05 November 2024
As the statutory regulator for architects, the Architects Registration Board (ARB) has a legal requirement to issue the Architects Code which sets out the standards of professional conduct and practice expected of registered architects. ARB has published a draft version of a revised Code for consultation.
We are gathering input from RIBA Members to help inform our response. Our emerging views are:
- we are generally supportive of ARB’s proposal to move to a principles-based rather than a prescriptive code.
- ARB proposes to introduce guidance to illustrate the application of the code to specific situations and issues. RIBA supports this structure, but cautions that guidance should not be interpreted as prescriptive requirements; conduct cases should be judged against the principles.
- ARB should only pursue professional conduct cases where there is a clear consumer or wider public interest and must ensure that enforcement and sanctions are always proportionate and reasonable. How this is to be achieved should be set out in clear enforcement policy and sanctions guidance.
- ARB should publish its equality impact assessment on its proposed new Code.
Please share your thoughts via the form below by Friday 22 November.
