Hooks Flashcards
Questions that I am likely to be asked
Risk Management:
What is risk
Risk is defined as an uncertain event or circumstance that, if it occurs, will affect the outcome of a programme/project.
What are the 4 types of risk that NRM 1 identify?
a. Design Development Risk – allowances during the design process
b. Construction Risks – site conditions, ground conditions, existing services.
c. Employer Change Risks – changes to scope
d. Employer Other Risks – acceleration, early handover, liquidated damages.
Group element 13 in a cost plan includes 4 risks, can you name them and provide examples of each one?
13.1 Design Development risks - inadequate or unclear brief, unclear design team responsibilities, or ineffective desin co-ordination.
13.2 Construction risks - contaminated ground, defects, archeological remains.
13.3 Employer change - change in scope of works, changes in tie, employer driven changes/variations at construction change.
13.4 Employer other risks - project brief (e.g. inadequate or unclear brief, timescales (unrealistic, insufficient tender evaluation time, early handover), financial (e.g. availability of funds).
How can you reduce risks from ocurring?
STARR
Share the risk
transfer the risk to the contractor
avoid the risk - alt design solution
risk reduction - mitigiate risk e.g. site investigation if risk is unacceptable
Retention - appropriate risk allowance identified in the cost plan and reserved and managed by the employer.
What is QSRA?
Quantitative Schedule Risk Analysis is a tool that is used to understand risk and how it impacts the programme.
It is a forecasting tool that helps understand and manage schedule and cost risk
It produces a more realistic programme while identifying potential areas where risk mitigation may prove necessary.
The process determines the risks which have potential to impact the project delivery and possible mitigiation actions and controls.
Can you name or give me an example of any risk analysis forecast you have used?
I have used Monte Carlo. MC is a computer generated simulation used to model outcomes. It provides a probabilistic risk analysis and due to the high level of outcomes it provides a reaosnable risk allowance to include in a cost estimate.
Have you heard of optimism bias and if so, what is it?
Yes I have. OB is the fact is when project appriasals are overly optimistic.
Is when people think things will be favourable for them.
A 3 point estimate should help reduce this from occuring. The more uncertainty on the cost data the larger the range.
‘Optimism bias is a cognitive bias that causes individuals to believe that they are less likely to experience negative events and more likely to experience positive events. This can influence various aspects of decision making, including cost estimations and risk assessments, often leading to overly optimistic projections and underestimations of potential risks’
What is quantitative risk analysis and can you give me an example of one.
- Quantitative analysis: probability and impact are given a value and multiplied to produce an objective score.
- Expected Monetary Value = Probability (0-100%) x impact (£)
- EMV is a statistical technique to calculate the contingency/risk allowance.
- Example Monte Carlo, QSRA.
what is qualitative risk analysis and can you give me an example of one.
Qualitative analysis: describes and understands each risk to assess its likelihood and impact (ranging from very high to very low).
- The purpose of qualitative analysis is to prioritise the risks in terms of importance, without quantifying (costing) them. This should be carried out during the first phases of the risk-management process.
- Risk Matrix is an example - measurement of risk severity level can be estimated by using a risk matrix to combine LIKELIHOODand IMPACT
What is a monte carlo simulation
MC is a ** computer generated simulation** used to model outcomes.
It provides a probabilistic risk analysis and due to the high level of outcomes it provides a reasonable risk allowance to include in a cost estimate.
What is a risk workshop
Risk workshops are conducted to identify, assess and analyse risks associated with the project.
What is a determinilistic programme
Used to assess the impact of specific events on exposure.
the programme is developed as a network of activities linked by dependencies (e.g. finish to start, start to finish). Critical path is identified and schedule follows a fixed path without considering probabilistic variations.
What are prolongation costs?
Expenses incurred as a direct result of project delays. Its the prelims and fees acruing while you wait for the issue to be resolved.
What is probabilistic risk analysis?
The probabilistic method is a more in-depth version of the simple method and sometimes called ‘3-point estimating’.
It applies a meaningful, yet subjective, probability to each risk in the register over a range of assumptions, usually best, likely and worst case.
