RIBA to take no further action over London region row Portland Place, London Middlesex England

RIBA to take no further action over London region row

RIBA president Ruth Reed has attempted to draw a line under the row which threatened to engulf the London region.

She said the Charity Commission had ruled that the RIBA acted appropriately, and that John Devlin’s internal enquiry, conducted at her request, had also been concluded satisfactorily.

“John Devlin’s conclusion, supported by a lawyer’s opinion, is that whilst the report criticises the behaviour of some individual members, there is no evidence of any criminal behaviour, serious impropriety or anything of a disciplinary nature. No further action will be taken,” she said.

Azar Djamali resigned as chair of the London region council in April on the eve of a controversial vote of no confidence.

RIBA London representative Chris Roche, who triggered the Charity Commission investigation, dismissed Reed’s comments and called for an independent investigation.

He said: “The RIBA executive is in denial about the existence of evidence to support allegations of appalling behaviour within the London region. The evidence exists; it simply hasn’t been requested.”

But RIBA chief executive Harry Rich said he was satisfied that order had been restored in the region.

He added: “What has become evident through this process is the breakdown in relations between some members of RIBA London Region Council. There has also been disagreement about some aspects of [its] decision making, but I can confirm that these matters have been addressed.”

Source: www.bdonline.co.uk