Consultation proves strong support for ARB’s new Code of Conduct

The Architects Registration Board (ARB) has today published the results of its consultation on proposals for a new Code of Conduct and Practice for architects, revealing strong support for the updated Standards and guidance.

The proposed Code is structured around six outcomes-focussed Standards, each supported by example behaviours and underpinned by detailed guidance. A total of 441 responses were received, with responses coming from architects, professionals in the built environment who work alongside architects, and other key stakeholders.

Key findings

• Each of the proposed Standards received strong support from consultation respondents.
• Of the proposed Standards, ‘Honesty and Integrity’ received the highest level of combined agreement (89%).
• ‘Public interest’ received the lowest agreement at 70%, yet still secured a strong majority.
• ‘Building safety’ and ‘Dealing with complaints and disputes’ were the most widely supported guidance topics, with 80% and 79% agreement, respectively.

Speaking on the results, ARB Chair Alan Kershaw said:

‘The strong support for the updated Code of Conduct and Practice reflects a shared commitment amongst architects to maintaining high standards of professionalism, for the benefit of the public. Of note was the particular support from respondents for updated guidance on building safety, highlighting the importance of lessons learned from Grenfell and the profession’s commitment to working safely. There was also clear support for the emphasis on honesty and integrity as fundamental principles, which evidences the profession’s dedication to transparency and the maintenance of public trust. We are grateful to everyone who contributed to this consultation – your feedback is invaluable in shaping a Code that is both robust and relevant for the future of the profession.’

Next Steps for the Code and Guidance

On the basis of the strong support evidenced by the consultation, the Board will introduce each of the proposed Standards and guidance topics.

Following the publication of the report, ARB will now review all suggested drafting amendments before publishing the final version of the Code this summer. The feedback and suggestions received through the consultation will be instrumental in refining the Code, particularly with regard to clarity of language and definitions.

In addition, today, ARB is also launching the first in a series of consultations on the accompanying guidance documents. The first consultation will focus on the following topics:

• Dealing with Complaints
• Professional Indemnity Insurance
• Terms of Engagement

Draft versions of the guidance for these topics have been published for the consultation, and the first phase consultation will run for six weeks.

Further guidance documents will be published for consultation in subsequent phases, with the next consultation due in summer 2025.

The full consultation report and further details on the next steps can be accessed here.

Notes to editors

Useful links

• Download the consultation report
• View the draft Code of Conduct and Practice published for consultation
• Respond to the phase 1 guidance consultation
• View the draft guidance for ‘Dealing with Complaints’
• View the draft guidance for ‘Professional Indemnity Insurance’
• View the draft guidance for ‘Terms of Engagement’

About ARB

ARB is an independent professional regulator, established by Parliament as a statutory body, through the Architects Act, in 1997. We are accountable to government.

The law gives us a number of core functions:

• To ensure only those who are suitably competent are allowed to practise as architects. We do this by approving the architecture qualifications required to join the Register of architects.
• We maintain a publicly available Register of architects so anyone using the services of an architect can be confident that they are suitably qualified and are fit to practise.
• We set the standards of conduct and practice the profession must meet and take action when any architect falls below the required standards of conduct or competence.
• We set requirements for and monitor the continuous professional development that architects must undertake, to provide assurance to the public about the continuing competence of the profession.
• We protect the legally restricted title ‘architect’.

The Architects Code

ARB is required under Section 13 of the Architects Act 1997 to issue a Code laying down the standards of professional conduct and practice expected of persons registered as architects under the Act. The most recent edition of the Code was published in 2017. The Code is not a set of rules but rather is intended to be used as a guide for good practice. Every architect on the UK Register is required to uphold the Code, wherever they may live or practise. Failure to comply with the Code can be taken into account in any disciplinary proceedings heard against an architect before ARB’s Professional Conduct Committee. The Code is not intended to duplicate or supplant legislation.

Information on the consultation

The consultation on ARB’s proposals for a revised Code of Conduct and Practice opened on 12 September 2024 and closed 12 December 2024. The consultation was available on ARB’s consultation platform here.

Information on the other proposed guidance topics can be found here.

Why the Code is being revised
The last significant update to the Code was in 2011. Since then, major events such as the Grenfell Tower disaster, the climate emergency, and evolving attitudes towards equality, diversity, and inclusion have reshaped the regulatory landscape. The revised Code reflects these changes and aligns with contemporary public and professional expectations.

ARB remains committed to ensuring that architects uphold the highest standards, providing both clarity and accountability to the profession and the public.