The probabilities for all 3 should total 1 (100%).
This generates an expected value per assumption that can be totalled to apply an expected value to each risk. All risks can then be totalled to give an overall risk allowance for a cost plan
What are accruals
Revenues earned and expenses incurred.
RE
EI
Case study / Construction tech
What is Value Engineering?
VE is one of the processes of VM and is a reactive procedure to bring the anticipated cost of the development back in line with the project budget when a potential overspend is identified.
What is Value Management?
VM stands for Value Management and is the over-arching approach to identifying opportunities to increase value. It is a principle to be adopted at all stages of the project.
What is the difference between the two? (VE and VM)
Value management is the over-arching approach and looks at opportunities to increase value, while value engineering is a reactive approach looking at alternative solutions to reduce cost without impacting the end users requirements.
VM to increase value
VE reactive response to look for alt solutions to reduce costs.
What is Value for money?
Is achieving the optimum combination of whole life costs and quality.
What is the process of Value Management?
Understand the problem, identify different solutions, evaluate, develop the short list and identify the best solution and make recommendations.
Tell me a couple of examples of value engineering ideas?
With Project X we had a couple of options.
One was changing the roof from pitched to flat. This would reduce costs by not using roof trusses, however flat roofs require more maintenance and have a shorter lifespan than pitched.
I also consider a container for the armoury over a new build. This would reduce construction time and other army camps have used modular units before. However the lifespan is less than a traditional.
Why do flat roofs require more maintenance/ have a shorter lifespan?
Because they have poorer drainages and susceptible to water damage because of their design, water does not run off as easily as a pitched roof.
Construction Technology
You mention reducing scope will lead to higher operation and maintenance. So can you please provide any evidence on how reducing the scope would increase the operational and maintenance costs?
When you refurbish you add around 25 years to the life expectancy but unlikely you will gain the full efficiency as a new building and maintenance costs higher than if the building was brand new.
Refurb has lower energy efficiency - often lack insultation and efficient heating/cooling systems.
Reactive maintenance - wear and tear over time can lead to unexpected repairs. Need for more regular inspections and proactive maintenance.
you are never going to be as efficient as a brand new building.
You suggested the use of a container for the armoury how does this meet the fire regulations or what did you have to consider in relation to fire regulations?
Had to consider using fire resistant materials.
Good ventilation, so I added a dehumidifier.
Location will have to be considered – away from other structures and combustible items.
Does using modular construction have any programme or any health and safety benefits that you’re aware of in this case?
Programme
Modular construction can be up to 50% quicker than traditional, this is because the construction of the modules can happen simultaneously with site work.
Fewer delays on site due to inclement weather because modular is done in a controlled factory environment.
H&S
Safer construction environment, indoors reducing risks of accidents such as falling at height. Higher quality control, reduced site disruptions – less noise, traffic and disruption.
Lead time of a specialised container.
Are there any programme benefits to a container?
Yes, a container can be constructed simultaneously with substructure. Is not impacted by inclement weather, less time on site.
Case study
How has the Brexit, the War in Ukraine and covid 19 impacted rates?
Brexit- construction materials and labour costs increased and drop in pound
Ukraine - fuel prices and availability of critical materials is in doubt
Covid 19 - inerest rate leading to slowdown in construction. rise in materials and labour cost.
Brexit – construction materials such as cement, timber and steel has increased and cost of labour. Uncertainty following Brexit has led to the value of the pound to drop and shortage of materials leading to increase in costs of imports.
War in Ukraine – fuel prices and increased material costs. Availbality and cost of critical materials is in doubt for steel, iron, nickel, chemical products and timber.
Covid 19 – interest rate has increased. Higher rates has led to a slowdown in construction work, cost of debt increase as interest rate increases leading to some investments financially unviable. Rise in materials and labour costs.
Construction tech
We touch a lot on life cycle costing and whole life cycle costing. Can you explain the difference between the both of them?
LCC is part of the WLC.
WLC includes non-construction costs, LCC, income and Externalities.
LCC includes construction, O&M, occupancy and end of life.
What are the contents you generally see in a life cycle costing and a whole life cycle costing model?
