ARB sets out five-year strategy to improve public confidence in architects

ARB has set out a five-year strategy which it said is aiming to improve safety, strengthen professional competence and improve workplace culture for UK architects.

Published today, the strategy is seeking to build on reforms introduced by the regulator over the past five years and further its ambition to increase public confidence in architects following the findings of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.

By 2030, ARB said it would fully embed its new education and training framework, set clearer standards for accountability in the profession for those in leadership roles to improve workplace culture and improve its investigations and enforcement processes.

It also said it will review its regulatory framework to “make sure it remains effective at delivering in the public interest”.

ARB chair Alan Kershaw said: “Architecture directly affects people’s safety and quality of life. Our job is to make sure that architects are competent, accountable and work in the public interest. 

“This strategy sets out how we will raise standards, strengthen education and continuing professional development, and press on with our programme to modernise the way in which architects are regulated. 

“We recognise that the profession has been subject to substantial change and continuing challenge, and the new strategy sets out how we will support the profession and enable learning providers to continue to innovate in the interests of trainees and architects of the future.” 

Reforms rolled out by the regulator since 2022 include a new model for initial education and training for architects, a new statutory CPD scheme and an updated code of conduct.

The new strategy has been published alongside a Business Plan for 2026, both of which are available to read in full on the ARB website.