The RTPI recently took action against a member over a breach of its code of conduct, says Ruth Richards

Member Martin Kearney has recently been suspended from the RTPI by the conduct and discipline panel for failing to pay a creditor. The creditor complained to the RTPI, which investigated the complaint.

But during the investigation Kearney failed to respond to letters or advertisements asking him get in touch, refused to provide a full explanation for not paying and did not supply proof of professional indemnity insurance. The panel agreed that this contravened paragraphs 9 and 14(b) of the code of professional conduct and bylaw 7(2).

Kearney appealed the decision but failed to provide evidence justifying his non-co-operation with the investigation or a comprehensive response to the original complaint. The appeal committee thus agreed that he should be suspended from membership for six months and be named in the published report. Code covers members’ activity Every RTPI member is bound by a code of professional conduct, which applies to all of their professional activities. It dictates that members, whether corporate, student or any other class, must act with competence, honesty and integrity and exercise independent professional judgement at all times.

It also requires that members should promote equality of opportunity and prohibits any discrimination on the grounds of race, sex, sexual orientation, creed, religion, disability or age.

The conduct and discipline panel is responsible for investigating any alleged breach of the code on behalf of the RTPI. It is empowered to investigate any matter that may be a breach of the code, whether or not a formal complaint has been made. If the panel finds that a member has breached the code it can: 

• Warn the member as to his or her future conduct.
• Reprimand the member.
• Suspend the member from membership of the chartered institute for a period determined by the council
• Terminate membership immediately or from a date specified by the council.
  

The level of disciplinary action taken will depend on the severity of the breach. The panel will also decide whether to name a member in any publicity it issues when a breach of the code is found.

Ruth Richards is RTPI complaints investigator. The code can be read in full at www.rtpi.org.uk/the_rtpi/professional_conduct

Author:

Ruth Richards

Publisher:

The Royal Town Planning Institute

Date:

18-May-07

Categories:

RTPI News, Professional Conduct 

Sections:

News & Media , The RTPI

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