LCC is construction, maintenance, operation, occupancy and end of life. WLC is non-construction costs, LCC, Income and Externalties.
+ period of time. I tend to do 60 years design life.
What are the headings you’d see in LCC model?
LCC I have maintenance (reactive and active), operation, cleaning, asset replacement.
and then this is profiled over a period of time.
Project Finance:
What would you see in a financial report
Financial reports tend to be govern by what the client wants, however the standard financial report include:
REPCEE
Risk Allowance
Early Warnings
Project Cost (including professional fees)
Cash Flow
Contract Sum
Compensation Events
What is a cashflow forecast?
Cash flow is the anticipated spend of a project against the actual spend and forecast spend.
shows the expected cashflow against the actual expenditure. This gets regularly updated.
Acts as a tool to understand whether the contractor is behind or ahead of schedule and helps understand how much to drawdown at different stages of the construction
Ethics:
What are the Rules of Conduct?
- Must act with honesty and integrity.
- Must maintain their professional competence and ensure services are provided by competent individuals that have the necessary expertise.
- Must provide good quality and diligent service.
- Treat others with respect (and encourage diversity and inclusion).
- Act in the public interest, take responsibility for their actions and act to prevent harm and maintain public confidence in the profession.
What are the professional obligations
Members1. Members must comply with CPD requirements of 20 hours per year (10 of which formal).
*2. Must cooperate with RICs
*3. Must promptly provide all information reasonably requested by the standards and regulations board, or those exercising delegated authority on its behalf.
Firms.
Firms
1. Publish a complaints-handling procedure, which includes a dispute resolution provider approved by RICS and maintain a complaints log.
2. Ensure that all previous & current work is covered by professional indemnity cover that meets the standards approved by RICS.
3. Locum Agreement
Firms with a sole principal must make appropriate arrangements for their professional work to continue in the event of their incapacity, death, absence from or inability to work.
*4. Cooperate with RICS.
*5. Firms must promptly provide all information reasonably requested by the Standards and Regulation Board, or those exercising delegated authority on its behalf.
6. Firms must display on their business literature, in accordance with RICS’ published policy on designations, a designation to denote that they are regulated by RICS.
7. Firms must report to RICS any matter that they are required to report under the Rules for the Registration of Firms.
What is the CPD requirements
- Record 20 hours of CPD per year (in which 10 must be formal)
- Record CPD relating to RICS professional and ethical standards during a rolling 3 year period
What is formal training
Formal CPD – structured learning that has a clear learning objectives and outcomes e.g. professional course. This can include self-managed learning as long as it has a clear learning outcome linked to member’s development needs.
What is ethical and what is professional?
Being ethical is about doing what is right, while being professional is about adhering to the norms and standards of one’s profession
Data Managmenet:
What is an NDA?
A non-disclosure agreement (NDA) is a legally binding contract that establishes a confidential relationship between two parties: one that holds sensitive information and the other that will receive that sensitive information.
What is the MM checks and approvals process?
QA process is the 3 touch point, everything needs to have an originator (who checks their work), a checker, who both comp checks the content and checks the quality of the information provided, and an approver who ensures the work is of an acceptable quality and accuracy to send to a client
Ethics:
How do you maintain professional boundaries when speaking to old colleagues?
Set the tone, beginnning the met up as casual and not business related, redirect the conversation if the other person starts asking about Motts, be honest but tactful if unable to
How would the tenderer have an unfair advantage if you told them the bid ranking?
- Tenderer may adjust their bid to outperform others and therefore not reflective of the scope of works.
- undercutting competition
- manipulating the process
- confidentiality breach - against rules of conduct
This ensures that all tenderers are evaluated based on the merit of their proposals and not on their ability to adjust their bids in response to the rankings.
Diversity Inclusion and Teamworking: What would be your definition of a diverse team?
Different ages, nationality, religious backgrounds, sexual orientation etc.
How would you define unconscious bias?
Learned attitudes or stereotypes that exist in our subconscious and can involuntarily affect the way we think and act.
