On Friday 12 March 2021, representatives from the RIBA and Future Architects Front (FAF) met to discuss issues raised by FAF, initial actions for the RIBA, and key topics to be considered in future meetings.
Actions
Standards of Chartered Practice
RIBA will consult on proposals to amend the RIBA Chartered Practice Employment Policy Guide and the RIBA Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy Guide by September 2021, so that:
- RIBA Chartered Practices are required to remunerate overtime
- use of The Compact becomes mandatory for RIBA Chartered Practices when employing students completing Part 1 and Part 2 professional experience
- adopting the RIBA Inclusion Charter becomes an accreditation requirement for RIBA Chartered Practices
Following consultations, the above changes would require final approval by RIBA Board.
Accountability mechanisms
The RIBA commits to improving the transparency and communication of its complaints and anonymous reporting processes through a dedicated webpage that outlines reporting procedures, provisions for the protection of vulnerable parties, links to employment and EDI policy, and advice for employers and employees. This will require development work by the RIBA Professional Standards team and consultation with RIBA Standards Committee at its next meeting in May 2021.
Chartered Practice Toolbox
The RIBA will give student members access to valuable information in the Chartered Practice Toolbox, including:
- The RIBA Chartered Practice Employment Policy Guide
- The RIBA Chartered Practice Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy Guide
- The RIBA Chartered Practice Health and Safety Policy Guide
Further consultation
FAF and the RIBA have agreed to hold further discussion with regard to the issues of hiring practices in the architecture sector, and the development of mechanisms to ensure that Part 1 and Part 2 graduates do not have their pathway to qualification limited by architectural practices requiring years of prior experience. This could form a future potential element of The Compact.
Other planned discussion topics include improving engagement with RIBA’s student and associate membership, RIBA’s EDI strategy including a meeting with RIBA Director of Inclusion and Diversity, surveys and further research to monitor systemic issues within the profession and allocation of RIBA funds to further support the most vulnerable members of the profession.
If you have any questions, please email info@riba.org or future.arch.front@gmail.com.
