The Architects Registration Board (ARB) has been given new powers in the Building Safety Act 2022 to monitor the training and development architects carry out throughout their careers, to support architects’ commitment to continued learning and uphold public confidence in the competence of the profession.
ARB writes:
ARB’s scheme will be introduced in 2024, and architects will be told what they need to do to comply, and when. At the moment we are consulting on our proposals. When ARB’s new CPD scheme is introduced, it will be mandatory. This means all architects on the UK Register will have to confirm they have undertaken CPD on an annual basis and this commitment will be a condition of their ongoing registration.
We previously asked for views on our proposed principles for the scheme. This showed strong support for the approach we planned to take. We are now consulting on the detail of the scheme before it is finalised and introduced. This detail is set out in draft guidance that we have published so that architects can review the requirements, understand what will be asked of them and share their views.
- Architects will need to carry out CPD every year and confirm they have undertaken it when they pay their retention fee in order to remain registered.
- There is no minimum number of activities or hours that an architect must complete. Architects can do the CPD that is most relevant to their practice, in a way that works best for them.
- Architects may have to do CPD on core topics mandated by ARB. If ARB does choose to mandate a topic, this will be communicated to architects in advance and with guidelines to assist them.
- CPD can be recorded on the ARB platform, or another compatible platform identified in ARB’s guidance. Architects will need to record the CPD activities they carry out and the outcomes from them. They will also need to write a reflective statement on the development they have carried out over the last 12 months, and their future development requirements. Check ARB’s guidance before using a different platform.
- ARB will annually review a selection of architects’ CPD records. If you are selected to be reviewed, ARB will write to you asking for documentation about your CPD.
