38,783 architects paid their 2018 annual retention fee on time, which represents 97% of the Register.
The Architects Registration Board’s 2018 annual retention fee was due on 31 December 2017. As a regulated profession, architects are legally required to pay their retention fee of £107, held for the fourth year running. The fees collected from registrants cover the regulation of the profession in the public interest.
The Architects Act 1997 requires ARB to hold an accurate Register and so those who did not pay their fee on time have been removed under Section 8.2 of the legislation.
Coming back on to the Register is quick and easy with most of those applying to re-join being added back on to the Register in 5 days. Those wishing to be reinstated will need to complete an application form applicants.arb.org.uk/default.aspx and pay a total of £152 (which consists of the retention fee of £107 plus an application fee of £35 and a prescribed fee of £10).
Nabila Zulfiqar, Chair of ARB, said, “We are pleased that so many architects paid their 2018 fee on time which demonstrates that the profession holds its professional status in high regard. Once again we worked with the professional bodies and press to highlight the renewal date.
We are committed to maintaining our public interest focus, protecting the title of architect and maintaining standards in the profession for the benefit of consumers and architects alike.”
Karen Holmes, Registrar and Chief Executive of the ARB, said “The 2018 retention fee collection process went well. We have further developed our technology to enable us to provide a streamlined and effective payment process for architects.
Whilst we understand the frustration felt by those who are removed for non-payment, it is a necessary part of our role to maintain an accurate Register. For those that wish to re-join the Register, we endeavour to make the reinstatement process as straight-forward and efficient as possible. We will carefully consider any feedback we receive from architects with a view to making further improvements to the retention fee collection process for future years”.
Further information on the ARB annual retention fee can be found here.
Notes for Editors
ARB is the statutory body established by Parliament under the Architects Act 1997 to regulate the UK architects’ profession in the public interest. The Act requires ARB (among other things) to:
- Maintain the Register of Architects (Section 3)
- Prescribe qualifications for entry to the Register of Architects (Section 4)
- Deal with competence to practise (Section 9)
- Issue a Code which lays down standards of professional conduct and practice (Section 13)
- Regulate use of the title “architect” and prosecute those who use it unlawfully (Section 20)
ARB has a Board of 15 members, seven of whom are architects elected by the profession. The remaining eight are members of the public appointed by the Privy Council to represent the interests of consumers and users of architectural services.
For further information, please contact Rob Jones, Head of Registration on 020 7580 5861 or by email at robj@arb.org.uk.
