1
Q
What is a RICS mandatory professional statement?
A
- RICS document that sets out compulsory requirements for members and regulated firms.
- Must be followed to comply with RICS rules of conduct
- Failure to comply can lead to disciplinary action.
- Examples are: Conflicts of interest, preventing bribery and corruption and requirements for PII
2
Q
What is the global professional statement on conflicts of interest?
A
- effective from 1 January 2018, and reissued in July 2023
- RICS members and firms must identify, manage, and record conflicts of interest.
- Must comply with the overarching requirement in the RICS Rules of Conduct.
- It covers:
- Competing bidders
- Conflicts arising during professional assignments
- Passing confidential information to insurers/legal advisers
3
Q
Can you explain how you assessed the appropriateness of the gift voucher?
A
- Referred to Rule 1 (honesty & integrity)
- Reasonable + not excessive (firms anti-bribery policy & gifts and hospitality register)
- Amount (£20) less than minimum amount to declare (£200)
- Did not need to list in my company’s gift & hospitality register.
4
Q
How did you ensure tender returns were reviewed with impartiality?
A
- Stored information securely → restricted access
- Did not discuss outside project team
- Same evaluation process – qualitative data
- Evaluated with a colleague + client, so not just one individual choosing.
5
Q
How did you handle the PII negotiation with your client & consultant? (RS External Lighting)
A
- I evaluated the increased risk to my client → Grade II listed buildings
- Advised to maintain PI threshold demand to provide greater protection
- I communicated transparently to reduce bias
- Delay in start of works was worth it
- Ensured consultant understood implications.
6
Q
How did you deal with your client’s verbal complaint?
A
- Verbal and didn’t need to follow written complaint handling procedure following comms with manager.
- Acknowledged client’s concerns & documented complaint with manager
- Meeting with client and honest communication
- Proposed more regular meetings + reporting
- Responded in line with RICS rules & firm’s complaint procedure.
7
Q
How do you tailor your communication to meet different client needs?
A
- Use firm’s templates for reporting + summaries
- Consult my client on what info they would like added + adapt where necessary
- Adopt verbal + written communication based on client’s technical background / style.
8
Q
How did reading the framework allow you to understand how fees work?
A
- Pre-agreed fee rates → helps understand how fees are standardised
- Scope of services, performance expectations – crucial for managing client relationships + VFM
- Able to advise client on what services included / what are additional costs – no scope creep
- Transparency for client trust + compliance with RICS.
9
Q
What is the BREEAM Refurbishment and Fit-Out technical manual?
A
- Framework for high-performing + sustainable projects
- Supports NZC goals & ESG reporting
- Manual covers: external envelope (walls, roofs etc), structures, M&E services and interior design.
10
Q
Where have you utilised client feedback to identify areas for improvement?
A
- Client performance feedback (CPF) – gathered during project that reporting format inconsistent
- I led team which standardised reporting
- Reports were tailored to client feedback
- Result – improved clarity, consistency and client satisfaction.
11
Q
How do you adapt your communication style for different stakeholders?
A
- Tailor tone based on audience + preferences (technical for consultants)
- Use appropriate formats: emails, reports, presentations, phone calls
12
Q
Why is accuracy important in communication?
A
- Ensures professionalism + credibility
- Maintains trust + clarity in project
- Prevents misunderstandings.
13
Q
Describe how you led a project using meeting tools (Regent St Lighting).
A
- Issued pre-meeting agendas
- Used Gantt charts + cost tables
- Used D+A log tracker to track progress.
14
Q
Tell me a time where you negotiated a programme change (Click & Collect)
A
- C&C facility delays
- I suggested contractor assign extra resource to reduce delay and revise programme without extra cost.
15
Q
What legislation governs H+S in the construction industry?
A
H&S at Work Act (1974)
- Covers occupational H+S in the UK
- Places a duty on employers to ensure H,S and welfare of employees and others affected by their work
- Requires safe systems of work, training and ongoing risk assessments.
CDM Regulations (2015)
- Governs H+S in all construction projects
- Defines roles & responsibilities for duty holders (Client, PD, PC) – legal duties
- Aims to improve planning and management from design to completion.
16
Q
How have you developed your H+S knowledge?
A
- Attended workshops / toolbox talks
- Building Safety Act (2022)
o In response to Grenfell
o Focuses on HRB’s (≥18m or at least 7 resi units)
o Requires BRP & BRPD
o Extended liability periods
o Emphasises accountability, competence and regulatory compliance.
