PAM Emergency Response Plans
Emergency response plan is document including the actions to take during an emergency, which must be regularly updated to ensure up to date property and contact information is available.
Legal compliance: Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025
This Bill aims to enhance security at specific premises and events by requiring responsible parties to implement measures reducing terrorism risks
- important that the emergency response plan is reflective of this.
2025 Code of Ethics Training &
Certification
Review and assessment of JLL’s
2025 corporate policies and the
principles outlined in the Code of Ethics.
JLL Code of Ethics:
- Value people, communities and the environment
- do business with integrity
- we safeguard our assets
- we encourage speaking up and prohibit retaliation
Corporate policies covered:
Bribery: if offered a bribe, report to higher authority at JLL (should consult with legal & compliance team before contacting authorities)
Gifts: Never accept cash or cash equivalents
AML: Do not alert clients / party if red flag is spotted as this could expose us to legal liability for informing a person who is suspected of ML - must raise with Legal and Compliance.
Business Development and Client Relationship Seminar
practical methods for
strengthening existing client
relationships and identifying new business opportunities by effectively presenting my company’s range of
services - e.g. involving leasing team if client does not have current representation
The seminar provided
useful techniques for matching client needs with my company’s expertise and creating clear engagement plans that demonstrate the value of my
company’s services - template available for engagement plans and fees should be agreed with contract directors.
Professionalism Module (ELPROFM)
This training enhanced my
understanding of RICS ethical
standards by presenting practical example scenarios. Through these exercises, I gained clearer insights into how to apply these ethical principles in real-world situations.
UK Sexual Harassment - A Practical Overview
I learnt the internal and external complaint processes available to victims who have experienced sexual harassment and their rights under the law. The course also clarified how to recognise sexual harassment and how best to respond to an incident.
Internal - collect evidence, write down, interview/investigate, take action
External - Assault should be reported by calling 101 or speaking to the police.
Rights under law -
Under the Worker Protection (Amendment of the Equality Act 2010) Act 2023 there is a duty on all employers to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment occurring in the workplace.
How to respond -
Speak up if comfortable to do so showing disapproval of their behaviour, question their behaviour, create distraction to support the victim / check if they are okay or report what you have witnessed to HR.
How to report: JLL has anonymous helpline available but can also be reported to line manager, HR or legal and compliance.
Landlord and Tenant Training: Lease Renewal and Rent Reviews
I learnt about the distinctions
between lease renewals and rent reviews. I familiarised myself with the key aspects of the Landlord and
Tenant Act 1954, including the
definition of a business tenancy. I learnt about security of tenure and the process of rent reviews in commercial property leases.
Definition of business tenancy (S23):
the expression “business” includes a trade, profession or employment and includes any activity carried on by a body of persons, whether corporate or unincorporate.
Yardi Training
how to view ledgers, download
invoices, check tenant arrears, run tenancy schedules and service charge expenditure listings and update and view tenant contact details for arrears chasing.
RICS Red Book Compliance
Workshop
I learnt about the changes to the new edition of Red Book. In the workshop, we examined why it is important that an audit trail is created. We also discussed risk mitigation for Valuers and where to find further support.
Why is audit trail important?
It provides a clear record of your valuation process, supports transparency, and helps your work stand up to scrutiny or review.
Risk mitigation:
A good audit trail reduces errors, protects against negligence claims, and shows you followed professional standards.
Where to find support:
Use RICS guidance (the Red Book, the RICS website) and contact RICS directly for advice if needed.
Accounting Principles and
Procedures (EL-KC-APP)
I enhanced my skills in interpreting management and company accounts through this training session. The course also introduced me to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), expanding my knowledge of standardised accounting practices.
e.g. Public listed companies must follow IFRS (stricter requirements)
HSE - Reporting of Injuries,
Diseases and Dangerous
Occurrences Regulations
I learnt which types of incidents are RIDDOR reportable, exemptions, and my companies internal processes for reporting and handling potential claims.
