Practising certificate assessor manual (revised edition) 2016 update

CIMA Practising Certificate Application Guidance Notes

Members in Practice (MiP) application process The Practising Certificate application process CIMA’s Members Handbook contains guidance for applicants on how to complete the Practising Certificate application process Applicants are advised to read all the information in this document in full. They must have all the required documents and information ready before they start the online Practising Certificate application.

1.1 Preliminary work prior to completing online application.

When the necessary preliminary work has been done, the online Practising Certificate application should only take about 10 minutes to complete. There is a considerable amount of preparatory work that must be completed beforehand, some of which must be submitted with the application.

Please note that applicants will be able to save and return to their application as many times as required. Below is an overview of the online application screens and requirements for each stage.

Start

Screen 1 Contact details

Screen 2 Work history

Screen 3 Practice requirements

Screen 4 Practice documentation

Screen 5 Declarations

Screen 6 Payment

Supply valid contact details

Upload C.V with work history relevant to application

Select functional specialisms

Upload antimoney laundering questionnaire

Declaration to abide by CIMA rules / regulations

Pay MiP fee

Input practice details

Identify any skills gaps and how you will fill these

Upload evidence of PII

Confirm compliance with Code of Ethics

Agree to Member in Practice Logo T&C’s

Supply two valid references for application

Enter continuity partner details

Confirm compliance with mandatory requirements

Fig.1 Overview of online PC process

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Members in Practice (MiP) application process To access the Practising Certificate application screens the applicant must log into their MyCIMA account.

Log in/out

Members Name ID number Location

Select members in practice link to go into application link

Fig.2 MyCIMA log in and MiP area

Fig.3 MiP application link in MyCIMA

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Members in Practice (MiP) application process Practising under another body screen Applicants need to notify CIMA within this screen if they are practicing under the supervision of another body and do not intend to practice as a CIMA Member in Practice. CIMA does not have reciprocal Practicing Certificate arrangements with other professional bodies. Therefore if members wish to promote themselves as CIMA members they this screen should be left blank and the ‘next’ button selected to continue with their Practising Certificate application.

Should the applicant declare that they wish to practice via another body other than CIMA they will be taken out of the application process upon entering the required details.

Fig.4 Declaration of practising under another body

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Members in Practice (MiP) application process

Fig.5 Thank you screen (not required to apply for PC)

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Members in Practice (MiP) application process Contact details screen To complete this section all applicants must have a valid email address, daytime contact number and the name in which they intend their practice to trade under.

They are able to update these details at any point by logging into their MyCIMA account and choosing the relevant option.

Fig. 6 Contact details screen

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Members in Practice (MiP) application process 1.4 Work history screen The content of the work history screen is what you as assessors will be using to assess applications.

Fig. 7 CV upload and skills gaps (work history screen)

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Members in Practice (MiP) application process Current skills and experience: Applicants will need to upload a copy of their C.V. You will use this information inputted into this screen to assess the application and check if they have the relevant skills and experience to work in practice. They must clearly show in their C.V. how and when they gained their relevant skills and experience. Guidance note (Appendix 1) outlines some of the typical work that a CIMA Member in Practice may do in relation to the functional specialisms.

Skills gaps: The work history screen gives the applicants the opportunity to highlight any skills gaps that they may have. A free text section within the screen allows them to alert you to any CPD they are currently undertaking or intend to undertake to address these gaps. The skills gaps section, along with the skills and experience listed within the C.V. should reflect the functional specialism’s that the applicant has chosen. Members are advised within the MiP guidance notes and within the practice details screen of the online application that they must only practice in areas that they are competent to carry out (CIMA Code of Ethics).

The Member in Practice guidance note (Appendix 1) should help to highlight any skills gaps the applicant may have. The guidance note outline technical skills and experience.

The guidance notes are living documents and can be updated with any additional content that you think will benefit current and future applicants.

Please email pc.applications@cimaglobal.com with any suggestions you may have.

