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The following are RIBA policies on key issues concerning architects and architecture, enabling us to lobby for a better quality environment for all.

Housing

The RIBA's 2007 Housing Policy entitled "Better homes and neighbourhoods" has been key to the organisation's push to ensure that strong design principles are set within the planning and delivery of new housing. 

The document highlights our drive for better, more sustainable communities as well as a call for the implementation of minimum space standards in all new housing. 

The document has been pivotal to our campaign and there have been encouraging developments, with English partnerships and London Mayor Boris Johnson adopting much of what we have long been recommending within their own planning guidance.

Download our housing policy:

 

Sustainable Communities

Launched on 21 September 2004, the RIBA published policy recommendations on sustainable communities in response to and in support of the Governments own studies and proposals including the Barker and Egan reviews as well the Sustainable Buildings Task group report. 'Sustainable Communities: Quality with quantity' draws together information from many sources and presents the RIBA position on how to deliver the communities plan

Cultural Policy
Launched in January 2001, this policy states the RIBA's commitment to a number of objectives to celebrate, promote and share the rich cultural heritage of architecture.

Education
Criteria for Validation
The Criteria for Validation, effective from September 2003, describe the requirements for the recognition of Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 courses in architecture in the UK. They are used in conjunction with the RIBA Procedures for Validation. 
 
Curricular Development
The RIBA has endorsed two new education policies to promote breadth and variety in architectural education. The approved statements, released June 2003, reinforce the RIBA's policy that architectural teaching is a liberal discipline and should offer visual literacy in all areas of design. 
 
Tomorrow's Architect
Published in May 2003, Tomorrow's Architect is the RIBA's manifesto for architectural education over the next five years, following the latest review of the RIBA's Outline Syllabus for the Validation of Courses, Programmes and Examinations in Architecture.  

Employment and equal opportunities
Employment Practice Policy
The RIBA is committed to promoting employment best practice in the architecture profession. Endorsed by Council on 12 May 2004, the following policy statement encourages best practice for both employers and employees and emphasises the business as well as the social case for adopting good employment practice. 

Equal Opportunities Policy
The RIBA is committed to a policy of equal opportunities. The following policy statement applies to all members and staff of the RIBA, having been adopted by RIBA Council in February 2001. RIBA action on equal opportunities is guided and co-ordinated by Architects for Change, its equality forum.

Environment
Environmental Manifesto
This manifesto was formally adopted by the RIBA Council on 19 July 2000. The RIBA is committed to the principle of sustainable development and will use its influence to endorse this principle and translate it into action. The RIBA's Sustainable Futures Committee has further information on the Institute's work to promote environmentally sustainable design within the construction industry.

Health and safety
Health and Safety Action Plan
In collaboration with the Construction Industry Council (CIC), this action plan details how the RIBA will fulfil a number of health and safety objectives. This is a working document, updated regularly by the Practice Department.

 

Planning
Achieving Quality Design in Local Plans
It is RIBA policy to continue to assist the government and local authorities in improving the planning system so that it encourages quality architecture. This document, drafted by the RIBA Planning Policy Group and launched at the Urban Summit in October 2002, suggests several recommendations for improving local plans.
Achieving Quality Design in Local Plans.

Procurement
RIBA launches Smart PFI position paper
In 12 December 2006 the RIBA launched a position paper outlining the Smart PFI procurement process.  This follows the extensive consultation process which began in October 2005 with the launch of 'Introcucing Smart PFI'.  The responses we received are also summarised.

PFI? A Question of Quality
The RIBA launched this policy document on 23 June 2003 at Portcullis House, London. The document contains a range of examples of PFI projects and is aimed specifically at encouraging members of parliament to champion better design in their constituencies and to promote the highest quality in all buildings. 
 
Procurement Policy
Launched November 2001, this policy outlines the RIBA's commitment to a construction procurement that provides best value and a clear, collaborative and creative process, and overall results in a better designed environment.

Role and status of profession
Architects and the Changing Construction Industry
This leaflet by the RIBA Constructive Change committee was distributed to all members as a supplement in the July 2000 issue of RIBA Journal. It is aimed specifically at architects to engage the profession in the changing construction industry and to work towards changing the industry for the better. A three part agenda for action sets out the challenge.
Architects and the Changing Construction Industry
 
Best Practice Small Practice
This document urges Government to ensure that the skills of small and medium sized practices are used to contribute to the public sector building programme and that there are opportunities for growth. Launched October 2002.
Best Practice Small Practice
 
Meeting the Challenge
The RIBA is committed to advancing the architecture profession. This booklet published in May 1999 addresses the current issues facing architects and architecture and sets out a strategic agenda and targets for both the profession and the RIBA. Available from the
RIBA Bookshop| 

RIBA Manifestos for Change
Manifesto for Architecture - Half Term Report
To mark the Parliamentary halfway point (July 2007) and the start of a new administration in Downing Street, this mid-term report looks at progress so far and sets some new challenges for the Government.

Manifestos for Architecture
The RIBA launched its Manifesto for Architecture on 22 March 2005 at Portcullis House, encouraging political parties to realise that there are votes in good architectural policies and that demanding good design equals better public services and more sustainable communities.

Valuing Good Design
A lobbying document aimed at Government during the last General Election stressing the value good design contributes to society. The RIBA urged Government to respond to a series of action points to ensure the delivery of quality, well-designed buildings. Launched May 2001.

VAT
VAT Joint Statement
The RIBA urges Government to reduce the rate of VAT on building work covering the repair, maintenance and improvement of housing and historic buildings so that they are taxed in manner closer to that of new-build. We believe that at present VAT provides a perverse incentive to neglect maintenance of existing homes and build on greenfield sites. The RIBA has joined a campaign with the Federation of Master Builders, RICS, CABE, English Heritage, Civic Trust, and the National Trust on this issue.