The current Code of Professional Conduct came into effect on 1 January 2005. It is supported by a series of nine guidance notes.
Guidance notes
Code Guidance Note 3 Advertising has been updated to take into account RIBA Chartered Practices which, in July 2007, replaced Registered Practices.
Code Guidance Note 4 Appointments has recently been updated to take into acount the RIBA's new suite of appointment documents.
The Previous Code of Professional Conduct - 1997 edition
The Code which preceeded the current edition was approved and published in 1997. The 2005 Code is not applicable retrospectively, so matters relating to the professional conduct of RIBA members were governed, between 1997 and and 1 January 2005, by the 1997 Code. Earlier editions of the Code are available in the RIBA Library|.
2005 RIBA Code of Professional Conduct - further information
Background
One of the recommendations arising from the 2003 disciplinary review ('The Future Role of Discipline') was that the 1997 Code of Professional Conduct should be updated. A small task group was set up to undertake the work. The result was approved by the RIBA's Council in September 2004.
The focus of the 2005 Code is the consumer, and society at large. It is more outward-looking than its predecessor and states the standards of professional ethics and behaviour expected of chartered architects in the early twenty-first century more clearly and concisely.
Structure
The Code has three principles based on integrity, competence and relationships with others. Brief notes explain how each of these three principles may be upheld. More detailed information is provided in a separate series of nine guidance notes – three for each principle. These deal primarily with practical issues such as forms of appointment, insurance requirements, advertising and CPD. The notes also include dispute resolution, conflicts of interest and taking over someone else's work.
Applicability
The Code is applicable to all members in all membership classes, but it will of course have greatest relevance to members in practice.
Members are expected to be aware of the Code's contents and abide by its terms, wherever they are working. The Code itself deals with conflicting jurisdictions overseas.
The guidance notes are intended to provide both advice and information on best practice and to act as a support and aide to members in their professional work. They distinguish between conduct and practice which is obligatory and that which is only advisable or preferable. This distinction will be taken into account when a formal complaint of professional misconduct is made against a member.