The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has today welcomed the initial findings of The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) periodic review of the Architects Registration Board (ARB). DCLG has concluded that there remains a case for continued light-touch regulation based on protection of title and that regulation of the architect profession should continue.
RIBA supports the maintenance of statutory protection of the title ‘architect’ and believes that this should be done by an independent minimal registration body (ARB) to:
- Protect the interests of consumers;
- Protect the interests of non-members of the RIBA as well as RIBA members and
- Accord with UK and EU legislation and directive
The department will now move to phase 2 of the review, working with all parts of the profession to identify opportunities to simplify the role of the regulator. Focus will be placed on ensuring a level playing-field for UK architects to compete in the European Union and beyond and supporting consumer protection legislation in a way that minimises the burden for architects and schools of architecture, and avoids overlap with the role of professional bodies.
RIBA expects its concerns about the current implementation of the Architects’ Registration Act by the ARB on issues relating to professional conduct, prescription/validation of qualifications (UK and international), clear definition of the minimal remit of the registration body, to be resolved during the second phase of the review.
RIBA President Stephen Hodder said: “We will be working closely with our members to help the Government during this second phase of the consultation. I want to see effective streamlined maintenance of statutory protection of the title ‘architect’, one that offers value for money for architects, reduces unhelpful bureaucracy for architects and schools of architecture and offer proper protection for the British consumer.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
- For further press information contact Howard Crosskey in the RIBA Press Office: 020 7307 3761 howard.crosskey@riba.org
- The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) champions better buildings, communities and the environment through architecture and our members.
- The consultation outcome of ‘Architects regulation and the Architects Registration Board: call for evidence’ is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/architects-regulation-and-the-architects-registration-board-call-for-evidence
Posted on Friday 14th November 2014
