First agreement making it easier for architects to work abroad to be signed within weeks
The process for making it easier for architects to work abroad has taken an important step forward after the government passed new legislation.
Amendments to the Architects Act 1997 which end the UK’s automatic recognition of architectural qualifications in the EU were signed by building safety minister Lee Rowley this week.
It means Arb is now able to enter mutual recognition agreements with regulators in other countries including the USA, Australia, New Zealand and countries in the EU.
There are no immediate changes for practices inside or outside the UK as this week’s legislative change will not come into effect until a new recognition agreement under the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement is finalised, or if Arb changes its approach.
But the regulator said it is now free to sign the mutual recognition agreements with other countries which it has been negotiating over the past year. It is understood the first of these is due to be finalised within the next few weeks.
Arb chief executive Hugh Simpson said: “We’re really pleased to now have the legislation we need to enter into mutual recognition agreements with other regulators around the world.
“These will help eligible professionals to register across countries more easily, sharing their skills and services and boosting the UK’s trade.
“At the same time, any new agreement will maintain high standards and safety and ensure that anyone who joins the UK register meets the standard required to practise safely and effectively.”
> Also read: Architects must do annual CPD to stay on register under Arb plans
In July last year, the council of state architects’ regulators in the US, the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, ratified an agreement with arb which would make it easier for registered UK architects to seek registration in the States.
Mutual recognition agreements are also being developed with regulators in Australia, New Zealand and the EU.
A post-Brexit shake up of qualification routes could mean architects will be able to study in a variety of ways including for a shorter period than is currently the case.
Arb has said it intends to move to an educational structure focused on competencies to provide more flexible routes into the profession.
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