Report of Board Meeting on 18 July 2000

Report of Board Meeting on 18 July 2000 (24/07/2000)

The Architects Registration Board (ARB) met on Tuesday 18 July and for the first time following the renovation of the offices at 8 Weymouth Street, London W1. Apologies were received from Margaret Street, Colin Smith, Larry Rolland and Michael Rose.

The following notes provide an overview of matters discussed and agreed by the Board.

PART THREE QUALIFICATION

The Board considered the vital role of the Part Three qualification in ensuring that UK architects are fully equipped to practise in today's competitive business environment. It discussed the domain-specific nature of the qualification and the importance which the ARB, in performing its consumer protection function, should place upon Part Three as a key stage in the development of competent professionals.

The Board did, however, agree that a number of issues relating to Part Three required further clarification, notably with regard to recognition of vocational qualifications and equivalence under Directive EC 85/384. The members of the Board deemed that this issue was of such critical importance that further consultation and consideration was required. A further and separate statement will therefore be issued by the ARB on matters pertaining to the Part Three qualification in due course.

The Board looked at proposals from the RIBA for improving general training standards across the board, and agreed that it would lend its full support to any such initiatives.

RECIPROCITY WITH AUSTRALIA

The Board debated and considered a proposal to enter into and implement a full reciprocity agreement with Australia in order to achieve mutual recognition of the status of persons qualified as architects. The Board noted, however, that the profession in Australia is currently engaged in the process of deciding whether or not to submit to a regulatory authority and/or registration. This matter was therefore carried over pending the outcome of these deliberations.

PCC AND COMPLAINTS

The Board reviewed its current work in the areas of complaints handling and disciplinary proceedings and noted that the level both of complaints and enquiries from the general public had remained largely consistent over the last 12 months.

The Board expressed a general desire to continue to find means by which to explain its procedures and the scope of its regulatory authority to all of its stakeholders. It was noted that there remained a degree of misunderstanding amongst certain sectors of the profession about ARB's statutory remit, and the Board resolved to continue to take steps to address this matter. Above all, the Board recognised its responsibility to inspire stakeholder confidence in its activities, particularly in the fields of discipline and title protection.

PROTECTION OF TITLE

The Board noted receipt of a number of complaints about abuse of title and that in each instance, full investigations are underway.

Dr Barbara Kelly, Chairwoman of the Architects Registration Board, has also recently written to the Regional Boards of the RIBA, to the RSUA, the RIAS and the RSAW, seeking their ongoing co-operation and support in upholding the principle of title protection.

BOARD TRANSPARENCY

The Board discussed and reiterated its commitment to operating in as transparent a fashion as possible. With this in mind, it then debated a proposal that Board meetings should be open to attendance by members of the public and of the press. Procedural, legal and confidentiality issues were noted, and the Board agreed to return to this subject later in the year with a view to finding a practicable working arrangement.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

The Board agreed a Code of Conduct for Board Members, outlining ways in which conflicts of interest should be managed. The ARB will therefore have mechanisms amongst its standing orders for assessing and dealing with such conflicts of interest, should they arise.