In its response to the Government’s Single Construction Regulator Prospectus consultation, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has called for widespread reform of the built environment regulatory system, warning that the current framework is fragmented and lacks clear oversight of professional competence. This does little for consumer protection.
RIBA supports the Government's ambition to take a more holistic view of regulation, competence and culture across the build environment sector. However, it warns that meaningful reform must place professional competence and quality in the built environment at the centre of the new system.
The prospectus recognises the scale of the challenge, noting that “no single body has a full view of competence, capacity, regulation and enforcement across the building professions”. RIBA says this must change if we are to deliver buildings that are safe, high-quality and serve the public good.
In its response, RIBA sets out how a competence-based model of reform, centred on its Repeal, Reserve, Regulate proposals, would help ensure that those responsible for key decisions in the design and delivery of buildings have the appropriate skills, qualifications and accountability. It also argues that to deliver quality in our built environment means that all significant building work must be included in these reforms.
Embedding culture change must also be part of the changes. From broken procurement processes to declining fees, architecture, and the wider built environment, system needs to be rebooted and reformed. RIBA are committed to this through its Towards Tomorrow’s Architecture plan and look forward to working with the Government to address these issues.
Chris Williamson, RIBA President, said: “If we are serious about delivering buildings that are safe, high-quality and truly serve the public good, then widespread reform is urgently needed.
“To achieve this, professional competence must sit at the heart of any new regulatory system. A competence-based framework that clearly defines responsibilities would strengthen public protection and improve accountability across the built environment.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a regulatory system that supports safety, quality and trust in the places where people live and work.
“The new regulatory system must raise the standard of our built environment – and that requires a competence‑led approach."
