THE architectural profession in Scotland was in turmoil last night after the man who had been its most prominent official, Neil Baxter, suddenly left his job as secretary and treasurer of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland.
Baxter swiftly departed from the Edinburgh-based RIAS, the 101-year-old professional body for Scottish architects, in mysterious circumstances just days after a large group of members called for major changes in the organisation of which he was the chief paid official for a decade.
A statement released by the RIAS yesterday said: “The Royal Incorporation has agreed to the request from Neil Baxter to leave the organisation after 10 years of service.
“Neil will be standing down as of today and the senior management team at the RIAS will continue to deal with all matters relating to the business of the incorporation.”
Baxter’s reign saw the organisation launch major initiatives such as the Festival of Architecture as well as run several major competitions. It is thought, however, that some within the profession in Scotland were unhappy at Baxter’s increasing high profile.
Last week’s so-called revolt of nearly 100 architects saw demands for the RIAS to become more transparent, inclusive and accountable over its decision-making. The group published an open letter in demanding that the RIAS publish results of the recent independent Governance Review into existing management.
The letter, entitled A New Chapter, added: “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.”
RIAS president Stewart Henderson was forced to admit that various investigations had “identified a lack of structured governance”.
He added that these needed “to be addressed with improved management organisation and accountability measures put in place.”
Henderson rejected claims of a cover up and said there were legal reasons why the information had not yet been shared in full.
Speaking to the Architects Journal, Alan Dunlop, architect and professor at the University of Liverpool, described Baxter’s exit as “deeply concerning given all that has happened in the last few weeks, particularly the call for an independent investigation into the workings of the RIAS and an end to secrecy.”
He added: “There have been many and various rumours reported to me about the difficulties at the RIAS for several years but no one has felt able to come forward and speak openly on the record.
“I hope very much that there will be open and honest discussion and that the RIAS can sort itself out for the benefit of Scottish architects.”
The group behind A New Chapter issued a statement: “Today’s special announcement from the RIAS confirming Neil Baxter’s resignation as secretary and treasurer raises more questions than answers. The timing of this announcement is interesting in light of previous questions raised in an Open Letter to our President of 12 September (based on information in the RIAS Summer Quarterly) regarding governance, finance, strategy and relevance.
“In the most recent RIAS Quarterly the President noted that a RIAS Governance Review Panel had conducted a strategy, which would herald a ‘clean bill of health’ for the organisation.
“We now look to our president and representatives on Council to answer our ongoing questions and now, to clarify why Neil Baxter has tendered a sudden resignation.”
Baxter did not respond to The National’s calls last night.
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