The Royal Incorporation of Architects is facing a probe by Scotland's charity regulator

A charity which faces questions over transparency has pledged to answer concerns openly.

TFN reported earlier this week that the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) had been referred to the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) after governance concerns were raised.

The professional body for architects has faced criticism from a group of more than 150 professionals who have called for changes to be made.

In a statement issued to members, the body confirmed it had been contacted by OSCR and would co-operate with the regulator.

“Very recently, the charity regulator, OSCR, wrote to RIAS with a series of questions,” a spokesman said.

“All of those questions can and will be answered. The RIAS president and council will work fully and openly with OSCR to ensure full compliance with its requests and the obligations of RIAS as a charitable body.

“Governance reviews of this kind are entirely commonplace in organisations such as ours, particularly Royal Charter bodies. Given the context to RIAS structure – a 100-year-old charter, an historic constitution with a number of committees – this review will take time to complete.”

The RIAS was founded in 1916 as the professional body for all chartered architects in Scotland, and offers scholarships and other programmes for aspiring architects. It also hosts the annual Festival of Architecture, which aims to celebrate Scotland’s built environment.

An OSCR spokesman confirmed on Monday that an investigation into RIAS is being held, with the organisation facing claims of lack of effectiveness, poor governance and insufficient accountability.