RIDDOR Reportable Incidents
Key Exemptions
1. Location-Based Exemptions
Incidents occurring on public roads (unless work-related for employees)
Domestic premises (unless work is being carried out there)
Reporting Timeframes
Deaths and specified injuries: Immediate notification by phone, followed by written report within 10 days
Over-7-day injuries: Report within 15 days of the accident
Occupational diseases: Report immediately upon diagnosis
Internal process: Must be handled by legal and compliance team and not reported directly.
What do CPSE 1 and 6 relate to?
CPSE 1: These are general enquiries which are applicable to all transactions involving commercial property. CPSE 1 is the longest and most comprehensive set of enquiries within CPSEs. It covers various aspects of the property, including its title, searches, planning permissions, environmental issues, and existing tenancies.
CPSE 2: These enquiries are applicable to transactions of properties which are subject to commercial tenancies, namely where a Landlord is selling a property but the Tenant is to remain in occupation following completion.
CPSE 3: These enquiries are applicable where the transaction involves a grant of a new commercial lease.
CPSE 4: These enquiries are applicable where the transaction is the assignment/transfer of an existing commercial lease.
CPSE 5: These enquiries are applicable where the transaction is the surrender of an existing commercial lease. CPSE 5 is often provided instead of, rather than in addition to, CPSE 1 or 7 in this situation.
CPSE 6: These enquiries are applicable where the transaction relates to a commercial property which is subject to residential tenancies. These enquiries may be raised in conjunction with CPSE 2, for example where a property is being sold which has a commercial premises with residential accommodation above.
CPSE 7: This is a shorter-form version of CPSE 1 and can often be used instead of CPSE 1 as it omits and simplifies some of the CPSE 1 enquiries. It is not, however, suited to more complex transactions or where a higher level of due diligence is required.
What is the ‘Duty to Notify’?
Duty to Notify requires all ratepayers to inform the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) of any changes to their property that they are responsible for within 60 days of the change.
The suggestion is that it will begin its roll out from 1 April 2026, with a view to formal implementation of the new system from 1 April 2029.
What is happening in the 2026 revaluation?
The next revaluation is due to come into effect on 1 April 2026 based on property values from 1 April 2024.
At Autumn Budget (October) 2025, the government will announce the multiplier rates for 2026-27, which will reflect revaluation outcomes as well as the wider economic and fiscal context.
New Multiplier Structure
RHL properties under £500k RV: Two new lower multipliers (small business RHL and standard RHL)
Non-RHL properties: Existing structure continues
All properties £500k+ RV: New higher multiplier (affects <1% of properties but targets large warehouses/distribution centers)
The deadline to challenge new assessments is March 31, 2026
How does JLL’s Code of Ethics differ to or reflect the RICS Rules of Conduct?
Scope and Application
* JLL’s Code: Company-specific, applies to all JLL employees globally regardless of their professional qualifications
* RICS Rules: Professional body standards that apply specifically to RICS members and regulated firms
Key Differences
Corporate vs. Professional Focus
* JLL’s Code: Emphasises corporate values and business conduct (such as “Building client relationships based on integrity” and “Creating healthy and sustainable workplaces”)
* RICS Rules: Focuses on individual professional conduct and technical standards
Anti-Corruption Provisions
* JLL’s Code: More detailed corporate anti-corruption policies tailored to commercial real estate operations
* RICS Rules: Broader professional ethics principles around avoiding corruption
Environmental and Social Governance
* JLL’s Code: Includes specific ESG commitments aligned with JLL’s corporate sustainability goals
* RICS Rules: Contains more general principles around sustainability in professional practice
Enforcement Mechanisms
* JLL’s Code: Internal disciplinary procedures and corporate governance structures
* RICS Rules: Professional disciplinary processes with potential impacts on RICS membership status
Conflicts of Interest
* JLL’s Code: Focuses on managing conflicts within a commercial context and JLL’s corporate structure
* RICS Rules: More prescriptive requirements for identifying, managing, and disclosing conflicts
Reporting Mechanisms
* JLL’s Code: Includes specific corporate whistleblowing procedures and ethics hotlines
* RICS Rules: Focuses on professional obligation to report misconduct within the profession
What is a hurdle rate?
