ARB responds to RIBA’s feedback to architects

ARB responds to RIBA’s feedback to architects (17/10/2006)

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has this week provided those architects who are its members with a summary of the six issues which it regards would clarify the respective roles of both ARB and RIBA. ARB will continue to see if any of them can be resolved by discussion.

ARB will persist in working to fulfil the duties that it has been given under the Architects Act 1997. It questions the need for ARB to be listed, as suggested by RIBA, under the Legislative and Regulatory Reform Bill (LRRB). ARB has not been consulted by Government on the LRRB or about being listed under it, nor is it aware that any other similar regulatory bodies set up under statute to fulfil similar functions, have been considered for early listing under the Bill.

In particular, ARB has always regarded itself as under a duty to be prudent and economical, and places an onerous responsibility on its Board members to ensure that they apply the highest standards to the stewardship of ARB’s funds. ARB is looking at the possibility of introducing a third party review procedure for those who are dissatisfied with processes adopted by ARB and is exploring whether a cost effective review mechanism can be introduced to cover a range of circumstances where this is permitted under the Act. ARB must consider the needs of both consumers and architects, and look at a range of different types of process, rather than simply one model.

ARB notes that RIBA acknowledges that a number of its proposals may require changes in the legislation, and ARB looks forward to engaging in any debate with Government. Both bodies must ensure that any such discussions fully involve as many practising architects as possible as well as all other interested parties, such as representatives of consumers, the Schools of Architecture and other relevant bodies.

ARB will be writing to all architects in November and this will include details of the initiatives which the Board is taking forward. ARB urges all architects to sign up for its e-bulletins, which will keep them up to date on all ARB initiatives. (Visit www.arb.org.uk for details).

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Notes for Editors

ARB is the statutory body established by Parliament under the Architects Act 1997 to regulate the UK architects’ profession in the public interest. The Act requires ARB (inter alia) to:

• Maintain the Register of Architects (Section 3)

• Prescribe qualifications for entry to the Register of Architects (Section 4)

• Deal with competence to practise (Section 9)

• Issue a Code which lays down standards of professional conduct and practice (Section 13)

• Regulate use of the title “architect” and prosecute those who use it unlawfully (Section 20)

ARB has a Board of 15 members, seven of whom are architects elected by the profession. The remaining eight are members of the public appointed by the Privy Council to represent the interests of consumers and users of architectural services.