Maintaining the public’s trust
“A profession’s most valuable asset is its collective reputation and the confidence which that inspires … the reputation of the profession is more important than the fortunes of any individual member”.

This quote is from the Master of Rolls, Sir Thomas Bingham, in the case of Bolton v Law Society [1994] 1 WLR. It highlights the basis and importance of Standard 9 (Maintaining the reputation of architects) of the Architects Code.

Standard 9 is one of the broader provisions of the Code and goes to the heart of regulation. It covers a range of expectations including ensuring professional finances are managed responsibly and avoiding agreements which would prevent a party from reporting concerns to us.

Standard 9 also requires candour from you and you should notify us within 28 days if you think you or your peer may have fallen short of expectations. These requirements ensure we are able to maintain the public’s trust in the profession by taking and demonstrating appropriate action.

Letting us know that something has happened will not automatically lead to disciplinary action. Every situation will be carefully considered on its own merits and further action is only likely if a behaviour falls significantly short of what you would expect from a respected professional, or if a conviction is materially relevant to fitness to practise.

Examples of the type of circumstances you should notify us of include:

• conviction of a criminal offence
• being the subject of a court order which prohibits acting as a company director
• being the subject of a Bankruptcy Order, Debt Relief Order or Bankruptcy Restriction Order
• giving a director disqualification undertaking or Bankruptcy Restriction undertaking
• being director of a company which is wound up or placed in administration or a CVA
• making an accommodation with creditors
• failing to pay a judgment debt

If you are not sure whether you should report something to us, please get in touch with the Professional Standards team (professionalstandards@arb.org.uk or 020 7580 5861) who will be happy to provide advice and answer your queries.