黑洞社区

People working in construction are being asked for their views on whether the regulatory regime for architects and other built environment professions is fit for purpose.

The government today launched a 12-week call for evidence focusing on the role of the Arb and has asked all of those working in construction, design and academia to contribute.

It will form the first part of a 鈥渨holesale review鈥� aiming to modernise the architecture sector and improve its accessibility and innovation which will include thematic workshops and interviews. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said it would also use desktop research to consider precedents from other countries and professions.

Topics will include how the architectural profession can become more diverse and whether the current regulatory system will work as new building safety legisation is introduced.

Respondents will also be asked for their views on the role of regulation in ensuring a more sustainable built environment and how the government can promote innovation in the sector.

Initial findings from the review will be put on the desk of housing minister Chris Pincher in spring next year, with the outcome expected to be announced in the summer.

Pincher said the review aimed to maintain the UK architectural sector鈥檚 reputation as one of the 鈥渂est in the world鈥�.

He said: 鈥淭he review we are launching today builds on this outstanding legacy, looking to the future and exploring the changes we need for an innovative, accessible and broad profession that delivers better, greener and safer design and construction.鈥�

Government鈥檚 last 鈥減eriodic revew鈥� of Arb ran from 2014-17 but regulatory changes and the need for new trade deals post-Brexit as well as the new building safety landscape post-Grenfell are among the reasons for the new review.

In his foreword to the survey, Pincher said: 鈥淭he time is right to have a bigger and longer-term focused conversation with the architectural sector about the purpose of regulation and government policy in this sector and how they could be improved to deliver a modern, innovative, accessible and diverse profession that delivers better, greener and safer design and construction in the built environment.鈥�

The call for evidence follows a recent consultation on changes to the way that architects are regulated and public engagement exercises by Arb.

It also comes as new powers are set to be granted to Arb under the 黑洞社区 Safety Bill, which was published last month, to strike off architects from the register if they fail to meet new competence standards.

Arb chair Alan Kershaw said it was 鈥渆ssential鈥� that architects have a 鈥渞enewed and modern鈥� policy framework.

鈥淭he government鈥檚 review asks important questions about policy and regulation and we look forward to playing a full part in shaping and supporting an architectural profession that is fit for the future,鈥� he said.

RIBA president Alan Jones welcomed the 鈥渧ery timely鈥� review and urged the 鈥渆ntire profession鈥� to contribute. 

He said: 鈥淭he climate emergency and building safety crisis continue to prompt and prove the urgent need for regulated architects鈥� expertise throughout the entire timeline of each project.鈥�

Jones added that the review provides an opportunity to demonstrate the value architects bring to society and expand on issues the profession faces, including those stemming from impending changes to legislation such as ensuring professional competence and brokering mutual recognition of qualifications (MRPQ) agreements.

The review also follows the launch of the Office for Place, a new body within MHCLG that is intended to help communities demand better design standards in new developments using design codes.

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