- About us
- News and information
- Information for the public
- Information for architects
- Architect's Act 1997
- Architects Code: Standards of Conduct and Practice
- Registration
- Investigating complaints
- Regulating use of the title “architect”
- Professional Conduct Committee decisions
- Company formations
- Search the Register
- Maintaining competence
- Annual retention fee
- PII guidance
- PII frequently asked questions
- Schools of architecture
- News releases
- Read our publications
- Guidance for architects facing bankruptcy or liquidation
- News gallery
- Registration
- Qualifications
- Professional Standards
- Publications
Publication Scheme – frequently asked questions
INTRODUCTION
Freedom of Information - How to Access Information
Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (commencing January 2005) individuals have a right of access to information that is held by the Architects Registration Board. ARB publishes a publication scheme, which provides information on a wide range of information freely available to interested parties.
ARB is committed to openness, and, insofar as is possible, will provide an applicant with any information they may request, unless the request falls into one of the Act's exemptions or is within the provisions of the Data Protection Act.
Requests for information under the Act, and all related enquiries, should be directed to the Head of Registration. We have produced a request form 
for you to use when making a request. However, any person may exercise the right to access information by submitting a written or e-mailed request, setting out exactly what information is required.
ARB has 20 working days to respond to your request. If an administrative fee is involved, or your request falls into an exempted category, we will inform you as soon as possible. Please note that ARB is not obliged to release any information unless any fee is paid within three months of the fees notice being issued to you.
Frequently asked questions
How do I make a request for information?
Requests for information must be in writing, and clear enough to enable ARB to identify and locate the information requested. If ARB needs further clarification from you in order to identify and locate the information requested, we will tell you what information is required. ARB will not supply information where the cost of compliance exceeds an appropriate limit, nor where requests are vexatious or repeated. We have produced a process diagram to show what happens to a request made under the Act.
Will I be charged for access to the information?
The Act contains a power to make regulations setting out a charging regime. Authorities have no legal obligation to meet a request for information that would cost more than £450. However, in the spirit of co-operation, it may be possible to reach an accommodation in those instances where the cost is in excess of £450. The Information Commissioner's Office has calculated that staff time to search and retrieve the information be at a standard rate of £25 per hour, as set out in the Fees Regulations. If the cost is below £450, the only charge that can be applied is that for postage and photocopying. Photocopying will be charged at 10p per sheet.
The Act does not affect the power of authorities to charge for information available to the public by means other than the Freedom of Information provisions.
How long will an answer to my request take?
The Act makes clear that all requests must be complied with promptly, but there is a deadline of 20 working days.
Why would any request be refused?
Requests for information must be clear enough to enable ARB to identify and locate the information requested. ARB may make further enquiries to deal with a request. ARB is not legally required to supply information where the cost of compliance exceeds £450, nor where requests are vexatious or repeated.
If ARB refuses my application for information, will they tell me why?
If ARB decides not to disclose information in response to a request, you are entitled to know why. ARB must give notice to you that it is not disclosing the information sought. ARB must specify which exemption is being relied upon, and, if it is not obvious, explain why the exemption applies to the information in question. The notice that ARB gives to you must contain particulars of ARB's procedure for dealing with complaints, and particulars of the right to apply to the Commissioner for a decision.
Print this page