The Panel members were Mrs. Carol Brady MBE (lay panellist acting as the Chairperson for the Tribunal), Mr Richard Hair PPNAEA (Honoured)(Retd) (member panellist); and Noel Hunter OBE (lay panellist).
The presenting Case Officer for Propertymark was Mr Ali Haider. Mr O’Grady attended the meeting online via Zoom.
The Hearing took place in private and was recorded.
Allegations
The Tribunal considered the allegations set out in the case summary sent to Mr O’Grady.
It was alleged that Mr O’Grady had acted in contravention of the requirements of the following Propertymark Conduct and Membership Rules.
- Conduct rule 1.7: Access to, or availability of, Client Money
- Conduct rule 23: Continuing professional development (CPD) Rules
Decision
Mr O’Grady entered a plea admitting the alleged breaches of Rules 1.7 and 23.
After consideration of Mr O’Grady’s plea in mitigation, the Tribunal announced the following:
- Conduct rule 1.7: Admitted
- Conduct rule 23: Admitted
Sanctions
- Conduct rule 1.7: £100
- Conduct rule 23: £50
Additionally, the costs of this Hearing of £585 were imposed against Mr O’Grady in favour of Propertymark.
Closing Statement
The Tribunal made the following statement:
'We would like to thank you [Mr O’Grady] for attending today and for answering the Panel’s questions, which we have found very helpful.
We are left in no doubt that you will have learned from this experience and better understand the accountancy rules required of our members and which we think, will help prevent any potential future breaches of those Rules.
Nonetheless, client accounts cannot have any questions marks over them about accessibility or shortfall, no matter how such shortfall may be reimbursed from the business.'
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