Consultation on draft guidance for the Architects Code of Conduct - Tranche three

Feedback updated 3 Aug 2026

We asked

ARB consulted on the five draft guidance notes between 2 April and 14 May 2026.

You said

We received 44 responses, including 18 from organisations. Thirty-two respondents were registered architects.

Overall, respondents supported the principle of issuing guidance in each area.

Agreement or strong agreement ranged from 50% for building safety to 61% for mentoring. However, the consultation also identified material concerns about proportionality, legal precision, the practical limits of an architect’s control, and the risk of guidance becoming excessively detailed or prescriptive.

The qualitative feedback was detailed and from expert stakeholders, and has been useful in strengthening the final documents.

We did

The guidance has been finalised and published on ARB's website.

We have also published a resources webpage, which provides relevant legislation, statutory guidance and recognised industry resources in one place to help architects understand and apply the Code in practice.

Published responses

View submitted responses where consent has been given to publish the response.

Closed 14 May 2026

Opened 2 Apr 2026

Contact

communications@arb.org.uk

Overview

Professionalism lies at the heart of architectural practice, underpinning the trust placed in architects by clients, colleagues, and the wider public. Professionalism is about more than technical competence - it encompasses a commitment to ethical decision-making, accountability, and the responsible exercise of professional judgement.

Under the Architects Act, the Architects Registration Board (ARB) is required to publish a code setting the standards of professional conduct and practice expected of all persons on the Register of Architects, and to keep that code under review. ARB meets this requirement through the publication of the Architects Code of Conduct and Practice, otherwise known as the Architects Code.

The Architects Code is a positive statement of what professionalism and ethics mean to architects. It explains in clear terms the behaviours and high standards that all architects are expected to meet.

ARB has now published a new version of the Architects Code.

Guidance and this consultation

The new Code is supported with guidance for how architects can apply the Standards in more specific contexts and in relation to particular topics. Draft guidance is being published and consulted on in phases.

We are now publishing draft versions of five further guidance documents for consultation. 

The draft guidance documents we are consulting on in this tranche are:

We are inviting views on these proposals from any interested individuals and organisations.

The consultation will close on Thursday 14 May 2026.

Audiences

  • Anyone from any background

Interests

  • Competence
  • Equality Diversity and Inclusion
  • Professional Standards