Example is gender bias, often referred to as sexism when someone unconsciously associates certain sterotypes with different genders, such as a receptionist will be a woman.
What do you think makes an effective team?
Having mutual respect, common and aligned goals, open comunication and patience.
Why is diversity important in a team?
Can you tell me what some of the advantages of having a diverse team.
It brings together individuals with different backgrounds expereinces, perspectives and problem solving approaches. Diverse teams fosters creativity and leads to innovative ideas.
Can you give me an example of when you’ve been part of a successful team and and the role that you’ve played to contribute?
When I produced a cost plan at RIBA stage 3. It was succesful as I managed the PMs expectations on deadlines and when I need drawing and specification to be fixed to achieve the deadline
What steps could you consider to encourage a more inclusive environment?
Creating employee safe spaces, celebrating different religious holidays and managing around these in terms of work capacity, have e-learning courses on diversity and help everyone achieve their potential.
How do you work to try and make sure that you’re not accidentally having any unconscious biases?
try to ensure that you treat everybody the same
can you name me some types of unconscious bias?
Learned attitudes or stereotypes that exist in our subconscious and can involuntarily affect the way we think and act.
Affinity bias - when we treat people more favourably, simple because they are like us or others we like.
Attractive bias - we view attractive people are being more competent, and unattractive people less competent
Conformity bias - pressure we feel to act due to the actions of others, not our own independent thinking.
Quantification and Costing:
How does option A impact on how the payment is assessed agianst say option C?
Option A the Prices (PWDD) is assessed using the activity schedule. Wheras Option C PWDD is defined cost + fee less disallowed costs.
On Project H why did you advise the client to use NRM one and to break down the elements?
NRM 1 is used for cost planning, so was selected rather than say NRM 2 which is for compiling BOQ.
I advised breaking it down to elementally, following the guidance of NRM 1, RIBA stage 3, formal cost plan is a level 4 estimate - sub-element
So talking about your monthly payments and you said you reviewed the contractors application and then produced your own quantification.
So how did you do that?
(This was for option A and North Street)
I reviewed what was done on site and what I thought was at 100% in relation to the activity schedule.
how would you go about valuing a variation on an NEC contract?
This is a quantification and costing question, so you would not explain the CE process.
I would conduct a CE process and assess the contractors quotation. This would be assessed using the Defined Costs under SSCC for option A and SCC for option C.
so why did you advise the client to use the MacDonald template for Project H
Because the template they had was for RIBA stage 1 and 2 and this was 3 and at this stage I was able to produce cost and quantification at sub-element level.
So what would you say the difference between the estimates that you produce is between RIBA 1 and RIBA 2?
RIBA 1 is an order of cost estimate at level 2 estimate, which is group element level.
And RIBA stage 2 is the formal cost plan 1 at level 3 estimate, which is elements [and sub-elements if design is developed enough and specification].
what are the different NRM books for
NRM 1: Order of cost estimating and cost planning for capital building works
- Structured basis for measuring building works and production of cost estimates and cost plans.
NRM 2: Detailed measurement for building works
- Used when obtaining tender prices (BoQ and Schedule of rates).
NRM 3: Order of cost estimating and cost planning for building maintenance works
- Facilities management
- Asset-specific cost plans during pre-construction phase.
- Procurement and cost control of maintenance work
Procurement and tendering:
What documents would you normally include the tender pack?
ITT, pricing document, form of tender, contractual documents,
Specifications, drawings, Ers, Pre-construction H&S information
in Thames Water, you did a tender analysis. What did you put into that tender analysis? How did you conduct the tender analysis and what do you advise the client?
Tender Analysis
In the tender analysis:
* Checked for errors and exclusions.
* I marked any outliers against the benchmark rate.
* I completed a query and clarification sheet to make the tenderers like for like, e.g. separating fuel and plant and not including fuel in the plant rate.
* I then did a weighting score, where each component was broken down into percentages.
I advised the client on any elements of the tender that could be challenged and any notable exclusions/caveats. E.g. removing fuel from plant and negotiating some of the risk items to be contractors risk.
I explained the commercial scoring to allow them to decide who to appoint onto the framework.