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Members in Practice (MiP) application process Referees: In support of their application, applicants will need to provide CIMA with the names and contact details of two referees. One must be someone who can verify their technical / professional skills and may be a previous employer or colleague, and the other must be a personal referee. Relatives may not be used as referees and a valid telephone number must be given for each.

Fig. 8 References section (work history screen)

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Members in Practice (MiP) application process 1.5 Practice requirements screen Functional specialisms: The applicant will be required to inform CIMA as to which functional specialisms they intend to practice in. They may pick as many or as few as they wish. However, they must be competent to work within the chosen areas. They are advised that when they make their choices they must do so in accordance with the CIMA Code of Ethics with particular reference to the fundamental principle of professional competence and due care.

The information that they provide in this section will be used on CIMA’s Practising Certificate holder database that is searchable by potential clients.

They must not list any functional specialisms that they are not yet competent in or demonstrate promise to offer those services competently.

The applicant can update their record at any time with additional functional specialisms during annual Member in Practice registration or by choosing the ‘update my practice details’ in MyCIMA.

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Members in Practice (MiP) application process

Fig. 9 Functional specialisms (tick boxes)

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Members in Practice (MiP) application process Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII): It is a requirement within CIMA’s regulations that all members who work in practice hold current Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII). Before they begin the online application they must have made enquires and obtained cover relevant to their practice needs. The Member’s Handbook has further guidance on PII. In order for them to complete their Practising Certificate application they must upload an electronic copy of their insurance certificate as part of their application along with the policy number and expiry date. Unless applicants already have an electronic version of the document they will need to scan their certificate in order to upload it.

Fig. 10 Professional Indemnity Insurance upload

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Members in Practice (MiP) application process Continuity arrangement: The applicant must supply evidence during the application of the details of their continuity arrangement. They are advised to make arrangements for this prior to starting their application. They will be unable to submit their application without this information. There is information regarding the continuity arrangements in the MiP section of Members Handbook. http://www.cimaglobal.com/Members/Members-handbook/

Fig. 11 Continuity arrangement compliance

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Members in Practice (MiP) application process 1.6 Practice compliance screen In this screen the applicant must declare their compliance with the following CIMA regulations.  anti-money laundering regulations  the CIMA Code of Ethics  having terms of engagement in place  having complaints handling procedures in place  and that they continue to undertake CPD They must submit physical evidence of the above to CIMA for quality checking upon request. Please note they are not required to submit physical evidence of ethical compliance as ethical behavior should be built into their everyday work within their practice. Additional guidance on this will continue to be made available to members via the website and other published material.

Fig. 12 Practice compliance screen (mandatory requirements)

Anti-money laundering (AML) The applicant will be required to upload a completed CIMA anti-money laundering questionnaire as part of their application. The AML questionnaire and guidance notes on how to complete it can be found in the Members’ Handbook. For ease of completing the online application they are advised to complete the anti-money laundering questionnaire prior to starting their application.

Uploading the anti-money laundering questionnaire is mandatory; they will be unable to submit an application without it.

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Members in Practice (MiP) application process CIMA’s Code of Ethics All CIMA members are required to follow the Code of Ethics set out by the institute to ensure integrity, objectivity, confidentiality, professional behaviour and professional competence and due care. In doing so you must:  

Have read, understood and implemented as best practice CIMA’s Code of Ethics? (Part B, section 200 is applicable to practising members).

Ensured that policies and procedures are in place so as to encourage and support all employees to work towards an ethical culture in compliance with CIMA’s Code of Ethics.

Terms of engagement and complaints handling The applicant must ensure that they have their terms of engagement and complaints handling procedure in place before they begin their application.

They are not required to send in evidence at this point, only confirm that they have them and use them in accordance with CIMA’s guidelines in the terms of engagement guidance in the Members Handbook. http://www.cimaglobal.com/Members/Members-handbook/ At a later date CIMA will conduct quality checks on both these documents and will ask the applicant to submit copies on more than one occasion following issue of their PC. CIMA Professional Development (CPD) The applicant should already be familiar with CIMA’s CPD policy. As a Member in Practice they will be required to continue their CPD and ensure it is tailored to their practice needs. Upon initial application for their Practising Certificate must confirm compliance with CPD regulations by ticking the box.

