Rent Checks Post-Brexit

Uncertainty around Brexit continues, and the possibility of a no-deal means it is still challenging to predict what will happen when the UK leaves the EU. The Government is yet to release official guidance on what letting agents and Landlords will need to do, should a no-deal Brexit be the outcome of the process. The lack of clarity from the Government has already caused problems. Many landlords are averse to letting their properties to non-UK nationals in case they are in breach of the Right to Rent rules, post-Brexit. The Government is under increased pressure to give clear guidance on post-Brexit Right to Work and Right to Rent checks.

What do we know so far?

Right to Rent is creating a hostile environment in the private rented sector with more landlords refusing to consider renting to non-British nationals, including EU citizens, due to concerns about Brexit. According to research from the Residential Landlords Association (RLA), 44% of private rented sector landlords are less likely to rent to those without a British passport.

The Right to Rent scheme – introduced in 2016 – has never been popular as it requires landlords to carry out immigration checks to make sure that they do not rent a property to someone who does not have the right to live in the UK. Furthermore, landlords face prosecution if they know or have ‘reasonable cause to believe’ that the property they are letting is occupied by someone who does not have the right to rent in the UK.

Potential changes post-Brexit

One change which may be implemented post-Brexit is the introduction of a digital checking service. A white paper in December last year* suggested this would enable prospective tenants to view and ‘verify’ their immigration status. Meaning landlords could confirm the applicant’s eligibility to rent far more quickly. Those renting to foreign nationals from the EU would no longer need to manually check the documents which are currently required under the right to rent legislation.

Summary

There’s no denying that both landlords and EU tenants have many unanswered questions when it comes to Brexit and right to rent legislation, mainly down to the fact that a deal has not yet been decided. The 31st October 2019 should hopefully bring a clearer picture and provide the answers both parties need.

Let us know if you would like to find out more. If you have any further questions or interest in implementing a digital checking service in advance, please do get in contact.

*”The UK’s future skills-based immigration system”, by HM Government

About CRI Group

Based in London, CRI Group works with companies across the Americas, Europe, Africa, Middle East and Asia-Pacific as a one-stop international Risk Management, Employee Background Screening, 

In 2016, CRI Group launched Anti-Bribery Anti-Corruption (ABAC®) Center of Excellence – an independent certification body established for ISO 37001:2016 Anti-Bribery Management Systems, ISO 37301 Compliance Management Systems and ISO 31000:2018 Risk Management, providing training and certification. ABAC® operates through its global network of certified ethics and compliance professionals, qualified auditors and other certified professionals. As a result, CRI Group’s global team of certified fraud examiners work as a discreet white-labelled supplier to some of the world’s largest organisations. Contact ABAC® for more on ISO Certification and training.

Filed under: Background Investigation,

3 ways to protect your Company’s Reputation

In today’s connected business world, there are very few secrets. United Airlines, for example, recently learned the hard way that one ugly incident can go viral and spread around the world in a matter of minutes – not hours, days or weeks. protect company reputation

United initially faced criticism over the rough treatment of a passenger being removed from one of their planes. Then, the company learned a second lesson when its CEO’s response to the crisis seemed somewhat disconnected and uncaring. United was in the middle of a reputational crisis, and its first official response to angry consumers only added more fuel to the fire. Later, the CEO offered an apology and a more compassionate statement – but the damage was done.

There are lessons to be taken from this and other high-profile cases where companies have seen their reputation, which they’ve worked hard to cultivate, trashed in the public spotlight. The fact is, things happen, and no company has a guaranteed way to safeguard their reputation from ever being dinged or facing scrutiny, whether fair or not. But there are ways to mitigate the damage and help ensure your company survives the crisis, and can rebuild its reputation in a positive way.

Know that people are talking about you

In the age of Twitter, Facebook, Yelp and other social engagement sites, people are keen to talk about what they like, dislike, what they wish would be better, and anything else on their mind. That includes your company and your products or services. Accept this and embrace it. Engage with people who post on social media when appropriate, and always in a polite and respectful manner. When there is a legitimate problem, communicate that you are taking the matter seriously and looking to resolve it, and then do so.

1. Be transparent

A way to be proactive in your engagement with others is to ask for feedback. Then be prepared to address it, good or bad. Consumers, stakeholders and even your own employees will be impressed by the open lines of communication and an honest dialog. In this way, you can strive to improve your services and offerings and show that you are receptive to your client’ needs.

2. Protect your customers’ data

Nothing can destroy your reputation among your clients and customers quicker than having to tell them their personal information, which was entrusted to you to remain private and protected, is now in the hands of hackers or criminals because you suffered a security breach. Even worse is when they learn that your company did not take all the measures necessary, or even the most basic ones, to prevent such a breach from occurring. Not only might you be criminally liable, but customers will run from you, not wanting to take a risk that something like that could happen again in the future. In today’s high-risk environment, you must have the most sophisticated and up-to-date security measures in place to protect your date – and your reputation.