How did you do the technical side? [thames water tender analysis]
I did not do the technical side for Thames Water, but if I was to do the technical side I would look at whether there is relevant and qualified staff on the proposed team **whether they have understood the scope of works and ER’s.
Technical Analysis: Involves assessing tenderers’ technical competencies and approach. A concise review of qualifications, capabilities, resources, methodology**, and quality management are evaluated, ensuring the tenderer can technically fulfil the project requirements.
tell me what factors you consider when advising on a procurement route?
Client’s appetite for
risk
as well as cost,
and quality outcomes, complexicty of the project and design.
What about if the client said they were not experienced and did not know their appetite for risk?
I would need to understand the clients needs, explain the different procurement routes, assess the project and conduct a risk workshop to determine the clients risk appetite and then I can recommend a procurement route.
How do you undertake a tender analysis
Check for errors and conflicts, compile a list of post-tender queries to ensure the prices are reviewed like-for like basis and any clarifications. Then compare the prices against the PTE or in the case of Thames Water benchmark rates compiled from the estimating team.
You mentioned to make it like for like how would you do this? [during the tender analysis]
I would check assumptions and exlusions, I would check whether there are any items that should be split out, for example with Thames water I requested that plant and fuel was seperated out. Look at any additional items they have included and decide whether to remove or not.
What would you do if you found an arithmetical error? [in a tender submission]
the method of dealing with errors should have been outlined in the instruction to tenderers.
The basic options are either to allow the contractors to correct their error or for the contractors to stand by their price.
If any other significant error is discovered then contact must be made with the contractor as soon as possible to clarify the qualification/issue. If it cannot be resolved then they must be made aware that they will be discounted from the tender process. If it can be resolved then the tenderer must confirm this in writing.
Client Care:
What do you understand by the term ‘duty of care’?
Legal and professional obligation that requires individuals or organizations to act in a matter that prevents harm to others. Acting in the best interests of others, not acting or failing to act in a way that causes harm, and acting within’s one’s abilities without taking on anything that lies outside of their competence.
The duty in ‘tort’ assumed by a professional to observe the skill and care of a ‘reasonable’ professional in providing professional services. Such a duty may in certain circumstances be assumed to a ‘third party’ as well as to the professional’s contracted client.
What is the difference between moral and legal.
Legal standards/requirements are implemented by governments either via statue or common law. Ethical standards on the other hand are derived from moral principles.
Can you tell me the Motts customer complaints handling procedure?
MM Complaints Handling Procedure – 8 steps – AINI - ICF – HN
* Allocate the complaint to an appropriate person
* Identify timescales for a response (7days to acknowledge from receipt, 28 days to respond)
* Notify insurers for PII purpose
* Investigate the complaint
* Identify outcome / course of action
* Communicate response to client
* Formally record CH log
* Have an internal lesson learnt
*if the complaint cannot be resolved, it will be referred to an independent redress scheme, MM uses ombudsman
How do you establish good customer care?
Feedback, keep them continusouly updated.
Understand clients brief and expectations and manage client expectations
Could you tell me how KPI could be used to measure client satisfaction or to to measure the manager client relationship?
80% of repeatable work.
Questionnaire - client satisfaction of 3 or more for the question, ‘How would you rate your overall performance throughout the project (1 poor performance)’
Communication and Negotiation
Q) Can you give us an example where you negotiated something.
When working on assessing compensation events. For example, Project Nato I have to explain to the contractor why I am requesting more substantiation for the CE. I want the contractor to understand the level of detail I want from them. While an PMs assessment is final, the Contractor can raise it as a dispute, so coming to an agreement is always beneficial for both parties.
Tell me about a time you negotiated successfully?
A) I have to negotiate with contractors in my day-to-day role. For example, I want the contractor to accept my valuation assessment before I issue my recommendation to the client. I discuss the assessment to the contractor and explain why I am disallowing costs, for example if there was a cost acrued against roof trusses and they were not on site. I provide a clear explanation to my reasoning and request further substainiation if unsure about an item on the assessment. This often allows for an agreement of the cost for the certificate. etc etc.
