In accordance with Procedural Rule 2.31 (01/22/V4REG4_2) the following summary of a decision of the Professional Conduct Committee (PCC) is published without the Member's name.
A complaint was made to the Institution arising out of the appointment of a Graduate Member to provide structural engineering services for a loft conversion.
Taking all matters into account, the PCC found that the member’s WhatsApp messages were wholly inappropriate as a means of setting the terms of appointment with th member's client, and, that the resulting lack of clarity directly contributed to the client’s misunderstandings.
The PCC also found that the member failed to respond to numerous requests in a reasonable timeframe or at all, when asked for updates on the progress of the revised drawing.
The PCC, taking into consideration its findings, found that the Member was unfair to his client and, in doing so, breached Articles 1 and 3 of the Code of Conduct.
The PCC issued a Training Order pursuant to Regulation 4.2.2.1(3) which required the Member to undertake specific training, within 6 months, in the area of in the area of Dealing with Domestic Clients and in particular, the writing of clear and unambiguous letters of appointment.
The PCC also issued Guidance to the Member, pursuant to Regulation 4.2.2.1(1), in the following terms:
- Members should take all reasonable steps to understand and define the brief with the client. This should be provided in writing prior to the commencement of services, providing a clear and shared understanding of the services included and, importantly, any limitations to that service.
- The terms of appointment should be agreed in writing before any work is commenced, or where emergency action/involvement is required, as soon as reasonably practicable. The urgency with which work is required does not normally override the need for written clarification of the brief.
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