CIMA will advise them separately if they have been chosen to submit their CPD record for monitoring.

Should they be randomly picked to submit their CPD records then when they complete their MiP annual renewal a screen will appear where they can upload their documents for CIMA to assess.

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Members in Practice (MiP) application process 1.7 Declarations screen The applicant declares that all the information submitted within the application is true and correct and that they agree to abide by CIMA’s rules governing members in practice.

Fig. 13 Declarations screen (incl MiP Logo guideline agreement)

If they are successful in their application for a Practising Certificate they will be entitled to use CIMA’s Member in Practice logo on their business stationery. The applicant must read and agree the conditions of use. PC holders will be able to access the logo through their MyCIMA account by the same method as they used to access the Practising Certificate application link.

1.8 Payment screen The current year’s fee for obtaining a Practising Certificate and entry onto CIMA’s Member in Practice register can be accessed on the Members Fee List. Upon payment of the fee the applicant will receive a confirmation email that their application has been submitted.

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Members in Practice (MiP) application process

MiP guidance notes – Technical Skills and Experience Below you will find a list of CIMA’s functional specialism’s with examples of the work involved. Please use this as guidance when assessing the skills and experience of the applicant. If you feel you can add to any of these sections to help other assessors please email pc.applications@cimaglobal.com with your updates.

Book-keeping / accounting   

Recording financial transactions for purchases, sales, receipts and payments.

Ensuring that any transactions entered are full, accurate and up to date.

Using the transactions recorded in the book-keeping process to create financial statements and report on the financial position of the business / organisation.

Business planning / budgeting    

Strategic and financial planning for small business growth.

Offering advice on the best use of financial and other resources to improve profitability and growth.

Problem solving and risk assessment.

Working with clients to create budgets to facilitate more informed decision making, monitor performance and remain in control of expenditure.

Business process improvement 

Advise clients on alternative methods to improve their business processes to help them realise their strategic aims and organisational goals.

Business tax planning / advice  

Advising clients on current tax issues and regulations.

Advising clients on claiming for business expenses to help mitigate tax liabilities.

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Members in Practice (MiP) application process Cash flow management/treasury    

Monitoring and managing cash inflows and outflows.

Implementation of methods to improve a client’s cash flow.

Ensure sufficient cash reserves to sustain the business and fund future growth.

Completion of cash flow forecasts to recognise and manage peaks and troughs.

Company secretarial matters   

Correct maintenance and filing of statutory registers and forms.

Ensuring company and public records are kept up to date.

Appropriate and up to date knowledge of company laws and regulations with the ability and confidence to advise clients accordingly.

Contribution / profit analysis 

Analyse the impact of changes on a clients fixed and variable costs to increase profit and inform decision making regarding the pricing of sales units.

Cost reduction   

Assist clients in controlling costs by identification, analysis and efficient management of cost drivers.

Evaluate and advise clients on the impacts of their operational strategies on their cost base.

Applying appropriate cost management techniques to improve (product, service, customer, channel) profitability.

Expert witness 

Testifying or otherwise providing independent, expert opinion, evidence or analyses in a court of law to assist in the resolution of cases

External financial reporting   

Preparation of financial reports to enable informed decision making by external stakeholders.

Preparation and submission of statutory financial statements in compliance with relevant legislation.

Up-to-date knowledge of relevant reporting requirements and ability to apply them as well as advise clients accordingly.

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Members in Practice (MiP) application process Funding to businesses 

Appropriate knowledge of sources of finance for various sizes, types and structures of business and ability to advise and guide clients through the relevant processes

Interim management 

Ability to demonstrate proven competence for and function as a shortterm management resource to assist clients in the achievement of specific goals. The contract of service will usually be between the interim manager and the client who will be billed directly rather than via a recruitment consultancy.

Internal audit / risk analysis 

Competence to assist clients in the assessment, control and management of enterprise risk.

Management performance reports 

Competence in the preparation and analyses of appropriate reports to evaluate performance in key areas relevant to client’s operations.

