SOE - Mandatory Qs Flashcards
Hemel Hempstead vendor dinner - did you accept the dinner after the transaction was complete? Is this not unethical?
I did but only once I had received approval from my Director. I did not see it as unethical as it also helps develop relationships, we did not discuss business and the vendor paid. I ensured I ran this by my HR department as we do not have a mandatory gift handling procedure.
Why would it be a conflict of interest if you went to dinner with the vendor whilst still acting on behalf of the client?
It would be a conflict because I was advising and part of a team responsible for an acquisition on behalf of the client. The vendor could try to influence my behaviour whilst still negotiating some of the commercial aspects of the deal.
What did you learn from the CBRE MF index results webinar?
I learned the current growth and capital trends of the asset class. They also provided an overview of the key economic indicators forecasts which contribute to the movement of yields and interest rates.
Harlow Essex - how did you communicate to the developer that it was a conflict?
Firstly via oral communication on the phone, I informed them I had to act in the best interests of the client and it would be unethical to push the valuation. I followed up via email correspondence copying in the EA to ensure an accurate valuation was made.
What was the outcome of your acquisition in Bristol where you considered pushing your growth assumptions?
We proceeded with the acquisition as the client felt the returns and location were strong enough to obtain the limited partners approval. (Ethics Level 3)
What processes do you have to ensure the necessary information barriers are in place when acting for multiple clients?
- Different record keeping systems
- Different personnel manages the funds of the different clients
- Client documentation is kept in separate cloud storages with access controls.
How do you handle your clients money?
Money is allocated to the fund and at a point where an acquisition or payment is necessary then the finance team submit a drawdown request outlining each item against the cost and stating the level of VAT.
Soton, Hampshire (C&N level 2) What steps did you take to ensure the offer was submitted effectively?
The price was verbally agreed so I outlined the pricing along with our standard conditions on a letter template. I saved this as a PDF and submitted it via email to all the parties involved. Making reference to the offer.
What are the responsibilities of an employee in the workplace as set out in the H&S act 1974.
- Follow instructions and training
- Cooperate with my employer
- Use equipment and substances correctly.
- Take care of my own H&S.
- Report incidents and accidents
- participate in necessary H&S training
When were CDM regs introduced?
1994, with the latest revision coming in 2015.
Why are CDM regs important?
- Promote and provide health and safety to workers
- They ensure legal compliance
- They assist with Risk Management
- Promote collaboration and communication
What is UK GAAP?
- It refers to the accounting standards and principles used by companies and other entities in the UK.
- UK GAAP aims to ensure that financial statements accurately reflect the financial position, performance, and cash flows of an entity, providing relevant and reliable information to stakeholders such as investors, creditors, employees, and regulators. Compliance with UK GAAP is typically required by law or regulation, depending on the size, legal structure, and listing status of the entity
What else is present on company accounts?
- Financial Statements
- Directors Report
- Auditors Report
- Statement of Directors responsibilities
- Confirmation Statement
- Additional Disclosures
What is PESTLE Analysis?
It is a strategic tool used by firms to identify and understand external factors that can impact their business environment. Pestle stands for
Political
Economic
Social
Technological
Legal
Environmental
How would you apply SWOT analysis to an investment decision?
I can identify the strengths weaknesses opportunities and threats of the asset considering its location, how it fits within the strategic objective of the fund and whether it would be a viable investment.
What are the most common forms of conflicts?
Contractual disputes
boundary disputes
Valuation disputes
Professional negligence claims
Landlord/Tenant disputes
What are common conflicts of interest you come across?
Handling of gifts or hospitality
Financial interests
Competing interests
Confidentiality
What are the three main processes to dispute resolution?
1) Negotiation
2) Mediation or Conciliation
3) Adjudicative Process - Litigation or arbitration
What are the advantages of ADR?
- Speed
- Informal
- Greater opportunity for negotiation
- more cost effective
- Confidentiality
What are the main forms of ADR?
- Mediation - comprises a neutral mediator who facilitates discussions between parties.
- Arbitration - Appointed in a quasi judicial role where the parties are bound by the decision
- Expert Determination - There is a RICS Guidance Note on this.
What internal data management systems do you have at work?
Document Management Systems using the likes of sharepoint and dropbox. These hold the sensitive information for different clients.
What are the 7 principles of GDPR?
- Lawfulness, Fairness, Transparency
- Purpose Limitation
- Data Minimisation
- Accuracy
- Storage Limitation
- Integrity and Confidentiality
- Accountability
Why are these principles important?
They relate to personal data and lie at the heart of UK GDPR. Failure to comply could lead to substantial penalty’s or fines.
What materials are considered sustainable?
- Timber
- recycled steel and glass
- Bamboo/Hemp
- Stone