The Architects Registration Board (ARB) has welcomed the publication of the Single Construction Regulator Prospectus by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
ARB welcomes the government’s statement today which sets out its commitment to improving the quality of regulation in the built environment with a renewed focus on regulatory outcomes and a plan to reduce fragmentation.
Hugh Simpson, Chief Executive and Registrar of ARB, said: “We welcome the government’s commitment to rationalise and strengthen the system of regulatory oversight and enforcement for the professions in the built environment. We will continue to share our expertise, as we have done through our participation in the Single Construction Regulator Advisory Board, and to work constructively with government and other built environment stakeholders. We look forward to contributing to the call for evidence on regulation of professions which the government is planning for spring 2026.
“ARB has taken a number of steps since the Grenfell Tower tragedy to strengthen our own regulatory framework. These include the introduction of a new statutory CPD scheme, the strengthening of fire and life safety design requirements through initial education and training of architects in the UK, and stressing the importance of acting in the public interest through the new Architects Code of Conduct and Practice.
“ARB agrees with government that this is a generational opportunity to enable better, clearer regulation. We have been discussing with government opportunities through their consultation to review regulation of title ‘architect’ and consider alternative ways to increase the efficiency of pre-construction design and increase consumer and business confidence including regulated activities in architecture.”
The government will publish a call for evidence in spring 2026 to seek detailed views on targeted proposals for reform and a future regulatory framework.
