ARCHITECTS REGISTRATION BOARD

THE PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT COMMITTEE

ON

13 MARCH 2007

Present:

Chairman:    Angela Deacon
PCC Member:   Dõnal Hutchinson
PCC Member:  Linda Read

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IN THE MATTER OF
MR STUART BENTLEY

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MR S BATTERSBY appeared as CLERK to the COMMITTEE
MR I MILLER of BEVAN BRITTAN appeared on behalf of the BOARD
MR S BENTLEY did not attend and was not represented

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Transcribed by Harry Counsell & Co
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DECISION

MRS DEACON:  We have carefully considered the evidence before us, and find the defendant guilty of unacceptable professional conduct in that he has been in breach of Standard 12: Architects must deal with disputes or complaints concerning the professional work or that of their practice or business promptly and appropriately. 
With regard to charge one, we find that Mr Bentley failed to reply at all to letters from the ARB during the course of investigation.  And with regard to charge two, we find Mr Bentley failed to reply to correspondence from his clients and he failed to deal with their complaints promptly and appropriately.
With regard to charge one, this Committee takes a very serious view of architects not responding to their regulatory body, as this diminishes the reputation of the profession and incurs costs be borne by other registered architects.  Mr Bentley’s solicitors acknowledged in their letter sent by fax received less than 24 hours before the hearing that Mr Bentley admitted that his failure to deal with the ARB appropriately was unacceptable.
With regard to charge two, the Committee acknowledges that where there is a negligence claim, the architect has to be cautious in response.  Nevertheless, we find it unacceptable that Mr Bentley ignored for long periods of time the client’s correspondence and complaints.  We thus impose a fine of £1,500, payable within 28 days.
Thank you.