3. Conduct due diligence

How much do you know about your third-party partners – those suppliers and contractors that you’ve trusted for years, or new ones with whom you seek to engage? An unethical partner can have serious effects on your own company’s reputation – bribery, corruption, supply chain problems are all issues that can end up tainting your own business and causing your customers to lose trust in your products or services. Conducting thorough due diligence, with background checks and full risk assessments, is the only way to help protect your reputation from potential harm.

It may feel sometimes like your company’s reputation is out of your control. However, there are steps you can take to help manage your reputation and help steer the conversation. It becomes more difficult when you wait, and try to undo later the damage that has already been done. That’s why being proactive in maintaining a positive reputation is the best strategy. Contact CRI Group today and let us help you stay on the path to managing your message and your reputation.

Who is CRI Group?

Based in London, CRI Group works with companies across the Americas, Europe, Africa, Middle East and Asia-Pacific as a one-stop international Risk Management, Employee Background Screening,

In 2016, CRI Group launched Anti-Bribery Anti-Corruption (ABAC®) Center of Excellence – an independent certification body established for ISO 37001:2016 Anti-Bribery Management Systems, ISO 37301 Compliance Management Systems and ISO 31000:2018 Risk Management, providing training and certification. ABAC® operates through its global network of certified ethics and compliance professionals, qualified auditors and other certified professionals. As a result, CRI Group’s global team of certified fraud examiners work as a discreet white-labelled supplier to some of the world’s largest organisations. Contact ABAC® for more on ISO Certification and training.

Filed under: Anti-Bribery Anti-Corruption Solution, Automotive, Aviation,

Manage business intelligence and identify risks

Gathering intelligence isn’t just the stuff of spy movies. It’s also an important part of the business world – and when conducted legally, ethically and effectively, it is a critical tool for any organisation seeking to be successful in their industry or field.

Business investigations are about more than just identifying risk factors or weaknesses. They also reveal opportunities, from emerging commercial markets to potential new partnerships and acquisitions. At CRI® Group, our business intelligence revolves around giving you the information and the edge you need to make smart, insightful decisions that help grow your business.

Consider this: How quickly is the business world-changing in the face of technology and our interconnected world? What is your organisation doing to stay ahead of this curve and position yourself to take advantage of opportunities as they develop? In this article, we’ll talk about how business intelligence can help you grow your business while also avoiding some serious pitfalls.

Market research & analysis: Your key to information

CRI® Group’s market research & analysis experts gather the facts you need to make critical decisions, from entering new markets or industries to partnering with other organisations. Our service is based on getting you accurate information on a timely basis, interpreting and communicating it in a way that makes it easy to integrate it into your business planning.

For example, our CRI® Group’s agents put their investigative skills to work for you by helping you identify and analyse the following factors in your organisation’s market:

• Unmet needs. What gap can your organisation help fill?
• Consumer behaviour and business trends. How can your organisation take advantage?
• Brand awareness and identity. Is your organisation known and respected?
• Commercial viability and potential for success. What’s holding you back?

CRI® Group’s experts also know business trends and market changes and will guide you through the process of effectively communicating your brand and marketing your product through times of transition.

Commercial investigations: Know what you’re getting into

Mergers, partnerships and acquisitions represent another exciting area of potential growth for your organisation. But never go into such major engagements blind. CRI® Group’s comprehensive and thorough commercial investigation services involve a review of all relevant information concerning virtually any business on the planet to ascertain past business dealings, criminal records, executive stability and suspect associations.

Before you engage with another entity, CRI Group’s experts focus on the other organisation’s industry experience, its financial condition, knowledge of applicable laws and regulations, reputation, and the scope and effectiveness of its operations and controls. Our commercial investigations can reveal:

• Details of the organisation’s business and operations
• The organisation’s financial condition and reputation
• Any past or present litigation involving the organisation
• Background checks of the organisation’s key principals
• Reference checks, including peer businesses and industry groups
• Certifications, quality controls and continuous improvement initiatives
• The organisation’s experience in implementing and delivering on the proposed scope of services
• The organisation’s culture, vision and business style
• The organisation’s internal controls, information systems, security, confidentiality and contingency planning documents
• Any existing working relationships to gauge the reliance on subcontractors
• Adequacy of insurance coverage
• Marketing and customer service practices

In business, you need every piece of information available in order to position your organisation for success. With the right mix of market research and analysis and commercial investigations, opportunities will be clearer, and engagements become more secure. Contact CRI® Group today to learn how our business intelligence services can help.

Filed under: