In part (iii), candidates were required to discuss the safeguards protecting the auditor from the intimidation threat of being removed from office for qualifying the audit report. Most candidates managed to mention key safeguards of resignation and qualifying the audit report anyway. However, other points such as discussion with the audit committee, discussion with the auditors professional body, etc were not always mentioned.

Common errors included: 
• Suggesting safeguards that did not appear to be effective such as referring directors to the engagement letter. 
• Stating that the auditor should convene a shareholders’ meeting. This point was only valid when linked to resignation as otherwise the auditor could not ask for a meeting to be convened. 
• Suggesting that the auditor should speak at the annual general meeting. This would not be immediately effective and would only be helpful when linked to resignation or removal.

Overall, the standard of answers could have been better given a little thought about the effectiveness of the safeguard being mentioned in the answers.