Ability to apply appropriate management accounting techniques in the design and implementation of performance strategies, as well as the confidence to advise and guide clients in the utilisation of the reports.

Payroll / NI / PAYE administration   

Processing of employee payroll for or on behalf of clients.

Thorough and up-to-date knowledge of the laws governing payroll, payroll taxes and administration.

Ensuring timely submission of statutory reports and payment of dues to government authorities.

Personal tax planning/advice   

Compliance accountancy work and tax computations.

Accountancy work only (management accountants and / or compliance year end accounts) Management consultancy / business advice

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Members in Practice (MiP) application process ENGAGEMENT LETTER & TERMS AND CONDITIONS Dear Accountancy services: terms of engagement Thank you for your instructions to provide you with [X] services [in connection with] [details].

1.1 Members in Practice of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants ("CIMA" or "the Institute") subscribe to the promotion of high standards, ethical awareness and best practice. As part of those standards, engagement terms are issued and agreed prior to any work being undertaken.

1.2 This letter has been prepared following discussions with you on [date] and, together with Annex 1, sets out the terms on which our services will be provided. Please read all the information carefully and contact us if you have any concerns or require clarification.

1.3 In this letter, "we" and "us" and "our" relate to this accountancy practice and "you" and "your" relate to you, the client 2. Scope of Services 2.1 Our services will be provided by [name(s)] and we will advise you of any proposed change. The services to be provided, timescales and fees and are listed in Annex 1 3. Responsibilities Our responsibilities are to: 3.1 observe the Laws of CIMA. 3.2 keep and maintain records of work completed and make them available to you upon request.

3.3 provide regular reports on the progress of any work being completed on your behalf.

3.4 raise any issues or concerns that may be found during the term of the engagement.

3.5 return any information owned by you within [X] working days] upon termination of the engagement and once payment for work carried out by the practice has been made.

3.6 keep records in compliance with the Data Protection legislation.

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Members in Practice (MiP) application process

Your responsibilities as the client are to: 3.7 provide the following proof of identity, current address and business details as required by anti-money laundering regulations. a) A utility bill dated within the last three months b) Passport or driving licence or Photo ID cards of all named directors / partners / principles. c) Certificate of Incorporation (if a Ltd company) 3.8 ensure that records of your business activities are correct and maintained to meet the requirements of regulatory authorities.

3.9 disclose all relevant information to enable us to complete the work within agreed timescales as set in Annex 1.

3.10 allow full and free access to financial and other records held by yourselves or third parties.

4. Ethical conduct 4.1 All CIMA management accountants work within the framework of the CIMA Code of Ethics (www.cimaglobal.com). The code requires accountants to comply with the principles of integrity, objectivity, professional competence and due care, confidentiality and professional behaviour.

4.2 As a CIMA management accountant(s) [I / we] have a duty to observe the highest standards of conduct and integrity, and to uphold the good standing and reputation of the profession.

4.3 The duty of a professional accountant is not exclusively to satisfy the needs of an individual client or employer. In complying with the ethical requirements of the CIMA Code of Ethics the professional accountant is obliged to act primarily within the public interest.

5. Fees 5.1 Our fees are based on a [time / complexity / employee skill level / regular fixed monthly] basis. Annex 1 lists the services we agree to supply on a [fixed / variable] basis. Any additional work required which is not covered by these terms will be agreed with you and will result in a new Annex 1 being issued.

5.2 Payment of fees rendered by invoice are due within [X] working days from the bill date. Interest may be applied to any overdue accounts at a rate of [X%]. Where payment has not been received we reserve the right to withhold services, documents and information, and have the right to cease to work on your account, and to terminate the engagement if payments are unduly delayed.

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Members in Practice (MiP) application process

5.3 Any expenses incurred whilst working on your behalf will be charged and appropriate records will be kept and will be available for inspection. Such expenses may include the use of meeting rooms and other facilities, internal printing, courier charges, and international but not national telephone calls.

