Equality & Diversity Statement
The Architects Registration Board (ARB) is an inclusive organisation and we operate in line with the Government’s public sector equality duty. We actively promote equality of opportunity for everybody who has dealings with us, irrespective of their race, gender, disability, religion, belief system, sexual orientation, age or socio-economic background, with the primary aims of eliminating discrimination, advancing equality of opportunity and fostering good relations between people of different groups.
We are currently working towards a three year equality and diversity performance plan (2018-2020) with six goals:
1. Compliance
We are compliant with equality legislation in all our work
2. Engagement
We engage with stakeholders from across society in our regulatory activities, including diverse members of the public and the profession
3. Communication
We communicate in a way that is accessible to all
4. Regulating Fairly
We deal with complaints about architects’conduct and competence in a fair manner for all
5. Setting Standards
The standards we set for the profession are inclusive and take into account equality and diversity considerations
6. Fair Access to the Register
Access to and retention on the Register of Architects is fair and non-discriminatory
Equality & Diversity Scheme
We have developed an Equality & Diversity scheme which sets out how we approach our equality and diversity responsibilities, as a regulator and as an employer. It both values and recognises differences in our stakeholders, including our staff, our Board and architects as well as members of the public.
Through this Scheme we implement processes that embed equality and diversity throughout the organisation. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity, and we will continue to ensure that good practice is central to our work.
ARB Equality & Diversity Data
As part of our role as regulator, we maintain a definitive register of all UK architects. If someone is not on the Architects Register, they are not an architect – it’s as simple as that.
We recognise we have unique insight into the composition of the profession and the importance of us being as transparent as possible with information we hold.
Click here for Equality & Diversity Data
Equality & Diversity Survey
Every architect must provide certain, legally recognised information as part of the registration process, such as their nationality. We also invite architects to complete an Equality & Diversity Survey which asks how they self-identify across broader categories such as sexual preference and disability.
The survey consists of six short questions, which should take no longer than two minutes to complete. The statistics we generate do not include personally identifiable data. Individual data is not published or disclosed to any third-parties.
How we use the data we hold
We use Register and Survey data to help:
- us understand the profession in order to shape our regulatory activities
- policy makers and those that are able to affect social change
- us ensure we are not discriminating against any particular group
- us ensure that our day to day work is compliant with the law
For example, we can provide anonymous data on the number of newly registered architects from minority groups to a charity so they can highlight a need, or benchmark their success in helping young people from minority backgrounds pursue careers in architecture.
Do you have further questions?
If you have any questions please email equality@arb.org.uk
Further Information
