In February, when I last wrote to you all, the UK was weeks into a tough winter lockdown. I wishfully concluded my message assuring the imminent arrival of spring, and an improvement in the weather. It would appear I spoke too soon in both respects. These are things we can’t change but, as COVID-19 restrictions ease, we can perhaps start to recapture some control over the way we live and work. I very much hope that each of you will be able to enjoy some of the simple pleasures and freedoms we have had to put on hold. I would, though, encourage you to read the guidance we have in place to support you through changes to Government advice on the management of the pandemic.
At ARB we have every reason to look positively towards the future. I must thank everyone who contributed to our recent consultation on proposed guidance for education providers on fire and life safety design and sustainability guidance. We are currently analysing the responses and will use this feedback as we finalise the guidance for implementation. As you well know, safety and sustainability are areas of critical importance to the profession and its future. That’s why we published additional guidelines for architects to equip you for these challenges. If you haven’t done so already, I encourage you to study the new guidelines and reflect on how you can develop your practice.
Earlier this month, the Government introduced the Professional Qualifications Bill to Parliament. This will enable ARB and other regulators to register highly skilled professionals with international qualifications where they meet UK standards. As I write, the publication of the promised Building Safety Bill is imminent. That too is likely to herald significant developments for the profession. We will of course keep you abreast of all such changes as and when they happen, so keep an eye out for more updates in our future eBulletins.
I recently had the pleasure of attending ARB’s first ever listening events online with our Architects Engagement Group. We owe a huge thank you to all the attendees for the time they gave us and for their ready contributions and valuable insights, which will help shape our ongoing work on the competencies architects need in the 21st century. These conversations also stimulated much thinking in the quest to improve equality, diversity and inclusion within the profession.
We are eager to hear from as many of you as we can so, if you would like to take part in future events, or find out more about the group, you can do so here.
As ever, I look forward to updating you on our progress over the coming weeks and months. I hope to even meet some of you at one of our future events.
Alan Kershaw
Chair
Architects Registration Board
