework to move works onto new compliant framework.
Forecasting was not being updated, despite being in the contract.
Were weren’t the RAG options given weightings?
It was clear from the initial RAG that Option 1 performed the best, even if given weightings as it was the best performer in the key objectives and throughout.
What were the luminaire requirements at Heathrow?
British Lighting Standards apply.
Process control room 300 lux. Walkway/corridor 50 lux.
What incentive packages are applied to Heathrow Option E contracts?
X clauses.
X5 sectional completion.
X7 delay damages.
In terms of quotation timescales, how did you change this?
The contractor needed more time in order to produce a particularly complex quotation, so discussions were held to allow the contractor more time under the contract for that particular CE.
Example of underperformance of a contractor?
Contractor was unable to provide adequate resources to complete one of the projects due to other projects at the same time ongoing.
Example of when you negotiated with a contractor?
Negotiated how to allow for scope that was needed but they had not received any quotations for. It was understood that a value needed to be included, but provisional allowances weren’t allowed under NEC.
What procurement regulations does Heathrow use?
Competition Law, not PCR
What is the role of the RICS?
Advance knowledge, uphold standards, and inspire professionals.
How does the RICS operate?
The RICS operates with a set governance structure, with the Privy Council sitting above the RICS governing council, which sits above the SRB and the RICS management board.
What are the requirements of RICS royal charter?
Promote the usefulness of the profession, uphold standards, and act in the public interest in the UK and globally.
What is a certificate of insurance, and why is it important?
It certifies that a firm holds insurance and the details of that insurance.
What is informed consent?
Informed consent is where there is a conflict of interest identified to the client, but the client wishes to proceed anyway.
What are some examples of data barriers?
Sharepoint, document passwords, physical barriers between departments in offices.
How do you ensure public confidence is maintained through your work?
Ensuring that all work is value-for-money.
How do you encourage D&I through your work?
Running a social value charter with National Highways.
Always ensuring to do a D&I moment before meetings.
How did you advise on Ethics?
I completed cost assurance of subcontractors at Network Rail, Thames Water and Thames Tideway.
While at NNEP, I advised the client that the contractor was using greater rates than allowed under the framework agreed rates, and advised the contractor to reduce these rates. This is ethical to ensure that public money used on this project is value-for-money.
How did you advise on ethics in terms of National Highways?
I advised the ways in which the roads can be inclusive for accessibility reasons for speech and hearing impaired.
How do you handle negative feedback from a client?
I first discuss the matter in detail with the client, to understand their reasoning. I then discuss this feedback with my manager to make sure an action plan is in place.
How are client objectives important, and what is T&T’s commission management plan?
T&Ts commission management plan involves highlighting a clients key priorities and values, making sure that we align to their needs. For example at Heathrow this involves Net Zero by 2050.
How did you act beyond requirements?
I helped to provide support in producing a flow chart to support alignment of governance deadlines between the client and the contractor. This sped up the governance process by 3 weeks, allowing projects to proceed through gateways faster. I also worked outside of my contractual hours where required.
How did lessons learnt impact your work at NNEP?
At the end of projects, lessons learnt were undertaken, and as such I advised the client to utilise NEC4 TSC contracts. This saved the client time relative to a PSC or ECC contract.
What are some styles of communication?
Verbal, body language, written, visual.
How do you lead meetings with the contractor to negotiate quotations?
At Heathrow, I negotiate tender submissions on the Security Programme framework, which I review against scope, take-offs and benchmarked rates to ensure value-for-money.
How do templates help in client care?
They ensure consistency and certainty, making benchmarking easier, and allowing easier readability.
What is the HSAWA 1974?
Principles include providing a safe working environment, providing PPE, training staff on H&S.
What is CDM 2015?
Governs health & safety during the design stage of projects to ensure that it is considered and recorded.
What is COSHH?
Covers substances such as dust, fumes, gases. Asbestos, radioactive and flammables not covered.
What is RIDDOR?
Ensures that injuries, diseases, and dangerous occurences are reported to the HSE, and that projects are notified to the HSE.
What are the asbestos regulations?
Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.
What is included in a site induction?
Safe paths, potential risks, required PPE, emergency procedures.
What is your role under CDM?
Designer.
Why is your role designer under CDM?
I review and asssure information submitted, while considering H&S.
What H&S issue have you reported to the site manager previously?
One member of staff was consistently not wearing his goggles, a key element of 5 point PPE. I advised and they were told to wear it going forward.
What financial statements is a company required to submit?
Balance Sheet.
Cash Flow Statement.
Income Statement.
What is your businesses current financial position?
Most recent year-end figures of £1.3bn in Net Revenue.
CBRE will grow this in January to £2.5bn.
How do you consider a contractors financial position when looking at tenders?
I review their financial statements and consider financial ratios such as liquidity ratios, gearing ratios or profitability ratios to ensure they are financial stable.
What is T&Ts current business plan?
Vision 2025, soon to be replaced by vision 2030.
Net Zero by 2040.
Becoming a market leader in commercial management.
How do you contribute to T&Ts business plan?
By providing good quality and diligent service to my client. By ensuring that I consider sustainability in my work with the client.
How do you avoid and manage conflicts?
Ensure that all communications are as clear as possible, and providing prompt responses. Answering any queries that the parties may have.
Ensuring that all parties have a mutual understanding of the contract documentation.
