ARBV Update

Special Edition, May 2026

Further guidance material available

Following our last special edition ARBV Update issued on 28 April 2026 and webinar on 29 April 2026, we have prepared further guidance material which is available on our website as follows:

• Responses to key themes arising from questions about the changes
• Side-by-side comparison of the new Code of Conduct with the previous Code of Conduct
• Summary of changes to the Code of Conduct
• Webinar recording and slides.

The changes to the Code do not significantly add to the regulatory burden on architects. Most of the obligations in the new Code were already contained in the previous version and the recent changes reflect existing professional standards expected of architects.

ARBV's Statement of Approach

It is very important for architects to understand their obligations under the Code and to take steps to embed compliance with them in their operating systems, business processes as well as professional practice.

The ARBV is responsible for ensuring compliance with the Code. A more favourable view will be taken by the ARBV in the context of its compliance and enforcement activity if an architect can demonstrate that they actively took steps to understand and comply with their obligations under the Code. The ARBV’ s approach to compliance and enforcement is set out in its Statement of Approach – Compliance with the Architects Code of Professional Conduct. This statement also includes information about the introduction of the new Code, a summary of the Code changes and an outline of the process leading to the introduction of the new Code.

We are continuing to develop guidance materials. This includes a Guide to the Code of Conduct. We will keep you informed of these developments.