Consultation on Architects’ Standards of Competence for Building Safety

A CONSULTATION on monitoring architects’ professional competence and recognising international qualifications has been announced.

The consultation proposes new systems for recognising international qualifications after Brexit. It also makes proposals for Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

Currently, there is no legal requirement for UK architects to have their competence re-assessed, or to complete any CPD after entry on the Architect Registration Board’s Register.

Building safety competence

Measures to improve competence set out in the draft Building Safety Bill will bring requirements for evidence in line with other regulated professions, government says.

The consultation is part of the drive to improve the competence of professionals across the built environment, who have a responsibility for designing, constructing and managing buildings. This includes the government’s work with industry through the British Standards Institute on a new overarching competence framework that will apply across the construction industry.

The changes also form part of wider work to improve the regulatory systems for fire and building safety. These include the government’s draft Building Safety Bill published in July.

Highest safety standards

Housing Minister, Rt Hon Christopher Pincher said: “These necessary changes will have a two-fold effect. First, they will ensure we continue to attract the best architects from around the world.

“Second, they will make sure the people who design the homes we live in and buildings we work in are always guided by the highest safety standards. I encourage all architects, as well as those involved in the wider built environment, to submit their views and feedback on our proposals.”

The government is seeking views on the proposed amendments to the Architects Act 1997 as well as the proposed new measures for the recognition of international architects’ qualifications and experience. Responses to the consultation will be used to inform policy development and secondary legislation.

The consultation will run until 22 January 2021.