ARCHITECTS REGISTRATION BOARD

PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT COMMITTEE

IN THE MATTER OF

NEIL RAMSAY (050321E)

on

17 June 2008

Cliffords Inn Conference Centre
Fetter Lane
London EC4A 1LD

Present:

Chair   : Mrs Angela Deacon
PCC Member: Mrs Linda Read
PCC Member: Mr James Cuthbertson

Miss Nicola Hill appeared as Clerk to the Committee
Mr John Williams of Bankside Law appeared on behalf of the Board
Mr Ramsay did not attend the Hearing and was not represented

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Transcribed by Harry Counsell & Co.
Official Court Reporters
Clifford’s Inn, Fetter Lane. London EC4A 1LD
Tel: 0207 269 0370   Fax: 0207 405 9884

CHARGE

Mr. Ramsay is guilty of unacceptable professional conduct, individually or cumulatively, in relation to the following facts pursuant to Section 14(1)(a) and 14(1)(iii) of the Architect’s Act 1997.  The allegations of fact to support the charge that:

2(i) He failed to pay a penalty of £1,000 imposed by the PCC of the Architects Registration Board on 12 June 2007

 (ii) He failed to carry out his professional work in relation to work commissioned by Mr Hallett without undue delay in accordance with Standard 11(4) of the Code

(iii) He failed to maintain adequate and appropriate PII in accordance with Standard 8 of the Code

(iv) He failed to provide evidence of PII in the form required by the Board in order to demonstrate compliance with Standard 8(3) of the Code

(v) He failed to provide a substantive reply or procure a substantive reply to correspondence promptly and within the timescale set out in Standard 12(4) of the Code

DECISION

THE CHAIR: In reaching our decision we gave careful consideration to the papers and evidence presented by the Board’s solicitor and the submissions made by him.  The Committee finds Neil Ramsay guilty of unacceptable professional conduct in relation to charges 2(i), 2(iv) and (v).  In absence of any evidence to the contrary from Neil Ramsay, either in writing or in person, the Committee accepts the Board’s solicitor’s evidence of undue delay in relation to charge 2(ii).
Before we impose a sanction, are there any submissions or information about Mr. Ramsay?
MR WILLIAMS:  No.  Obviously you are already aware of the finding on 12 June.
THE CHAIR:  Yes. 
MR WILLIAMS:  But other than that, no.

THE CHAIR: Looking at the evidence, the Committee finds that Mr. Ramsay has totally ignored all communications from the Board in relation to all allegations, including those that gave rise to the fine. 

Regarding the non payment of a penalty; the Committee considers that this shows a clear lack of respect for his professional body and its standards. 

Regarding the undue and unexplained delay in carrying out professional work for Mr. Hallett; the Committee considered this may have affect of bringing the profession into disrepute in the eyes of the general public.
 
Responding to the Board’s enquiries as to professional indemnity insurance promptly is important to enable the Board to fulfil its duty and ensure that adequate professional indemnity insurance is in place and to ensure that public confidence in the profession is maintained. 

Cumulatively, the Committee considers that the only option is erasure.