17
Q
What did the working at height workshop teach you?
A
- Avoid working at height where possible.
- Use collective protection (e.g., guardrails) before personal protection (e.g., harnesses).
- Safe Use of Equipment:
- Ladders, scaffolding, MEWPs (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms).
- Inspection and maintenance requirements.
18
Q
What does CSCS stand for?
A
- Construction Skills Certification Scheme.
- I currently hold and apprentice card
19
Q
How do you ensure safety during site visits? (Exeter C&C)
A
- Checked PPE requirements with site manager (Exeter C&C facility)
- Call out unsafe practices & report to site manager
- Report on H+S in weekly dashboard / manager.
20
Q
Describe a time you identified and mitigated a site hazard (Ikea–Hammersmith).
A
- Conducted inspection & noticed trip hazard in public interface
- Reported immediately to site manager to rectify by moving to a safe space.
21
Q
What factors influence market analysis in business planning?
A
- Economic conditions (inflation, interest rates, GDP growth).
- Industry trends (construction demand, regulatory changes).
- Competitor analysis (market share, pricing strategies).
- Client demand and pipeline forecasts.
22
Q
What financial documents do you review when assessing contractor reliability?
A
- Profit & loss statements — to assess profitability and financial performance.
- Cash flow statements — to understand liquidity and ability to meet obligations.
- Balance sheets — to evaluate assets, liabilities, and overall financial stability.
23
Q
What is the role of auditors in the construction industry?
A
- Auditors independently verify financial records and statements.
- Help ensure accuracy, compliance, and reduce financial risk.
- Their reports can influence contractor selection and client confidence.
24
Q
What is GAAP and why are they important?
A
- GAAP stands for Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
- They provide a standardised framework for financial reporting.
- Ensure consistency, transparency, and comparability across organisations
25
How have you contributed to business planning in your role?
* Conducted SWOT analysis on client feedback to identify service improvements
* CRM work – informed internal decisions on resourcing and service delivery
26
What is financial forecasting and why is it important?
* Financial forecasting predicts future revenues, costs, and cash flow.
* It supports budgeting and resource allocation.
* Helps identify potential shortfalls and plan for contingencies.
* I have been involved in this at project level - allocating resource and working out profit margins based on proposed fee income
27
What are the purpose of business unit update meetings?
* Discuss strategic, operational & departmental changes
* Align team objectives with wider business goals
* Understand how market conditions impact planning
28
What are common causes of disputes on construction projects?
* Disagreements on scope or variations
* Conflicts due to incomplete / inaccurate design information
* Miscommunication between stakeholders
29
What dispute resolution methods are you familiar with?
* Mediation → Voluntary process led by mediator; helps parties reach agreement; non-binding
* Adjudication → Quick interim decision by adjudicator; binding unless overturned in arbitration
* Arbitration → Formal process with binding decision; often specified in contract
* Litigation → Court proceedings; generally last resort
30
How do you ensure compliance with data protection legislation?
Data Protection Act (2018)
* Governs how personal data is handled
* Key principles: lawfulness, transparency, data minimisation, security
* Individuals have rights to access, correction, deletion, objection
* Organisations must report a breach in 72hrs
* Sensitive data limited to authorised persons
31
What principles of data management do you follow within your role?
* Data accuracy & consistency
* Secure + accessible records
* Maintain up-to-date records
32
Why is diversity & inclusion important in project teams?
* Broader perspectives → better problem-solving & innovation
* Inclusion ensures all members feel valued → improved morale & collaboration
33
How have you contributed to an inclusive working environment?
* Participated in team building & social activities to foster inclusion
* Attended sessions on E, D & I
* Used respectful language and encouraged input from all team members
34
What legislation supports inclusive design in construction?
Equality Act 2010
o Protects against discrimination & promotes equal access
o Protects against age, race, gender, disability
o Applies to physical access (ramps, lifts) and service delivery (hearing loops, visual aids)
o Includes gender pay gap reporting
o Inclusive design & accessibility standards
35
What are the principles of universal design?
* There are 7 principles. Examples include:
o Equitable use
o Flexible in use
o Simple to use
36
What sustainability standards are you familiar with?
BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method)
o UK-based sustainability rating system
o Categories such as energy, water, materials
o Ratings from Pass to Outstanding
LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design)
o US-based green building certification
o Similar categories to BREEAM
o Certifications from Certified → Platinum
o Points-based system promoting environmental performance
RICS 2025
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