RSUA responds to ARB consultation on draft guidance for its Code of Conduct

RSUA has responded to the Architects Registration Board (ARB) consultation on the second tranche of draft guidance for the Architects Code of Conduct.

The Code of Conduct is based on six Standards, each accompanied by examples of appropriate behaviours. The Standards are intended to be supported by guidance, and a list of guidance topics was published as part of the initial consultation process. 

RSUA submitted a response to ARB’s first tranche of guidance in April 2025, as well as to the overarching consultation on the Architects’ Code of Conduct and Practice in December 2024. Our response to the latter can be viewed here. 

Consultation background 

After the first tranche, ARB sought feedback on three more of the eventual 11 guidance documents.

These documents were:

• Managing conflicts of interest
• Managing finances appropriately
• Raising concerns and whistleblowing

RSUA response

RSUA submitted four editorial suggestions across the three documents. These proposed amendments concerned:

1. Enabling all architects to report on the financial health of their practice
2. Clarifying that director-architects of insolvent companies should not contact former clients without the approval of an Insolvency Practitioner (IP)
3. Including reference to devolved Northern Irish legislation where UK laws do not apply
4. Recognition that architects offering both independent consultancy and contracting services might be unsuitable in certain situations

Our full response can be viewed here.

If you have any questions or comments about the response, please contact Curtis Large, RSUA Policy and Public Affairs Officer, at curtis@rsua.org.uk