6. Holding Client Monies 6.1 Client money is held in an account separate from the practice.

Interest will only be paid once it exceeds [£X.00] to avoid disproportionate administration costs. We recommend that you also view CIMA’s Client Money Regulations which can be found on the Institute's website.

7. Retaining and Accessing Records 7.1 Any information produced or relating to the work we undertake for you will be returned to you and should be kept for a period of no less than 6 years from the end of the tax year in question.

7.2 You agree that any work completed and work in progress for which payment is outstanding will be held by us until all fees relating to it have been paid.

8. Confidentiality and conflicts 8.1 We agree never to share information relating to your business with any third party without prior consent, unless required to do so by law or to comply with regulations or quality control reviews. Likewise you agree not to use or copy or allow use of the output of the work we do for with a third party without our prior permission.

8.2 You recognise that we may have to stop providing services to you in the event that a conflict arises between our duties to you and to another client. You will notify us if you have any reason to believe that such a conflict has arisen or may arise.

8.3 We may communicate with you electronically and you accept the risks associated with such communications, except anything arising through our negligence or wilful default.

9. Legislation and compliance 9.1 We are obliged by law and by CIMA to undertake checks to ensure that you and your business are operating lawfully. By agreeing to our terms of engagement you accept that we are authorised to complete such checks as necessary.

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Members in Practice (MiP) application process 9.2 Under Money Laundering Regulations it is a criminal offence if we do not report suspicious transactions or if we inform a client that a report has been made against them.

10. Liability 10.1 As Chartered Management Accountants, we have a duty of care to you and we must observe the highest standards of conduct and integrity Our services to you will only be completed by an accountant fully competent to perform such work and who holds current Professional Indemnity Insurance.

10.2 Where any loss or damage occurs as the result of you providing misleading, incomplete or false information no liability will be accepted.

10.3 The advice we give you is not to be used by a third party without written consent. The practice also accepts no legal responsibility from third party use of the financial information provided by us.

11. Complaints and disputes 11.1 We want you to be entirely satisfied with the services provided to you. If, however, you are not, please refer to the Complaints Handling Procedure at Annex 2 of this letter. Any disputes arising from our engagement by you will, subject to the procedure at Annex 2, be governed by [English] law.

11.2 If a complaint cannot be resolved through our internal complaints handling procedure, under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 we are required to point you towards alternative dispute resolution (ADR) providers. There are many ADR providers listed on the Chartered Trading Standards Institute website but CIMA has an arrangement with CEDR for the provision of ADR. More information is available on the CIMAGlobal website.

12. Continuity Arrangement 12.1 In the event that we become unable to provide the services agreed through incapacity or death, a Continuity Arrangement has been made with [name of accountant, practice name and address]. The purpose of this agreement is to look after your interests by providing continuity of services. You will be contacted in the event of such circumstances arising and you will have the option to decline to be covered by these arrangements.

13. Termination 13.1 You or we may terminate our engagement by giving [X days / X months] written notice. All documents and information provided by you will be returned to you within [X] working days of receipt of the notice provided that all outstanding fees have been paid.

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Members in Practice (MiP) application process Yours sincerely Signed on behalf of [practice name] ___________________________ ____________ [CIMA MiP] [Date] Before any work can be undertaken on your behalf, you are required to confirm acceptance of these terms of engagement by signing and returning the original of this letter to us at the address provided. Please retain a copy for your own records.

I confirm I have read, understand and agree to the terms and conditions set out above and in the annexes to this letter. [I confirm I have the authority to act on behalf of the company]. ___________________________ [Name & Title]

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Members in Practice (MiP) application process ANNEX 1 Schedule of Services This Annex is effective from the date of signature of the copy of the covering engagement letter. It gives details of your advised service requirements. Fees are listed below as variable or fixed. If service requirements change, this Annex must be replaced with a new version agreed with you.

