The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has today (Monday 8 April 2019) published significant updates to the codes of conduct for RIBA members and practices, alongside new procedures for dealing with disciplinary issues.
The updated Codes, which will come into force on Wednesday 1 May 2019, are:
• RIBA Code of Professional Conduct
• RIBA Code of Practice for Chartered Practices
The new Codes were approved by RIBA Council last month alongside a new version of the Disciplinary Procedures (Appendix L to the Regulations) and will come into force on Wednesday 1 May 2019.
Requirements relating to: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI); employment practice; the environment and health and safety have all been strengthened in the updates, the result of the most comprehensive review of the RIBA’s Codes since 2005.
The most significant aspect of the new disciplinary procedures is a change in the standard of proof from ‘beyond reasonable doubt’ to ‘a balance of probabilities’, bringing it in line with requirements set by many other professional and regulatory bodies, including the Architects Registration Board (ARB).
RIBA President, Ben Derbyshire, said:
“All RIBA members commit themselves to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, best practice and ethics. These baseline requirements for ethical professionalism set members’ reputation apart in terms of perceptions of probity amongst clients and society. With today’s updates, our Codes of Conduct give clear guidance to our members and practices on priority issues such as diversity and the environment, and make it clear that our profession is committed to working in the public interest.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
1. For further press information contact Abigail.Chiswell-White @riba.org +44 (0) 20 7580 3811
2. The new Code of Professional Conduct and Code of Practice will apply to issues arising on or after Wednesday 1 May 2019.
3. The new disciplinary procedures (Appendix L) was implemented on Thursday 4 April 2019 (following formal approval by RIBA Council) and will be applied to any new complaints raised on or after this date.
4. RIBA Members make their declaration when they join, but they have an obligation to keep themselves up to date on new rules and regulations that the RIBA introduces.
5. The Conduct Review Taskforce was established to conduct the review throughout 2018 and early 2019, formed of a group of RIBA members and lay panellists drawn from the RIBA’s Professional Conduct Panel, and chaired by a member of RIBA Council. The Conduct Review Taskforce was comprised of Bill Barton (Solicitor), Rachel Gwilliam (Solicitor), Darius Pullinger (Barrister), Murray Armes (RIBA), Grant Elliott (RIBA), David Kann (RIBA), and Roger Shrimplin (RIBA, Chair).
6. The RIBA Code of Professional Conduct can be downloaded here.
7. The RIBA Code of Practice for Chartered Practices can be downloaded here.
8. The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is a global professional membership body that serves its members and society in order to deliver better buildings and places, stronger communities and a sustainable environment. Follow @RIBA on Twitter for regular updates.