What would you do if the contractor did not agree with you?
Set up a teams call or a site visit to discuss, set up a negotation meeting. Explain my reasoning and listen to them. If they continue to disagree I would review the contract and look at the provisions on the contract, what the PM can disagree.
Health and Safety :
Can you tell me some typical site based hazards and causes of accidents that you’re aware of, please?
Working at height, moving objects, slips, trips and falls. Noise, hand arm vibration syndrome, material and manual handling, collapsing trenches, electricity, airborne fibres and materials (e.g. dust).
What would you do before going on site?
Ensure I have the right PPE, notify the site manager I am attending, attend any safety inductions if required, complete a drivers management plan if driving on site and view and sign a Risk assessment.
What is the Health and Safety and Wellbeing Risk Assessment
Includes risk items such as ‘driving to and from site’ and slips trips and falls, who might be harmed and how, control measures that can be undertaken to reduce the chance or mitigate the occurrence.
What is CSCS card and how do you get a CSCS card?
basic H&S procedures on site which a QS is required to enter a site.
Briefs the QS on potential hazards they might face on site.
Construction Skills Certification Scheme
CSCS provide proof that individuals working in construction sites have the appropriate training and qualifications for the job they do.
They must apply for the appropriate card (right card for your occupation), pass the H&S+E test and have proof of qualification and/or professional membership.
What is a driving management plan?
It notifies my company my intended travel, including details of journey in miles, justification for driving, factors to consider and decision making process.
Can you tell me more about surveying safely?
Outlines the principles for the management of health and safety for firms and members of the RICS.
It provides an overview of best practice for surveyors, including corporate and personal responsibilities relating to health & safety.
RICS Regulated Firms must ensure they provide:
A safe working environment
Safe work equipment
Safe systems of work
Competent staff
Individuals
Be compentent to ensure you carry out your work safely, be adpatable and viligent, be aware of own limitations and be an effecgtive member of the team.
- Perform their work safely (competency)
- Able and prepared to work within systems of work.
- Adaptable
- Vigilant – of safety of theirs and others.
- Awareness – aware of own abilities and limitations.
- Teamwork – effective member of the team.
Learnt about the safe person concept - each person assumes individual behavioural responsibility for their own, their colleagues and others H&S while at work. For example, understand their own limitations.
Can you tell me some typical site based hazards and causes of accidents that you’re aware of, please?
Working at height, moving objects, slips, trips and falls. Noise, hand arm vibration syndrome, material and manual handling, collapsing trenches, electricity, airborne fibres and materials (e.g. dust).
Contract Practice:
You assessed payment application under Option C, can you briefly explain how you would assess price for work down to date when receive the contractors application.
PFWDD is assessed by completed defined costs less disallowed cost + fee. I would review the records the contractor provided against the application and work on site and assess whether they are defined or disallowed costs.
Why would you use an option C over like an option A?
Option A cost certianty with a lump sum - is ideal for straightforward projects and is easy to administrate payment using the activity schedule. Option C is a target contract, where arrangement forces collaboration as finacial success is shared between client and contractor. Risk is therefore shared.
Contract Practice: How do you go about a compensation event?
‘Compensation events’ are events that entitle the Contactor to a possible increase in the ‘Prices’; and/or delay to the ‘Completion Date’ or ‘Key Date’.
For a PM notified CE, I would notify the contractor of the CE then request a contractors quotation, I will assess the contractors quotation using defined costs + fee, or if agree rates or lump sum. If I agree I will notify of agreement then will implement the CE, changing the Price, the Completion Date and the Key Dates if required. .
Contract Practice: You said you provided advice on the DCM project regarding compensation events. Could you just give me an example of that advice please
There was a compensation event for change in PV suppliers as well as an allowance for reverse relay protection, because the extra electricity was unable to get back onto the grid. I reviewed the contractors assessment and requested substantiation for the allowance for the reverse relay protection, I received an email chain explaining the budget cost and assumptions made. I highlighted these to the PM and advised the client that once its confirmed that the protection is required and a quotation supplied, an CE should be issued to omit the allowance and include the actual cost.
