On 29 September the RIBA Council considered the report of the task group it had set up, under the leadership of the Hon Secretary Michael Highton, to review the operation of the Architects Act by the ARB. After a thorough debate, the Council strongly endorsed the findings and recommendations of the review.
The report was then passed to the ARB for consideration before being released to the press at the end of this week.
The crux of the difficulties - ones that the two bodies have been unable to resolve - is the different interpretation of the ARB's remit, and the overlap of responsibilities that results. Education is a prime case in point. Here the ARB controls the register and prescribes qualifications but was never intended to become involved in the direction of education. The RIBA, however, has always had a duty as a chartered body (overseen by the Privy Council) to set and monitor standards for entry to the profession on a chartered basis. These are standards to which students across the world aspire, and which can lead to a part III which is recognised as a gold standard of qualification.
Hence the key outcome of the review is that the RIBA will seek via the government a clearer definition of the ARB's role and accountability. If necessary the RIBA will make the case for amendment to the legislation through a 'reform order'- to reinforce the minimalist role of registration which the government of the day held to be its intention in the Architects Act.
At the same time the RIBA will work with the ARB to reach a better joint understanding of the needs and expectations of both consumers and architects. The RIBA will also continue to explore the value to the public and the profession of the title 'chartered architect' which serves our sister professions well in the construction industry.
In viewing the way ahead, RIBA Chief Executive Richard Hastilow said:
'No-one has a monopoly in serving the public interest, but as a royal chartered body it is certainly a prime responsibility of the RIBA. We believe that we can achieve this service - through a dedicated, talented profession - in tomorrow's industry and customer environment. The challenge is to do it in the circumstances highlighted in this report. We are determined to meet this challenge in a balanced but robust fashion.'