Apologies for Absence

Apologies had been received from Jane Rees.

Soo Ware declared an interest as a member of the RIBA.

Minutes

The minutes of the Board meeting held on 8 July 2004 (Open Session) were approved subject to amending Minute 9, on the Composition of the Register, so that the last sentence reads: “It was agreed the study should take account of CRE and EOC methodology; other suggestions for minor amendments were made and, subject to those …….”

Chairman's Report

The Chairman introduced his report and it was noted by the Board.

Chief Executive/Registrar's Report

Robin Vaughan introduced his report which was noted. In addition, he had that week visited two RIBA Regional Groups: RIBA West Midlands and RIBA Eastern Region. He reported that the meetings had been interesting and helpful and that the debate had been focused on the regulation of the title ‘Architect' and on education. Both groups had expressed concern about the portrayal of relations between RIBA and the Board. The Chief Executive hoped that the E -news letter, due to begin in early 2005 would go some way to addressing these issues.

PII Working Party

The Board noted the report from the Working Party and further noted that it would continue to meet as necessary to keep matters under review.

PCC and Complaints Report

The Board noted the Report. Soo Ware noted that, in the case of a great many complaints received by the Board, they included an alleged breach of Standard 11 of the Code of Conduct and Practice. It was suggested that the Board might wish to issue further guidance in respect of this Standard and that the matter could be developed at in the context of the agenda item relating to the maintenance of competence ( Item 17).

The Board approved the change to the membership of the Investigations Committee and Professional Conduct Committee. The Investigations Committee members were now Jane Rees (Chair), Nirmala Rao and Soo Ware; the Professional Conduct Committee members were now Peter Verdin (Chairman), Richard Henchley, Michael Starling, John Spencely, Yasmin Shariff, Christopher Stead and Nicholas Tweddell.

The Board recorded its thanks and appreciation to Michael Churchouse, the outgoing Chairman of the Professional Conduct Committee.

University Liaison Visits

Jon Levett introduced the report. In response to concerns which were raised about the evaluation of practical experience, particularly at Part III level, Alan Crane advised the Board that a Working Group was due to commence on 27 September which would look at these issues.

The Board recorded its thanks to Deborah Seddon , which would be conveyed to her.

Changes to the Election and General Rules

The Chairman expressed his gratitude to all the consultees for the time and effort which had been spent in examining the Board's proposals and for the helpful and constructive comments which had been provided.

1. Election Rules

   The Chairman Introduced the paper and advised the Board that the Electoral Reform Society had made a later suggestion in respect of how to deal with the votes relating to a candidate who died following the circulation of ballet papers but before completion of the count. The Chairman suggested that, as a matter of principle, votes for that candidate would be disregarded. This was agreed by the Board.

   The Board approved the new election rules, which would now be submitted to the Privy Council for approval.

2. Amendment of the General Rules

   The Chairman introduced the paper and the Board considered the proposed new rules. Following extensive debate, the Board agreed to the changes to the General Rules proposed in the paper before it subject to the following changes:

   • At Rule 4(iv) add to the first paragraph so it reads “….on behalf of the Board in implementing its policies”.
   • At Rule 7(ii) and 7(iii) remove the words “in which the member concerned cannot vote”.

Outcome of an Internal Review of the Prescription Process

The report was introduced by Alan Crane, Chair of the Prescription Committee, who thanked the Board's staff for the work which had been carried out in introducing and running the new process.

The Board noted the report. The Chairman reiterated Alan Crane's thanks to the staff.

Assessments

Alan Crane introduced the paper which was considered and approved by the Board. It was agreed that the new system would be implemented with effect from the end of October 2004.

2005 Business Plan and Retention Fee

Robin Vaughan introduced the paper and drew the Board's attention to the provision for monitoring and review which was part of the Business Plan. The Board approved the Business Plan for 2005.

The Board then considered the proposed increase to the annual retention fee for 2005 of £73.00 but following debate, agreed that the annual fee should be set at £74.50 and that the extra funding be regarded as a contingency to restore some of the projects left out of the business plan, if circumstances permitted. The Board also agreed to increase the Attendance Allowance for those attending meetings of the Board, its sub-committees, and serving on the Assessment Panels to £250 (or £125 per half day).

(Alan Crane, Yasmin Shariff, Richard Henchley and Nicholas Tweddell left the meeting at this point.)

Promoting Greater Clarity and Flexibility in the Framework of Architectural Regulation

The Chairman introduced the paper. It was agreed that the Board would return to this matter at a subsequent meeting. In the meantime, the Cabinet Office's Regulatory Impact Unit would be informed of it.

Maintenance of Competence

This paper was introduced by Mike Starling on behalf of the Professional Advisory Group (PAG). The Board considered the proposals for an initial framework for the maintenance of competence and agreed that this should be taken forward by PAG and developed further in line with the 2005 Business Plan.

(Nirmala Rao left at this point)