Honesty, integrity and competence, as well as concern for others and for the environment, are the foundations of the RIBA's three principles of professional conduct.
The Code of Professional Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures were reviewed and overhauled during 2018. The new code came into effect on 1 May 2019. Since then, the Code and Disciplinary Rules have been updated to align with the RIBA's updated Constitution. These amended documents were launched on 1 April 2021.
Complaints are handled in line with the Disciplinary Procedures/Rules which are in force at the time that the Formal Complaint is lodged with the RIBA. The conduct of Members is judged against the relevant Code of Professional Conduct which was in force at the time that the alleged conduct took place.
The Code of Professional Conduct is not only a tool for holding members to account in the event of a complaint against them, it's also a useful resource to assist them in day-to-day practice: providing information and guidance on key issues.
If you wish to make a complaint about a RIBA Member, first consider contacting the member directly to try and resolve the dispute. Also, consider the alternative dispute resolution options available, including mediation, arbitration or adjudication.
Please read the Guide for Complainants document which outlines important information regarding the disciplinary process.
Also bear in mind that professional conduct complaints do not lead to the awarding of compensation or a financial settlement. Professional conduct cases examine the professionalism and conduct of the member in question, investigating whether or not there has been a breach of the Code of Professional Conduct.
If your complaint is not about an individual RIBA Member, but instead about a Chartered Practice, please see the Code of Practice.
For more information please contact: professional.standards@riba.org
Read an overview of all recent public sanctions issued by the RIBA Professional Conduct Panel.
For the 2019 Codes and Procedures, thanks must go, in particular, to Dr David Roberts, Ethics Fellow of The Bartlett Ethics Commission, for sharing his extensive research on Codes within the built environment sector; The Edge, particularly for their work on Collaboration for Change, and Simon Foxell for his support, feedback and most recent publication – Professionalism for the Built Environment.
