The Architects Registration Board (ARB) has today announced the
publication of a new version of the
Architects Code of Conduct and Practice, which sets out the
professional standards expected of all registered architects in
the UK. The updated Code will come into effect on 1 September
2025, replacing the current version that has been in place since
2017.
Alan Kershaw, ARB Chair said:
“The new Code represents a significant step forward in defining
what it means to be an architect today. It reflects the values
that the public rightly expects of the profession, and provides a
practical framework that will help architects make decisions with
confidence and integrity. We strongly encourage all architects to
view the new Code on the ARB website and to familiarise
themselves with the new Standards before the Code comes into
effect on 1 September.”
Under the Architects Act 1997, ARB is legally required to publish
a code of conduct and practice for architects, and to keep that
code under review. The new Code is based on six Standards that
define professionalism for modern UK architects:
- Honesty and integrity
- Public interest
- Competence
- Professional practice
- Communication and collaboration
- Respect
Each Standard is underlined with examples of how architects can
demonstrate their commitment to upholding it. ARB consulted on
the new Code and Standards in 2024, and published its analysis of
the consultation earlier this year. Each of the proposed
Standards received strong support from consultation respondents,
with the highest levels of agreement on ‘Honesty and integrity'
(agreed by 89% of respondents).
To support architects in interpreting and applying the new Code,
ARB is also publishing supporting guidance addressing specific
topics. Draft guidance is being published and consulted on in
phases, and today ARB has made available the
second tranche of draft guidance for consultation, covering
the following topics:
- Managing Conflicts of Interest
- Managing Finances
- Raising Concerns and Whistleblowing
The consultation on this tranche will run for six weeks. The
first tranche - covering Dealing with Complaints, Professional
Indemnity Insurance, and Terms of Engagement - was consulted on
earlier this year between 26 February and 9 April 2025.
ENDS
Notes to editors
Useful links
View the new
Code
View the current (2017)
version of the Code
View the Code consultation
results
View the tranche 2
guidance consultation
View the Architects Act
1997
