Alan Kershaw has been confirmed as the new temporary Chair of the Architects Registration Board (ARB).
Alan was elected by unanimous decision of the full Board at their meeting on Friday 11 June 2020. He takes up the appointment with immediate effect. The appointment was made in line with the Board’s General Rules (section 11).
This appointment strengthens the new leadership of the organisation, working alongside Acting Chief Executive Marc Stoner, who has been with ARB for over eight years, previously as Head of Finance and Resources.
Alan Kershaw has specialised in professional regulation and standards setting since 1983, serving as lay member of a range of professional leadership bodies across multiple sectors including legal, healthcare, finance, science and property. He has held both executive and non-executive positions and is experienced in all aspects of the regulatory process, with a particular interest in education and standards. He has prepared codes of ethics for several professions, published numerous articles on professional subjects and has been involved in standards setting for over 100 professional groups.
Commenting on his appointment, Alan said:
“It is a privilege to lead ARB at this time. The Board is working closely with the Executive team to achieve our strategic and operational goals, and we are well equipped to fulfil our regulatory duties, protecting the public by maintaining standards among architects and upholding the reputation of their profession. I want to pay particular tribute to Marc Stoner and all the staff who have shown huge dedication and commitment to fulfilling ARB’s regulatory functions through an extremely challenging time in lockdown.
“Together we are also tackling some important new challenges, not at least we are preparing for EU Exit, exploring the recognition of international qualifications and developing new standards around climate change and sustainability as well as new requirements for competence in fire and life safety. We are also committed to playing our part in increasing diversity in the profession. These are some of the key areas where our stakeholders expect ARB to show leadership, promoting professional standards and supporting good architects in maintaining the high standards to which they all aspire. We have a busy year ahead.”
Marc Stoner, Acting Chief Executive said:
“All of us at ARB are delighted to be working with Alan and the current Board members. The staff and I know we have the full support of the Board; as they have from the staff. It is now time to look forward and deliver on some very important work to protect the public and support architects and schools of architecture through regulation.”
ARB has also confirmed the appointment last month of Brian James as its new Head of Registration, and has a full complement of Department Heads within its new Senior Leadership Group and other staff who are continuing all ARB operations while working from home.
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Notes for Editors
o The Architects Registration Board (ARB) is the statutory body established by Parliament under the Architects Act 1997 to regulate the UK architects’ profession in the public interest. Among other duties, the Act requires ARB to:
– Maintain the Architects Register
– Prescribe the qualifications needed to become an architect in the UK
– Issue a code laying down the standards of professional conduct and practice expected of architects
– Investigate allegations of unacceptable professional conduct or serious professional incompetence
– Investigate and where appropriate prosecute unregistered individuals who unlawfully call themselves an architect
– Act as the UK’s Competent Authority for architects
o ARB has a Board of 11 members all appointed by the Privy Council. This includes one independent, non-executive Chair and ten non-executive Board members made up of five members of the public and five architects.
o ARB has an Information Pack detailing its key messaging intended for use by the press and other stakeholders.
For further information please contact Kate Howlett (ARB Communications Manager) on 020 7580 5861 or by email at media@arb.org.uk
