Architects' building safety competence consultation

On 4 November 2020, Housing Minister, Christopher Pincher announced a consultation to consider amendments to the Architects Act 1997 to promote and maintain standards of competence amongst architects registered in the UK in relation to building safety and to recognise international qualifications following the UK’s exit from the EU.

The government stated that there is no legal requirement for UK architects to have their competence re-assessed, or to complete any Continuing Professional Development (CPD) after initial entry on the Architect Registration Board’s Register (CPD required by the RIBA is not a statutory requirement).

Measures announced in the draft Building Safety Bill set out how to improve competence levels among all architects registered in the UK, bringing requirements for evidence of competence in line with other regulated professions.

The consultation is part of the reforms to improve the competence of professionals across the built environment, including work with the British Standards Institute on a new overarching competence framework that will apply across the built environment. The changes also form part of wider work to improve the regulatory systems for fire and building safety.

Housing Minister, Rt Hon Christopher Pincher said: “These necessary changes will have a two-fold effect. First, they will ensure we continue to attract the best architects from around the world, further consolidating the UK’s status as a global leader in the profession. Second, and more importantly, they will make sure the people who design the homes we live in and buildings we work in are always guided by the highest safety standards. I encourage all architects, as well as those involved in the wider built environment, to submit their views and feedback on our proposals.”