Election statement - George Oldham
“I am a member of The ARB Reform Group, which has the firm resolve to restrict the Board to its originally intended role of registration, and to reduce its activities and fees accordingly”,
By voting in all seven members - Mark Benzie, Peter Phillips, Nicholas Tweddell, Derek Salter, Colin Brock, John Griffiths and myself, you will enable us to be united on your behalf in achieving change.
The ARB was set up in 1997 as an architects’ registration body - hence its name. Hansard confirms that Parliament intended that it would be a minimalist body, but the Board has progressively sought to involve itself in regulation of the profession in indemnity insurance, education, accreditation of architectural courses, CPD and annual audit and re-registration.
That a non-professional organisation should seek to duplicate professional matters, which are properly the responsibility of the RIBA, as set out in its Royal Charter, is as presumptuous as it is wastefully expensive.
The ARB was given a simple remit to protect the public by holding a register of architects and to prosecute those who dishonestly profess to hold the title. Instead, this organisation, dominated by un-elected non-architects, has chosen to “protect the consumer” by increasingly regulating your licence to practice, in effect, becoming your jailor, and at your increasing expense.
If, as a member of a profession with an enviable ethical record, you find this unacceptable, please register your concern and desire for change by voting for the seven who share the “minimalist ARB” slate.
tel: 01434 606459
Hexham, Northumberland
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