ARB code of conduct

[edit] Standards of professional conduct and practice

The Architects Registration Board (ARB) is the independent statutory regulator that regulates the architects’ profession in the UK to ensures standards are maintained. Section 13 of the Architects Act 1997 requires that the ARB issue a code setting standards of professional conduct and practice expected of persons registered as architects under the Act for the benefit of the clients they serve and to maintain public confidence in the profession.

Architects are expected to be guided by the spirit of the code as well as its express terms. Whilst failure to comply with the provisions of the code may not in itself constitute unacceptable professional conduct or serious professional incompetence, it will be taken into account in disciplinary proceedings by the ARB’s Professional Conduct Committee.

On 12 September 2024 following the final Grenfell Inquiry Pase 2 report also published in September (see Grenfell Phase 2 final report for construction at a glance), ARB proposed an new draft Code founded on six Standards, which were selected following research and engagement with both the public and the profession, see below.

[edit] Current version of the code

The current version of the code, Architects Code: Standards of Professional Conduct and Practice, came into force on 1 January 2017. This updated the previous 2010 code following consultations with architects, their professional bodies, public interest organisations and others in the regulatory community. It is not intended to be a detailed set of rules, but rather offers a set of principles to be followed, taking into account areas in which architects are most likely to encounter problems.

Twelve standards are described, with further detail provided in supplemental clauses:

1. Be honest and act with integrity.
2. Be competent.
3. Promote your services honestly and responsibly.
4. Manage your business competently.
5. Consider the wider impact of your work.
6. Carry out your work faithfully and conscientiously.
7. Be trustworthy and look after your clients’ money properly.
8. Have appropriate insurance arrangements.
9. Maintain the reputation of architects.
10. Deal with disputes or complaints appropriately.
11. Co-operate with regulatory requirements and investigations.
12. Have respect for others.

Standard 4.4 of the new code addresses architects who fail to provide adequate terms of engagement before undertaking professional work, setting out minimum requirements for written agreements. Standard 9.5 has also been revised, introducing a new restriction preventing architects from entering into a settlement which would prevent a complaint about their conduct or competence being raised with the ARB. This is intended to prevent architects 'contracting out' of their professional responsibilities.

[edit] Draft update of the code

The new draft Code is founded on six Standards, which were decided upon following research and engagement with both the public and the profession. Each Standard is underpinned by explanatory text and supported by examples of the behaviours that ARB would expect to see from an architect meeting that Standard. The six Standards are:

• Honesty and integrity
• Public interest
• Competence
• Professional practice
• Communication and collaboration
• Respect

The new draft Code will be further supported by a suite of guidance on how architects can meet the Standards in specific situations and contexts. The proposals for the individual guidance documents can be found on ARB website. The draft Code and the guidance proposals were published for public consultation, in which ARB seeks views of architects, students, learning providers, clients, those who work with architects, and those who use the spaces that architects design.

Open for three months the consultation closes 12 December, following the consultation’s conclusion, ARB will analyse responses and consider changes to the proposals with the new Code being finalised along with accompanying guidance in early 2025. For further information see article ARB proposals for a new Architects Code.

Alan Kershaw, Chair of the Architects Registration Board, said:

“Architects have a profound impact on the health and wellbeing of everyone in our society. Last week’s report following the Grenfell Tower tragedy highlighted how crucial it is that all professions in the built environment maintain their competence and behave in an ethical way.

The Code of Conduct and Practice provides a compass for architects in their practice and describes the standards and behaviours expected of architects by one another, their clients, and members of the public. We’ve designed this new Code through research with the public and workshops with architects, and we’re now consulting on it so that everyone can have their say.”

As the statutory regulator for architects, ARB has a legal requirement to set a code of conduct and practice. The Code has been drafted to respond directly to the expectations of the public and clients as identified through independent research, and insights shared with ARB by architects and other built environment professionals.

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