Welcome to the February eBulletin.
The beginning of a new year is an opportunity to reflect upon performance over the past 12 months as well as important issues for 2018.
Appraisals – In line with good governance principles, I undertook an annual appraisal with all Board members at the end of 2017. As part of this process they provided me with their ideas and suggestions for improving our contribution to ARB. I was also appraised with feedback sought on my performance from Board members and staff. In 2018 I will look to further maximise the effectiveness of our meetings, allowing more time for strategic discussions alongside our leadership role.
Thank you – With the engagement of architects, as well as a more streamlined process, the vast majority of 2018 annual retention fees were paid on time. This helps us keep costs associated with maintaining and updating the Register down. To find out more about 2018 retention fees and the reinstatement process click here. One of the functions the retention fees fund is our regulation of the use of the title ‘architect’, and you can read about three recent prosecutions for misuse in this eBulletin article.
Bartlett University – I was invited, with the Registrar, to the Bartlett to give a lecture and presentation to Part 3 students about routes into the profession and the responsibilities of ARB as a regulator. The event was well attended and I enjoyed the experience.
Our Board meeting covered a range of informative topics, some of the highlights include:
Business Plan – Despite another challenging year, the end of year report showed we performed well against the 2017 Business Plan. The 2018 extension to the Business Plan was also discussed and shows that we are on track with delivery.
Criteria and Procedures Reviews – We received an update on the ‘business as usual’ reviews of our Criteria and Procedures which began in July. A joint working group has been formed with RIBA with the aim of developing a set of Criteria which we can continue to hold in common and that meet the objectives of both ARB and the RIBA. The initial working group meeting is planned for late February. You can find out more about the latest developments with our dedicated article in this eBulletin.
Periodic Review update – The Government’s Periodic Review of the regulation of architects made a number of recommendations for both ARB and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) to deliver. The Board considers the progress on delivery of these recommendations at each meeting. One of the recommendations is for the current Board of 15 members to be replaced with a smaller Board of 11 appointed lay and architect members, and MHCLG advised the legislation required for this change should be in place by October 2018. The Board also received an update from its Professional Standards Department, which is undertaking a review of how complaints about architects are investigated. A public consultation on the proposed changes is planned for later in 2018, so keep an eye out for updates on this important opportunity to engage with ARB and shape its processes.
Apprenticeships – We received an update on the continued engagement with the Architects Trailblazer Group. Representatives from the group confirmed the level 6 and level 7 apprenticeship standards were very close to receiving full approval and that the level 6 End Point Assessment (EPA) would proceed for full approval. To find out more about these developments in apprenticeship routes for architecture click here.
Equality & Diversity Performance Plan – We are committed to ensuring there are no barriers for consumers and architects in accessing our services, policies and procedures. The Board decided to adopt a three year Equality & Diversity Performance Plan which will measure our progress in this area of work.
New Welcome Pack – I am pleased to share that a welcome pack for registrants has been launched in the form of a user-friendly microsite. Please click here to read more about the pack and how you can get involved by providing your feedback.
If you have any queries or comments about any of the matters covered in this eBulletin you can contact us by email at info@arb.org.uk or by phone on +44 (0) 20 7580 5861.
Best wishes,
Nabila Zulfiqar
Chair
Architects Registration Board
