Part 5: Other provisions about safety standards, etc. Architects Section 157: Architects: discipline and continuing professional development Continuing professional development
Sections 4(1) and 4(2) of the Architects Act 1997 provide broad powers for the Board to determine the criteria and process for registering as an architect in the UK. The Architects Act does not provide powers for the Board to scrutinise competence after the initial registration and throughout an architect’s career unless an allegation of unacceptable professional conduct is brought before the Board. This means that an architect may be practicing for a prolonged period without any further proactive regulatory oversight.
	This provision will apply to all architects on the Register, not only those working on higher-risk buildings, due to the public safety aspect of all construction. Most other regulated professions require their registrants to demonstrate competence throughout their career and most professional membership bodies have mandatory Continuous Professional Development requirements. This proposal brings the architects profession in line with best practice and gives greater assurance to those procuring and inhabiting buildings.
Example 1: Discipline
An architect is found guilty of unacceptable professional conduct by the PCC and is reprimanded but able to continue practicing. When a member of the public searches for this architect on the Register, there will be a note on the architect’s entry stating that they have been reprimanded. This will be listed for a period of time determined by the Board depending on the severity of the order. Once this time period has lapsed, the note on the architect’s Register entry will be removed.
If an architect is issued with an erasure order then their name is removed from the Register. They may reapply for re-entry no less than two years from the date of erasure (or longer if so specified by the PCC). The Board will decide as part of the prescribed Rules whether the original disciplinary order will be marked on the Register if the sanctioned individual should obtain restored registration.
Example 2: Continuing professional development
The exact requirements for the assessment of practical experience or training will be determined by the Board following a full review and consultation. This review was commenced in March 2020.