1) Identify and discuss the ethical, commercial and other professional issues raised, and

recommend any actions that should be taken in respect of each case (inclusive suggested
safeguards)

Issues

Ethical Issues
Lack of knowledge on offered role in company B. The client may well be looking for
someone not familiar with the financial services industry in order to bring a fresh
perspective to the workings of its audit committee.

Professional Issues
Unsure of Company B’s nature of business. Possibility of unintentionally providing insider
information of the previously worked company.

Commercial Issues
Quality of assurance may impact multiple third party related to the company. Unsure of the
nature offered role, lacking of expertise in the sector and fading audit experience may affect
the judgement made in Company B.

Action

1) You should ask the head-hunter for a detailed role specification which should be available.
Conduct a personal research on the company and the related sector. Evaluate your
knowledge on the sector and ability to add value to the offered position.

2) You must satisfy yourself that you can meet the requirements of the above principle if you
are ultimately successful in getting the position. In this respect it would be helpful to find
out whether the company provides a comprehensive induction programme for its new non-
executive directors as this might help to alleviate your concerns

3) Highlight the contract requirements with the Company B. Check the job description if there
is any relation to the role in the previous Company to prevent any form of litigation suits.
Ensure confidentiality is assumed and dictated .