The typical Complaint resolution process begins with the Counsellor, Professional Practice. The Counsellor makes an initial review of the complaint. The Counsellor refers the complaint to the Investigating Committee if it appears to concern ethical issues, gross incompetence, or complex technical issues.
The Investigating Committee reviews the complaint and refers the complaint to the Advocate if the Member admits to the allegations, and a Conduct Sanction is deemed appropriate, the member does not consent to a Practice Sanction, or the Member’s actions may be deserving of a Conduct Sanction.
Practice Sanctions address straightforward breaches of Appraisal Standards or Administrative Regulations. Conduct Sanctions are reserved for more serious breaches of Appraisal Standards, breaches of Ethical Standards, non-cooperation with an investigation, and/or repeat breaches.
The Advocate is appointed to consider complaint investigation reports referred to him or her, and to take action If the Advocate deems a Conduct Sanction is appropriate, a Hearing before the Adjudicating Committee will be requisitioned.
The Adjudicating Committee Hearing Panel has the responsibility to hear the evidence regarding a complaint and to render a decision on that complaint. After hearing all the evidence presented by the Professional Practice Advocate and the member subject to the complaint, the Hearing Panel will carefully consider its decision.
A member has thirty (30) days in which to appeal an Adjudicating Decision. Only appeals of Conduct Sanctions are considered. The Appeal Committee will consider only questions regarding the facts presented at the Adjudicating Hearing. No new evidence will be introduced.
Every committee in the complaint resolution process acts independently of all the other committees in the process. The committees involved in the complaint resolution process act independently of all other AIC Standing and Ad Hoc committees. Careful measures are taken to insure that there is never inappropriate influence exerted on any committee or committee member in the course of the complaint resolution process.
The case summaries provided are examples of the final outcomes of the Complaint resolution process.
Last updated June 4, 2009