PC1 Professionalism Flashcards
What is the ARB and what does it do?
An independent professional regulator. To protect the consumer and ensure that those practicing under the title of ‘architect’ have the competence to do so. So to practice under the title of architect in the UK, you have to be on the Architects registration board.
What are the functions of the ARB?
- To prescribe the qualifications needed to become an architect in the UK
- Keep the UK register of architects
- Ensure that architects meet standards for conduct and practice
- Investigate complaints about architects conduct or competence in relation to the architect’s code
- Make sure that only people in its register practice under the title ‘architect’
What is the PCC (professional conduct committee)?
The disciplinary tribunal that assesses allegations of unacceptable conduct by architects, and imposes disciplinary sanctions eg. reprimand, penalty order (fine), suspension order (max. 2 years), erasure order
What are the main standards included in the Architect’s Code?
- Be honest and act with integrity
- Be competent
- Promote your services honestly and responsibly
- Manage your business competently
- Consider the wider impact of your work
- Carry out your work faithfully and conscientiously
- Be trustworthy and look after your clients’
money properly - Have appropriate insurance arrangements
- Maintain the reputation of architects
- Deal with disputes or complaints appropriately
- Co-operate with regulatory requirements and
investigations - Have respect for others
What is the RIBA and what does it do?
A professional body with a royal charter, and is a registered charity. It’s purpose is advancement of architecture and support architects.
What are the functions of the RIBA
- Raising sustainability concerns and seeking to influence government and public opinion
- Facing the challenges to architectural quality in times of changing building procurement and technology
- Providing support services to practicioners
- Striving to improve the status and competence of architects through professional education and research
- Engaging in consultation on legal, technical and financial controls and constraints within which architecture is now practiced
- Maintaining the architects professed concept of providing a unique service
What benefits come with being a member of the RIBA?
- Knowledge, research and information
- Business support services
- Association with the internationally respected brand
- Personal and career development
What are the main headings of the RIBA code of conduct?
- Integrity
- Competence
- Relationships
What is the difference between the ARB and RIBA?
- The ARB is an independent professional regulator intended to protect consumers by ensuring that those practicing under the title of ‘architect’ in the UK are sufficiently competent to do so.
- The RIBA is a professional body and charity aimed at helping architects and driving advancement of architecture.
- Both have their own codes of conduct.
- But to practice under the title of architect in the UK, registration with the ARB is compulsory, and you can be sanctioned if you don’t comply with their code of conduct.
- On the other hand, RIBA membership is optional.
What is an RIBA chartered practice?
A gold standard of quality assurance to clients. There are certain criteria that must be met to be a chartered practice, eg. min. 1 in 8 staff must be members, and all architectural work must be supervised by an RIBA member + various operating policies regarding things like equality and diversity.
What is the CPD requirement associated with being an RIBA member?
Must undertake 35 hours minimum CPD, at least 20 hours of which must be on RIBA CPD Core Curriculum Topics
What are the RIBA CPD Core Curriculum topics?
- Architecture for Social Purpose
- Health, safety and wellbeing
- Business, clients and services
- Legal, regulatory and statutory compliance
- Procurement and contracts
- Sustainable architecture
- Inclusive environments
- Places, planning and communities
- Building conservation and heritage
- Design, construction and technology
More detail on their website along with study notes and links to CPD providers
What would you do if your boss told you to do something wrong (unethical)?
- Highlight concerns
- Try to offer other alternative solutions
- Seek external advice - could refer to RIBA resources if RIBA member
- If
Key events that have affected the ARB?
Grenfell & BSA:
- Gives the ARB new powers to monitor the competence of architects. Will strike off architects who don’t meet competence requirements.
- PI insurance: ARB have updated their guidance on PI insurance in response to architects finding it difficult to obtain the types of PII previously required. Eg it will not be considered misconduct if an architect can’t obtain retrospective insurance to cover historic liabilities.
Equality and diversity in RIBA?
RIBA have Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy
- Sets out 7 areas of action eg. social mobility, gender parity, LGBTQ+ communities, disability, BAME representation