Services Offered Service and description [Name of service e.g. VAT Reporting] [include specifics of service to the client or practice] [Name of service] [include specifics of service to the client or practice] [Name of service] [include specifics of service to the client or practice]

Payment by Direct Debit / Standing Order Total regular fixed monthly fee (if applicable)

Variable Fee [hourly rate £XX.00 / complexity rate £XXX.00]

Timescale [start date/ completion date]

[hourly rate [start date/ £XX.00 / completion complexity date] rate £XXX.00] [hourly rate [start date/ £XX.00 / completion complexity date] rate £XXX.00]

Fixed Fee £XXX.00

Timescale Minimum of [X] months

Services not offered Service [Name of Service and brief description] [Name of Service and brief description] [Name of Service and brief description]

Signed on behalf of [practice name] ___________________________ ____________ [CIMA MiP] [Date]

Signed on behalf of [client] __________________________ ____________ [Name & Title] [Date] 25 | P a g e

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Members in Practice (MiP) application process ANNEX 2 CIMA GUIDANCE EXAMPLE – COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE 1. Purpose 1.1 We [Practice Name] are committed to upholding best practice through a high quality service to all our clients. This Annex sets out the procedure we will operate in dealing with complaints arising from the provision of services under our letter of engagement.

2. Raising an Issue 2.1 In the first instance please contact [name, number and email] to discuss any concerns you have, so that the matter can be looked into immediately.

3. Making an Informal Complaint 3.1 An informal complaint can be made by telephone, or by speaking, face to face or in writing to [name, number, address and email]. If the matter is not resolved at this stage, and you have not already issued a complaint in writing, you should do so. Please include specific details so that the matter can be thoroughly investigated.

4. Making a Formal Complaint 4.1 Upon receipt of your written formal complaint an acknowledgement will be sent to you within [X] working days. The name and contact details of the person who will be dealing with your case will be supplied to you at this point.

4.2 Within [X] working days from receipt of your written complaint you will receive in writing a summary of our understanding of your complaint. You will be asked at this time to provide any further evidence or information regarding the complaint and to confirm that we have understood all your concerns.

4.3 Following such confirmation, we will investigate the matter and write to you in reply within [X] working days unless it becomes apparent to us that the investigation may not be completed within this timescale.

In these circumstances, a written explanation will be sent to you including a progress report. When a substantive reply is sent you, a summary of findings will be included along with details of any further action to be taken.

5. If you are not satisfied 5.1 For service related matters involving a CIMA member in Practice in the UK, you may wish to know that CIMA offers an independent Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) facility for members of the public.

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Members in Practice (MiP) application process 5.2 If in the context of your dealings with us or the handling of your complaint, you believe that a member of CIMA has been guilty of misconduct, you may lodge a complaint with the Professional Conduct department of the Institute.

5.3 Further information on ADR or making a complaint about alleged misconduct can be found on the CIMA website at www.cimaglobal.com.

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Members in Practice (MiP) application process CIMA GUIDANCE EXAMPLE – CONTINUITY AGREEMENT THIS AGREEMENT is made the [X] day of [Month] [Year] BETWEEN: [PRACTICE / COMPANY / NAME] of [address] (the Appointer) and [PRACTICE / COMPANY / NAME] of [address] (the Alternate)

(the Parties) WHEREAS the Appointer wishes to appoint the Alternate for the purposes of providing services to clients in the event of the Appointer's death or incapacity (or where the Appointer is a firm or company that firm or company's dissolution) and the Alternate is willing to accept the appointment, all subject to the terms of this Agreement: IT IS HEREBY AGREED that: 1. Definitions In this Agreement headings do not affect construction, the singular includes the plural and the masculine includes the feminine and, unless stated otherwise: 

Appointer means the practice for whose clients continuity cover is to be provided under this Agreement



Appointer's representative includes an executor or attorney if the Appointer is a sole practitioner and a liquidator where the practice is a partnership or company.



Alternate means the practice appointed to provide the services to the Client after the Event



CIMA means the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants



Client means any or all clients of the Appointer



the Event means the incapacity or death or dissolution of the Appointer



Services means the services being supplied to the Client at the date of the Event

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Members in Practice (MiP) application process 2. Purpose and scope of Agreement 2.1 CIMA Members in Practice must abide by the laws of the Institute. They must in particular ‘ensure continuity of the work of their practice in the event of illness, disability, or death’. This Agreement is designed to ensure the continuity of services to, and protection of interests of, clients of the Appointer.

