Propertymark confirms racism probe into Spicerhaart following allegations

Propertymark has confirmed that it is investigating a case of racism within the ranks of Spicerhaart following a complaint made by a member of the public.

The person, who wishes to remain anonymous because they have endured ‘enough hassle already’, has been pushing for months for both Spicerhaart senior staff and Propertymark to confront allegations of racist comments by staff.

Propertymark has now been persuaded to act. David Oliver, the organisation’s Compliance Manager, tells The Negotiator that: “We are currently investigating a case involving an allegation of racism involving Spicerhaart and will be taking appropriate action moving forward,” he says.

The trade organisation’s disciplinary department says it ‘investigates and holds our members accountable after we receive a complaint or evidence that a member has failed to uphold the professional standards expected of them’.

Tribunal

But the Negotiator understands that a decision has been made at a senior level to take the matter forward to a disciplinary tribunal against Spicerhaart Residential Lettings Ltd. Details of the timing, location and format of the hearing are yet to be actioned.

The member of the public involved reported Spicerhaart after they discovered a storage folder used by staff to place documents within and which was named in a racist and derogatory way.

Spicerhaart is not the only national estate agency to face allegations of racism within its ranks.

Savills eventually sacked Andrew Bone, a member of its Manchester property management team, after he tweeted racist comments about three players of colour in the England squad following last year’s Euros final.

Spicerhaart statement

“Our position as a company is very clear. We have a zero-tolerance approach to any form of discrimination or abuse within our business and any complaint made by one member of staff against another will be investigated robustly.

“Anyone making inappropriate comments is dealt with severely. We value diversity within our teams and foster a culture where everyone feels part of the Spicerhaart family.”