The minimum rate of return an investor can accept for an investment to still be viable or profitable
When would you adopt UK GAAP over IFRS?
IFRS is required for publicly traded companies in the UK and UK companies that are a part of a wider international group might also choose to adopt IFRS, while UK GAAP is used primarily by private entities and certain subsidiaries. This is because the requirements are less complex and demanding than the international standards, so the accounts take less time to process and the overall cost is lower.
Under the Companies Act 2006, all UK businesses must prepare their financial statements within the accounting standards framework set by the UK Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (UK GAAP) or International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). UK GAAP is broken down into FRS 102, FRS 102 section 1A, FRS 105, and FRS 101
How do these two standards differ?
Key Differences Between IFRS and UK GAAP (FRS 102)
Financial Statement Presentation
* IFRS: More prescriptive presentation requirements with more detailed disclosures
* UK GAAP: Generally less detailed disclosure requirements, more flexibility in presentation
Investment Properties
* IFRS: Fair value changes go through profit and loss
* UK GAAP: Fair value changes can go through profit and loss or statement of comprehensive income
Financial Instruments
* IFRS: More complex classification and measurement model with more categories
* UK GAAP: Simpler approach with fewer categories and generally less complex hedge accounting requirements
Goodwill and Intangibles
* IFRS: Goodwill and indefinite-life intangibles are not amortized but tested annually for impairment
* UK GAAP: Goodwill and intangible assets have finite lives (maximum presumed 10 years if unable to estimate) and are amortized
Leases
* IFRS 16: Nearly all leases are on-balance sheet for lessees
* UK GAAP: Still distinguishes between operating and finance leases (though FRS 102 is being updated to align more with IFRS 16)
Revenue Recognition
* IFRS 15: Detailed five-step model for revenue recognition
* UK GAAP: Less prescriptive guidance on revenue recognition
Deferred Tax
* IFRS: Temporary difference approach with more exceptions
* UK GAAP: Similar approach but with some differences in specific applications
Group Accounting
* IFRS: Different definition of control and more extensive consolidation requirements
* UK GAAP: Simpler definition of control for determining consolidation
Development Costs
* IFRS: Development costs must be capitalized if certain criteria are met
* UK GAAP: Option to capitalise or expense development costs
Why is keeping a clear audit trail important to you?
An audit trail provides clarity to all stakeholders and ensures accountability for actions. It’s particularly important when it comes to compliance as if it was not recorded there is no proof it took place. It also helps with quality control and error spotting, allowing surveyors to learn from past mistakes. For example there are certain tenants I deal with that will always call me to discuss issues but I always follow up calls with an email confirming everything discussed requesting an email response to confirm they are satisfied wither the resolution once actioned.
The Landlord and Tenant Act 1954: Grounds of Opposition, Renewal Terms and Interim Rents
Topics covered in this seminar by Davitt Jones Bould included: The grounds of opposition; Intention to demolition and reconstruct; Renewal terms including some current issues
in relation to rent suspension,
turnover rents and energy
performance; and Interim rents and market rents.
Rent suspension, Turnover rents and Energy performance are modern issues that are not adequately covered in the 1954 Act - proposed they should be reviewed as part of the reform
Energy upgrades are not currently a ground for opposition (if landlord is better off doing upgrades and reletting after works).
Turnover - was a JD Court Case where is was determined the court cannot determine a turnover rent as cannot accurately predict, which is contrary to s.34 disregards to ignore goodwill of the tenant.
