More than 150 Scottish architects have slammed the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) for its "lack of effectiveness, poor governance and insufficient financial accountability".

In an open later to the organisation, a group calling itself 'A New Chapter' called for a major shake up, stating it had become increasingly "secretive and autocratic".

'A New Chapter' is made up of many RIAS members, including leading figures such as Malcolm Fraser, Jude Barber, Robin Livingstone and Robin Sutherland.

The letter states: "We want an organisation to better champion the profession and provide more meaningful support in the many crises which have afflicted us for too long; from the institutionalised contempt for our professional skills represented by the ongoing PFI scandals and the procurement cesspool we have to wade through; to the housing crisis we should be engaged in averting, and to those of inclusivity, sustainability and wellbeing that we should be leading.

"We've tried to engage. We have tried raising questions directly with our President, Stewart Henderson, in our letters of 12 September and 20 October, only to receive either no answer or a brush-off. By way of reassurance Mr. Henderson did disclose that formal reviews were being conducted by external consultants.

"Apart from a Governance Review we were advised there were other enquires into staff salaries and "probity". Having since then asked our Council Representatives to share the findings of these reviews we are advised these are confidential and that they are not at liberty to share any of the findings with ordinary members."

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The group has also requested the following demands are met;

• A breakdown of pay received by the Incorporations' most senior employees, including recent wage rises, bonus payments and other financial benefits

• How exactly Council exercises its responsibility to set staff remuneration as stated in the Annual Accounts

• A copy of the independent salaries benchmarking Review, with personal details removed as may be required by data protection law, but otherwise un-redacted

• A copy of the independent Probity Review, again with personal details removed as may be required by data protection law, but otherwise unredacted

• A copy of the independent Governance Review into existing management practices, not just what new policies and procedures are being proposed

The letter concludes: "Finally, and in general, we deplore the general self-satisfied torpor and bunkered closed-up-ness that afflicts the RIAS, and demand that a culture of openness and inclusivity is now embraced.

"We would like to see much of the old establishment give way to a more representative group, with a better balance of younger and female members, and a new commitment to our responsibilities to society to better face the challenges in front of us."

In response, RIAS President Stewart Henderson said the organisation is already working towards improving its governance and future direction.

"The Incorporation is clear that more could be done and with further support more can happen to inform and influence these future agendas," he said.

"There has been no attempt to cover up investigations, however there are legal reasons why information has not yet been shared in full. The Governance Group appointed by Council have instructed investigations of a number of issues. These have included probity reviews, salary benchmarking and a review of governance policies.

"Where legally possible trustees can share details, to which they have been party. The Incorporation is happy that they share details with members. The review has identified a lack of structured governance and this needs to be addressed with improved management organisation and accountability measures put in place."

Mr Henderson added the RIAS "must look forwards to determine the aims and future of the organisation".

"The Incorporation recognises that diversity is one of those aims," he continued.

"Election of the president is as currently set out in our Charter. Once legal impediments are behind us, there will be an opportunity to harness the creative energy symbolic of our membership and respond appropriately."

(LM/CD)