14 Professional misconduct and incompetence.U.K.
(1)Where an allegation is made that a registered person is guilty of—
(a)unacceptable professional conduct (that is, conduct which falls short of the standard required of a registered person); or
(b)serious professional incompetence,
or it appears to the Registrar that a registered person may be so guilty, the case shall be investigated by persons appointed in accordance with rules made by the Board.
(2)Where persons investigating a case under subsection (1) find that a registered person has a case to answer, they shall report their finding to the Professional Conduct Committee.
(3)Where the Professional Conduct Committee receives a report under subsection (2) in relation to a registered person, the Committee shall consider whether he is guilty of unacceptable professional conduct or serious professional incompetence.
(4)Before considering whether a registered person is guilty of unacceptable professional conduct or serious professional incompetence the Professional Conduct Committee shall—
(a)serve written notice on him outlining the case against him; and
(b)give him the opportunity to appear before the Committee to argue his case.
(5)At any such hearing the registered person is entitled to be legally represented.
(6)The Board may make rules as to the procedure to be followed by the Professional Conduct Committee in any proceedings under this section.
(7)If the Board does not make rules for the appointment of persons to investigate whether registered persons have been guilty of unacceptable professional conduct or serious professional incompetence, the Professional Conduct Committee shall consider such questions without any prior investigation.