Law commission have since published an interim statement confirming that:
1. There should be no change to the model of security of tenure. The existing contracting-out model should remain.
2. The threshold for excluding tenancies from the scope of the Act based on the tenancy’s duration should be increased from 6 months. In our second consultation paper, we expect to consult on increasing the threshold to 2 years.
3. Otherwise, there should be no change to the Act’s scope.
Second consultation paper is still due to be released.
What ethical guidance do you refer to?
RICS Rules of Conduct
RICS ethics decision tree
RICS case study examples on its website.
RICS (2022) February 2020: Code For Leasing Business Premises England And Wales (1st edn)
I learnt the essential principles and guidelines for commercial property leasing in England and Wales, including best practices for negotiating fair and balanced lease terms, the importance of clear communication between landlords and tenants, and key considerations for rent reviews, break clauses, and repairs.
Essential Principles
Core Requirements
Constructive negotiations approached in a collaborative manner
Professional advice must be recommended to unrepresented parties
Fair balance between parties’ commercial interests
Key Guidelines for Lease Negotiations
Mandatory Heads of Terms
Written heads of terms must cover minimum requirements including:
Property identity and extent with Land Registry-compliant plan
Term length and 1954 Act protection status
Rent amount, payment frequency, and VAT position
Break rights, guarantees, and deposits
Repairing obligations and permitted use
Best Practices for Fair Terms
Transparency: Full disclosure of property information, service charges, and irregular costs
Market-standard terms: Avoid unnecessarily restrictive provisions
Balanced repairing obligations appropriate to term length and property condition
Reasonable consent processes for assignments and alterations
Clear Communication Guidelines
Information Disclosure
Comprehensive property details including services and restrictions
Accurate estimates of service charges and insurance costs
Known irregular events affecting future costs
All occupancy costs including business rates
Rent Reviews
Key Requirements
Clear expression of review clauses avoiding “headline rent” unless agreed
Either party can initiate review process
No time limits designed to prevent reviews through inaction
Market rent definitions should be transparent and fair
Break Clauses
Best Practice Standards
Simple conditions: Only require rent payment, vacant possession, and no subtenants
Landlord refunds required for prepaid rent and charges
Clear notice periods and exercise procedures
Reasonable pre-conditions avoiding unnecessarily onerous requirements
Repairs
Fair Allocation Principles
Appropriate obligations matching term length, condition, and financial terms
Schedule of condition for limited repairing obligations
Construction defect protection for newly built premises
Reasonable reinstatement requirements for alterations unless specifically agreed otherwise
Key Additional Considerations
Assignment and Subletting
Allow assignment with consent “not unreasonably withheld”
Reasonable financial strength requirements for assignees
Authorised guarantee agreements where landlord reasonably requires
Insurance and Damage
Normal market terms with reputable insurers
Rent suspension for insured/uninsured damage
Mutual termination rights for substantial uninsured damage
RICS (2021) Responsible Business A Framework For Real Estate Management (1st edn)
Approach to integrating responsible business practices into real estate management, focusing on environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and ethical
governance.
The framework
provided guidance on implementing strategies to reduce carbon emissions, enhance building efficiency, promote occupant wellbeing, engage with local communities, and ensure transparent and ethical business operations.
How to respond to CPSE Enquiries (Davitt Jones Bould Seminar)
Topics covered included: Enquiries generally; Japanese knotweed; Fire safety enquiries; Asbestos enquiries; Changes to the CPSE 1 and 6 enquiries in relation to the Building
Safety Act; Energy performance
certificate enquires; and SDLT and Land Transaction Tax enquires.
Planned Maintenance Programmes
I was taught the distinction between reactive and planned property maintenance. Additionally, I understood the importance of implementing planned maintenance programs for ensuring the proper functioning of building components and preserving the overall value and long-term sustainability of properties.
I ran through an example PPM with my line manager ahead of drafting a service charge budget.