Oldham quits as head of RICS probe

Peter Oldham QC has stepped down from his role leading an independent inquiry into a governance scandal at the RICS, owing to “professional reasons”. Oldham is “unable to continue” leading the investigation, according to a statement on RICS’ website. It did not specify the reasons. Alison Levitt QC, of 2 Hare Court, is replacing Oldham. Levitt has conducted independent probes into high-profile matters, including a review on the decision not to prosecute Jimmy Savile for sex offences in 2009. She also conducted an independent inquiry into e-tailer Boohoo’s Leicester supply chain last year, amid allegations of modern slavery. Levitt will be assisted on the RICS investigation by barrister Christopher Foulkes, also of 2 Hare Court. They were appointed by the review’s solicitors Kingsley Napley. The date for an outcome to the review has been pushed back to mid-June, having previously been expected to be published this month. Levitt will issue a call for evidence. Oldham was appointed to lead the inquiry in February. It focuses on the dismissal of four RICS non-executive directors in 2019 after they questioned how a critical financial report by BDO was handled internally. RICS’ governing council had “unanimously endorsed” Oldham’s appointment at the end of January. Alongside this independent inquiry, the institution is undertaking a wider review of RICS’ purpose and relevance to the industry. This is led internally by chief executive Sean Tompkins and president Kathleen Fontana – a decision that has been heavily criticised by the industry.   To send feedback, e-mail pui-guan.man@egi.co.uk or tweet @PuiGuanM or @estatesgazette Photo by Jeff Blackler/Shutterstock