Bernard Gordon & Co works to clear professional, legal and regulatory standards. This page sets out how we meet our duties under UK law, how we protect clients, and the way we keep our commercial property work open, accountable and easy to follow across the sectors we cover.
Our compliance framework includes AML controls, data protection and privacy, professional memberships, complaint routes and client money procedures where these apply.
These areas guide how we work each day and how we look after clients, assets and transactions.
If lenders, solicitors or internal teams need written confirmation, we can provide formal documentation on request.
Our Commitment to Professional Standards
Bernard Gordon & Co follows lawful and ethical practice throughout our commercial property work. We meet the standards set by UK legislation and recognised bodies, and we apply these consistently, whatever the size or nature of the instruction.
Compliance sits within our daily workflow rather than being treated as a separate step. This includes:
- Onboarding each new client in a structured way
- Carrying out risk-based checks
- Keeping clear internal procedures
- Training staff and tracking ongoing competency
- Reviewing regulatory expectations on a routine basis
Our aim is for each transaction to be open, properly recorded and in line with the relevant legal and regulatory requirements.
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Compliance
Our Legal Obligations
We follow UK anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing laws, including the Money Laundering Regulations and accepted guidance. These rules apply to property transactions because of the recognised exposure to financial crime.
Client Due Diligence
We must complete due diligence before acting for any new client. This may involve:
- Checking individual identity
- Reviewing company ownership and control
- Confirming beneficial owners
- Source of funds and source of wealth checks where required
- Sanctions and PEP screening
The checks carried out depend on the risk linked to the transaction, client structure, jurisdiction and asset type.
Enhanced Due Diligence
Some instructions call for detailed checks, including those involving:
- Overseas entities
- Complex corporate structures
- High-value arrangements
- Trusts and special purpose vehicles
- Politically exposed persons
When this applies, we will outline the extra information needed and the reason for it.
Ongoing Monitoring
AML controls continue throughout the instruction. If anything changes, we may need updated information.
Reporting Obligations
If required by law, we submit Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) to the appropriate authority. These duties cannot be waived.
Data Protection & GDPR Compliance
Lawful Data Processing
We process personal data in line with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act. Data is collected only where there is a lawful basis, such as:
- Contractual necessity
- Legal obligation
- Legitimate business interest
- Client consent, where this applies
Types of Data Collected
Depending on the service, we may handle:
- Identification details
- Company and ownership information
- Financial documents
- Transaction records
- Correspondence and communication logs
Data Security
We maintain suitable controls, which may include:
- Controlled access to systems
- Secure document storage
- Encrypted communication where appropriate
- Routine reviews of system access
Data Retention
Data is held only for the time required under legal or operational needs. Retention periods vary with the type of instruction and regulatory duties.
Individual Rights
Under GDPR, individuals have rights relating to:
- Access
- Correction
- Erasure in certain situations
- Restriction
- Objection
- Data portability
Requests can be made to our compliance team and will be handled within statutory timeframes.
Privacy Policy
Our full privacy notice is available here:
Professional Memberships & Industry Standards
Bernard Gordon & Co holds membership of recognised professional and trade bodies linked to commercial property. These provide external oversight, set conduct expectations and support continued technical development.
All regulated work is carried out in line with published codes, technical standards and complaint procedures and staff are DBS vetted.
Complaints & Independent Redress
Internal Complaints Procedure
We operate a written complaints process. If a client is unhappy with any part of our service, they should send the details to our compliance lead.
We will:
- Confirm receipt
- Review the matter
- Provide a written response outlining findings and any steps proposed
Independent Redress
If the matter cannot be settled internally, clients may refer it to an independent redress scheme, which offers a formal route for resolving disputes.
Client Money Handling & Financial Controls
When we handle client funds, strict controls are in place. These may include:
- Separate client accounts
- Regular reconciliations
- Dual authorisation
- Full audit trails
- Independent checks
If the service does not involve holding client money, we will confirm this at the start of the instruction.
Further details are available on request.
Sector-Specific Compliance Considerations
Our approach adjusts to the needs of each specialist sector. These include:
Medical & Healthcare
- CQC-linked property requirements
- NHS lease considerations
- Sensitivity around patient data
- Planning and use class matters
Education
- Safeguarding expectations
- Local authority guidance
- Funding body rules
- Long-term occupational factors
Places of Worship
- Charity compliance
- Trust arrangements
- Community use planning
- Funding transparency
Community & Charity Asset Use
- Charity Commission rules
- Grant funding restrictions
- Asset disposal obligations
Mixed-Use Developments
- Multiple regulatory rules
- Overlap between residential and commercial matters
- Planning and licensing requirements
These sector features form part of our risk review at the start of an instruction.
How We Maintain Ongoing Compliance
Our compliance framework is reviewed and managed on a rolling basis. This includes:
- Clear compliance responsibility within the business
- Regular policy reviews
- Staff induction and training
- Transaction-level monitoring
- External advice where needed
- Processes to keep the business ready for audit
This oversight applies across sales, lettings, valuations, property management and advisory work.
Why Compliance Matters for Clients
Strong regulatory practice protects:
- Asset value
- Transaction security
- Funding requirements
- Reputational standing
- Legal certainty
- Accountability across stakeholders
For institutional investors, charities, healthcare operators and developers, documented compliance is often needed for funding, governance and insurance.
Our aim is to support commercial advice that stands up legally and practically.
Regulatory Disclosure
Information on our regulatory status, professional registrations, redress scheme and policy documents is available on request. We support lender, solicitor, auditor and governance checks as required.