George Oldham

I stand as an ARB Reform Group candidate for a second term of office, resolved to continue to hold the Architects’ Registration Board to its statutory functions only, as prescribed by Parliament.

Last time, you elected five Reform Group members who have worked hard in curbing unnecessary bureaucracy and cost, and demanding that the Board must be open and accountable and its decisions proportionate. Having five members of the Board acting with a single purpose has changed the Board’s dynamic, and together we have:

Achieved equal numbers on committees, and opened them up to all Board members to attend and observe.
Prevented ARB's monitoring of competence usurping or replicating professional CPD.
Begun a review of outsourcing ARB exams, aiming to achieve cost savings and demonstrate independence.
Defended title by cleansing the Yellow Pages and other directories, removing non-architects falsely claiming and abusing the title of Architect.
Begun a review of the necessity of the Board’s monitoring of PII.
Opposed ARB expansion and promoted holding the Board to a minimalist agenda.

This said, there is still much to change, as the latest fee increase so clearly demonstrates.

Continuity and reinforcement is now essential. The above reforms have been achieved in the face of our being outvoted by 10 to 5 on occasions. Elect all seven Reform Group candidates: Ruth Brennan, Colin Brock, Mark Benzie, Derek Salter, Bernard Wyld, Andrew Mortimer and myself to help us to achieve further reform on your behalf.

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