Contract Administration
: Tell me how you deal with EWNs on your projects and how you use these to assess CEs?
An early warning if notified as soon as the PM or contractor becomes aware of the matter, which could increase the total of the Prices, delay completion, delay meeting key dates or impair the performance - so anything that will impact time, cost or quality.
The PM enters the Early warning into the early warning register.
An early warning meeting is conducted, looking at mitigation and solutions to the EW.
PM revised the EW register 1 week after the workshop.
If the decision needs to change to scope, the PM instructs the change at the same time as the revised EW register is issued. This then triggers the CE process, as a change in scope is a CE.
The dividing date to assess the CE quotation is from the date of communication, so when the PM instructed the change to scope.
What do you do if an EWN was not notified, in relation to the CE process?
If a contractor fails to give an early warning of an event which subsequently arises, and that he was aware of, then the CE is assessed as if he had given an early warning.
Therefore, if a timely early warning would have provided an opportunity to identify a more efficient manner of resolving the issues, then the contractor will only be paid for that economic method of dealing with the event.
Can you tell me what a pay less notice is?
Payless notice is a notification that the other party is going to pay less than the notified sum. This must be notified 7 days before the final date for payment.
Ethics:
What steps would you take when setting up a Practice regulated to RICS?
- Inform RICS
- Register with RICS for Regulation
- Have a Responsible Principal
- Prepare a Complaints Handling Procedure that aligns with RICS guidance.
- Prepare a Handling Client’s Money Procedure aligned with RICS requirements.
- Obtain necessary insurances (Public liability, Employer Liability, Buildings Insurance, PI Insurance (what level do I need?).
- Have a locum agreement in place if sole practitioner.
- Abide by the rules of conduct for firms and use the designation ‘Regulated by RICS’ on all practice materials.
- Set up staff training and CPD
Sustainability
What is Sustainable Development?
Meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of the future generations to meet their own needs.
You mention the 3 pillars of sustainability in your SOE. Can you please explain and provide examples for each pillar?
Environmental sustainability involves managing resources and reducing pollution.
Social sustainability focuses on equity, justice, and community well-being.
Economic sustainability requires businesses to balance profit with environmental and social considerations.
⦁ Environmental Sustainability: Managing natural resources to minimize negative impacts on the planet.
⦁ Social Sustainability: Creating an equitable society with access to basic needs and opportunities.
⦁ Economic Sustainability: Balancing economic growth with long-term stability.
Examples
Economic development - job creation and stability, and circular economy.
Social Development - employee wellbeing, education (such as apprenticeship)
Environmental protection - responsible use of natural resources, better management of waste and minimizing carbon footprint (such as Encourage low-carbon design and local materials).
Sustainability:
What regulations deal with Sustainability?
Part L Conservation of fuel and power- aka Energy Efficiency
Part O - overheating
Part L Building Regulations is a set of requirements that focus on the energy efficiency of buildings in the UK.
It outlines the minimum standards for insulation, heating systems, and overall energy performance. These regulations aim to reduce the carbon footprint of buildings (by 31%) , promote the use of renewable energy, and ultimately enhance the sustainability of the construction industry.
Contract Admin
What is the first programme? Why is the programme important in NEC ?
First programme is when the Contractor submits a programme for the PM to accept when no programme is idnetified in the Contract Data. Contractor submits for acceptance within the period stated in the Contract Data.
The Accepted Programme is a key project management tool in the NEC form and is crucial for achieving the NEC’s objectives. Broadly, it has two roles:
- To ensure that all parties know what they have to do, and when; and
- To provide a tool to enable the prompt and (hopefully) prospective assessment of compensation events and, specifically, the extensions of time claimed pursuant to them.
Contract Admin:
What are the financial implications if contractor fails to submit the first programme?
If no programme that 1/4 of the PWDD is retained in assesments of the amount due until the Contractor has submitted a first programme to the PM for accpetance showing the information which the contract requires.
What are the different payment options of NEC ECC?
Activity Schedule: Option A Priced contract and Option C Target Contract
BOQ: Option B Priced and Option D Target
Option E Reimbursable
Option F: Management Contract
