Estate agency and its director struck off by RICS for misconduct
Emma Walker and E W Estates have been punished by a disciplinary panel after it was found she had lied about her qualifications and experience when applying to join the organisation.
A lettings agency and its director have been struck off the RICS register after a series of fraud and incompetency offences.
E W Estates of Ashington, near Newcastle, and Director Emma Walker (pictured) faced 14 charges with 11 proven following an investigation by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) disciplinary panel.
Expulsion
Walker and the firm, which carried out surveys, were suspended for 15 months by the panel before it decided expulsion and removal of registration was the correct punishment.
Among the charges that were proven was that Walker had lied about her qualifications and exaggerated her experience when she applied for RICS membership.
Strengthened
RICS has now said it has strengthened some of its procedures in light of this case, with nine recommended changes.
“Based on evidence which RICS had established during an extensive investigation, the Panel found the charges of professional misconduct proven and imposed the strongest available regulatory action – expulsion from RICS membership and the removal of the firm from the Register of Regulated Firms.
Immediate effect
“The Panel imposed the expulsion with immediate effect,” a spokesperson says.
“We are keen help contextualise RICS’ decisions to date and to explain the steps we are already taking to strengthen our regulatory approach in the public interest.”
Walker was also found to have not ensured surveys were carried out by competent and qualified individuals, and to have issued a number of cheques that bounced.
Read the full judgement here