2.2 This Agreement contains the entire agreement between the Parties, who confirm that they have not entered into it on the basis of any representation that is not expressly included in the Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement limits or excludes liability for fraud.

2.3 This Agreement shall not constitute or create a partnership, joint venture or employer and employee relationship between the Parties.

2.4 This Agreement may be issued in any number of counterparts.

3. Responsibilities of the Alternate 3.1 The Alternate, on notification of the Event, shall as soon as practicable: 3.1.1 notify the Client of the Event and advise the Client of the Client's right to refuse the Alternate's services.

3.1.2 provide services to the Client on the terms of engagement issued to them by the Appointer; and, if updated or new terms of engagement are to be issued, explain any differences to the Client.

3.1.3 provide services to the Client in accordance with the Laws of CIMA. 3.2 In the event of ceasing to be able to provide the services to the Client, the Alternate shall take all necessary steps to ensure that the Client's needs and interests are met, without loss of continuity, by another provider acceptable to the Client.

4. Responsibilities of Appointer 4.1 The responsibilities of the Appointer are to: 4.1.1 appoint a Representative who will notify the Alternate if the Event occurs, and will facilitate the Alternate's access to client information and records, subject to any legal restrictions; 4.1.2 allow the Alternate access to Client information as stated in clause 6.1.

4.1.3 notify CIMA of this Agreement and the names of the Parties.

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Members in Practice (MiP) application process 4.2 The Appointer recognises and accepts that the Alternate will not be responsible for or liable in respect of any services provided to the Client prior to the Event.

5. Specific details This section should cover any specific requirements, such as: 5.1 the professional competencies required to be held and maintained by the Alternate 5.2 the qualifications of the Alternate to be held or maintained 5.3 details regarding fees and expenses, including specification of any income from the Client to be paid over to the Appointer's estate 5.4 authority if any of the Alternate over the Appointer's business including the engagement and dismissal of staff.

6. Confidentiality and Client Records 6.1 In pursuance of clauses 4.1.1 and 4.1.2, the Alternate shall be granted access to Client lists and records of the Appointer's practice.

6.2 Any information about the Client shall be kept confidential from third parties and in accordance with Data Protection law.

6.3 If the Appointer recovers from incapacity, the Alternate shall cease to provide services to the Client and shall return all Client records to the Appointer.

7. Insurance 7.1 Each Party is responsible for its own Professional Indemnity Insurance.

7.2 The Alternate shall maintain such insurance as is appropriate for the purposes of acquiring obligations in relation to the Client in pursuance of this Agreement 8. Applicable Law and disputes 8.1 This agreement shall be governed and construed in accordance with [English] law. If a dispute or claim arises it shall be resolved by negotiation between the Parties or by an arbitrator appointed by the Parties 8.2 If any clause of this agreement becomes illegal or obsolete it shall have no likewise effect on any other clause.

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Members in Practice (MiP) application process 9. No transfer of duties and no Third Party rights 9.1 The duties and powers of a Party under this Agreement shall not be transferred to a third party without the prior written consent of the other Party.

9.2 The terms of this Agreement shall not be enforceable by a third party under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999.

10. Termination 10.1 Subject to clause 10.2 this Agreement shall terminate on a date to be agreed in writing between the Parties.

10.2 Either Party may terminate this Agreement with [specify notice period] notice to the other (such period to run from the date the notice would be delivered in the ordinary course of the post).

SIGNED by [or on behalf of] [Name of Appointer]

[Date]

IN THE PRESENCE of [Name of witness]

SIGNED by [or on behalf of] [Name of Alternate]

[Date]

IN THE PRESENCE of [Name of witness]

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Members in Practice (MiP) application process

Chartered Institute of Management Accountants The Helicon One South Place London EC2M 2RB United Kingdom T. +44 (0)20 32 8849 | P a g2251 e E. cima.contact@cimaglobal.com www.cimaglobal.com

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