Publication of Annual Report 1999/2000

Publication of Annual Report 1999/2000 (21/08/2000)

The Architects Registration Board (ARB) has recently published its 1999/2000 Annual Report which details the work of the Board in regulating the architects' profession.

In this, the third annual review of its activities, the Board details its ongoing work in fulfilling its statutory duties under the Architects Act 1997, and reflects on a significant and eventful year for the organisation.

In her introduction, Chairwoman Barbara Kelly notes that the Board is continuing its process of consolidation and has made considerable progress in several key areas of its responsibility, namely:

Regulation and Complaints

Education and Validation

Information Services

Professional Indemnity

Liaison with the profession and with Government

Looking forward, Barbara Kelly stresses the need for ARB to embrace all of its stakeholders:

"I believe that in this complex and sophisticated world, professional regulation is necessary, not only for consumer protection, but also as a tool to protect and enhance the integrity of architects."

She added:

"Over the coming 12 months, I hope that we may continue building on the progress made to date. To succeed, we must work in harmony with the professional bodies, because although our roles are different, they are also complementary. If ARB is to remain at the forefront of UK regulation, we need advice, support and, above all, understanding from all of our stakeholders."

REPORT HIGHLIGHTS

Registration:

* there were 29,829 individuals registered with ARB as at 31 December 1999

* the retention fee for 2001 remains at the 2000 level of £55

Regulation:

* the publication, in September 1999, of revised Investigations Rules further strengthened ARB's work in this area

Enquiries:

* During 1999, ARB received and dealt with 852 enquiries from consumers about architects' services

* During 1999, ARB received and dealt with 850 enquiries and complaints about title abuse

Education:

* a new validation system was agreed between ARB and RIBA, including new procedures and guidelines

* during the last academic year, 10 validation visits were undertaken, 227 candidates underwent the assessment process, and 29 schools of architecture were visited.

An on-line copy of the Annual Report will shortly be available to view on this website.