Consultations

Consultation 2008/03 - Amendments to the General Rules to reflect changes in the Architects Act 1997

Responses received, as follows:

Francesca Berriman
Chief Executive, CIAT

2:
4(v):
5: Seems sensible
7(ii): Agree
11: Seems very sensible wording
13b:
15:
25b & e:
Schedule 1: Noted

Peter Williams
Chief Executive, QAA

2:
4(v): Agree
5: Agree
7(ii): Agree
11: Agree
13b: Agree
15: Agree
25b & e: Agree
Schedule 1: Agree

Ian Pritchard
RIBA

Excerpt from email to ARB:
Further to our meeting at your offices on 10 July, this is to confirm that we have no comments to make on the proposed amendments to the Architect's Registration Board's General Rules that arise from amendments made on 20 June 2008 to the Architect's Act 1997 by Statutory Instrument (SI) in order to implement European Directive 2005/36/EC on the recognition of professional qualifications in UK legislation.

In particular, we note

• the introduction of two Parts to the Register (Part 1 for registration on the UK and Part 2 for architects from other member states wishing to provide services in the UK on a temporary or occasional basis);
• the introduction of a requirement that applications (instead of providing evidence of experience) confirm that they are lawfully established as an architect in another EU member state (or eligible to practice as an architect in another EU member state);
• provision for the introduction of a new General Systems route (where there are specific and exceptional reasons why the applicant has not secured a qualification recognised under the terms of the Directive (and the possible application, by ARB, of an Aptitude Test where there is a deficiency in the qualification presented by the applicant)
  

Consultation 2008/04 - Amendments to General Rule 6 Elections – Chairman and Vice Chairman

Responses received, as follows:

Francesca Berriman
Chief Executive, CIAT

(a):
(b): Providing the Board remains quorate
(c): It would seem sensible for ARB to consider electing a Chairman for 2 years and Vice Chair for two years with the election taking place in alternate years
(d):
(e): Is this necessary, ARB has a Chairman and a Vice Chairman and option to elect a temporary Chairman – not sure the relevance of this clause or am I missing something?
(f)(i): Seems sensible
(f)(ii): Seems sensible
(f)(iii): Do candidates have to accept the nomination? Or is acceptance sought prior to nomination?
(f)(iv):
(f)(v): This is the rule of thumb that the Chairman should have the casting vote in any decision where the vote is tied.
(f)(vi): OK
(f)(vii):

Peter Williams
Chief Executive, QAA

(a): The QAA has received and noted ARB’s proposed changes to General Rule 6 regarding the election of the Chairman and Vice Chairman, and we thank you for the opportunity to respond to the consultation.  We have no suggested amendments to the document but are happy to comment on whether the term of office of the Chairman and Vice Chairman should remain as one year or be extended.
(b):
(c): The Chair of QAA’s Board of Directors is elected for a period of 3 years initially, which can then be extended for a further 3 yrs.  This term of office was selected to be consistent with good corporate governance principles and practice, as set out in the Higgs, Smith and Lambert reports; the Combined Code; the Good Governance Standard for Public Services, the Committee for University Chairmen (GUC) Guide for Governors of Higher Education Governing Bodies in the UK which incorporated a Governance Code of Practice and General Principles; updated Charity Commission guidance on the hallmarks of an effective charity; the Charities and Trustees Investment (Scotland) Act 2005; and the Companies and Charities Act 2006 and associated guidance. QAA has found that this extended term of office allows for more effective succession planning and ensures greater continuity.
(d): Agree
(e): Agree
(f)(i): Agree
(f)(ii): Agree
(f)(iii): Agree
(f)(iv): Agree
(f)(v): Agree
(f)(vi): Agree
(f)(vii): Agree

Richard A. Fellows
Head of Department of Architecture

(a):
(b): Agree (tick)
(c): One year
(d): Agree (tick)
(e): Agree (tick)
(f)(i): Agree (tick)
(f)(ii): Agree (tick)
(f)(iii): Agree (tick)
(f)(iv):
(f)(v): Agree (tick)
(f)(vi): Agree (tick)
(f)(vii):

Ian Pritchard
RIBA

Excerpt from email to ARB:
The changes proposed to General Rule 6 (election of chairman and vice-chairman) seem sensible administrative changes to improve the smooth running of the process, though I have been unable to consult others on this due to the absence of key people for holidays. In particular, I note you are keen to obtain view on the length of term the Chairman and Vice-chairman should serve. If you are still keen to receive proposals on this item, I can make enquiries (though I am mindful of the fact that we are out of time).