UK Government Architect’s Act Response, British architecture practice register news
UK Government Architect’s Act Response News
8 June 2021
RIBA response to UK Government Architect’s Act amendments
Government responds to Architects Act consultation – RIBA replie
Tuesday 8th of June 2021 – The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has responded to the outcome of the Government’s consultation on proposed amendments to the Architects Act, changing the way architects are regulated within the UK.
RIBA President, Alan Jones, said:
“The RIBA has been clear that architects must have the necessary knowledge and skills to respond to the key challenges facing our society and planet – from the building safety crisis to the climate emergency. We therefore welcome Government plans to drive high professional standards and we reiterate our commitment to work alongside the ARB to ensure any new competency requirements support and work for the profession.
We are also pleased to see the Government recognise the global standing of UK architects and commit to the recognition of international qualifications – a mechanism the RIBA has been lobbying for on behalf of our members since the referendum. To enable the UK profession to maintain and build its reputation as a global leader, the Government must now focus on securing reciprocal agreements, to allow both the exportation and recruitment of talent.
Most significantly, we will continue to encourage policy makers to engage with architects – their insight and experience will be critical to creating regulatory and procurement systems that work for all.”
8 June 2021
UK Government Architect’s Act amendments response
Government responds to consultation on amendments to the Architect’s Act
· New proposals to recognise architects’ international qualifications
· Wider transformation of architects’ register to maintain standards
· Part of ongoing reforms to improve competence of professionals across the built environment sector
A new recognition system to acknowledge architecture qualifications from around the world will be implemented as part of the Professional Qualifications Bill, ensuring the UK remains a leading, global destination to practise architecture.
The Government has responded to a consultation on proposed amendments to the Architects Act, which will ensure professional standards within the sector are maintained and enable international architects to practise in the UK.
To support this, the Architects Registration Board (ARB) – the profession’s regulator – will allow architects with certain international qualifications to join their UK Register.
Wider proposals to drive up professional competence in the sector will be implemented via the Building Safety Bill.
Under these new measures, ARB will be given new powers to monitor the way architects manage their Continuing Professional Development (CPD), in line with other regulated professions – encouraging architects to develop their competence to practise.
Housing Minister Chris Pincher MP said:
“Following an overwhelmingly positive response to our consultation from the architecture profession, we are delighted to be moving forward with firm proposals that will make a real difference to the lives of architects around the world.
“This fundamental realignment of the profession will reassert the United Kingdom’s reputation as a global leader in architecture, ensuring we continue to attract the best architects from around the world to build back better on the homes and infrastructure in this country.”
This forms part of ongoing reforms to improve the competence of professionals across the built environment sector, who have a responsibility for designing, constructing and managing homes and buildings.
These reforms build on major legislative improvements being made by government in relation to fire and building safety.
Minister for Investment Lord Gerry Grimstone said:
“Britain has a global reputation for professionalism and excellence in services like architecture, and this important change will ensure that UK architecture qualifications remain the gold standard around the world.
“Our new laws will enable world-class architects to continue working in the UK and can make it possible for the Architects Registration Board to open up opportunities for British architects working with our global partners.”
Alan Kershaw, Chair of the Architects Registration Board, said:
“Today the Government has confirmed its intention to create new powers for the ARB, which we will use to introduce a scheme to monitor the Continuing Professional Development of architects.
“This is an opportunity to recognise formally the considerable amount of development activity that most architects already do. We will develop our approach in collaboration with architects and use our regulatory powers to promote consistency across the profession.
“ARB’s new role in recognising international qualifications is another positive step. We are going to ensure all individuals registering under this new process are held to equivalent standards, to maintain excellence across the architectural profession, whilst also ensuring the United Kingdom continues to benefit from the varied skills and experience international architects bring with them.”
The government’s response to a consultation on proposed amendments to the Architects Act 1997 include:
· strengthening the Architect Registration Board’s role in monitoring and maintaining the competence of architects on their register
· increasing public confidence by listing disciplinary orders against an architect on the register
· allowing the Architect Registration Board to expand its list of chargeable services to cover the full range of services by the Architect Registration Board.
Comments on this UK Government Architect’s Act Response post are welcome.
UK Government Architectural News
UK Government Heating and Building Strategy
UK Government Heating and Building Strategy
LGA Responds To Consultation On Building Safety Reforms – Grenfell Tower building in West London:
UK Government Funding for Combustible Cladding Removal
BSI External Cladding Systems Test Method
UK Government Ban on Combustible Cladding
Banning the use of Combustible materials in the external walls of high rise residential buildings:
UK Government Ban on Combustible Cladding
Dame Judith Hackitt’s Independent Review of Buildings Regulations and her Interim Report:
Dame Judith Hackitt’s Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety Interim Report
Location: UK
Grenfell Tower Cladding Exposed
Chalcots Estate Building Cladding
Chalcots Estate Tower Cladding
Byron House Nottingham Trent University Building – Reynobond ACM PE panels in student accommodation
London Architectural Designs
London Architecture Designs – chronological list
London Architect – design practice listing on e-architect
London Architecture Designs – architectural selection below:
Houses of Parliament Restoration and Renewal Programme
photograph © UK Parliament
Houses of Parliament Restoration and Renewal
NoMad London, 4 Bow St, Covent Garden, WC2E 7AT
Design: Roman and Williams
photograph : Simon Upton
NoMad London Hotel, Covent Garden
Comments / photos for the UK Government Architect’s Act Response – page welcome
