Ben Snape“Protection of function” (also called “reserved activities”) in UK architecture refers to a proposed regulatory shift: legally restricting certain high-risk professional tasks (such as submitting planning applications or acting at key building regulations gateways) to only registered architects or other verified competent professionals.
Currently, under the Architects Act 1997, only the title “architect” is protected. Unregistered people can legally perform architectural design and submission work, which critics say undermines public safety, competence, and accountability (especially post-Grenfell Tower Inquiry).
Why is protection of function in the news
The idea gained fresh traction in 2025–2026 as part of post-Grenfell reforms to the built environment. It is being actively reviewed by the government, ARB (Architects Registration Board), and RIBA in the context of creating a Single Construction Regulator – as we remember, the key Grenfell Phase 2 recommendation was to reduce fragmentation and drive competence/culture change.
November 2025
Government advisers (then MHCLG, now DLUHC) confirmed they were examining whether to protect architects’ functions as part of the new regulator’s scope.
This followed an earlier closed call for evidence under the previous administration that explicitly asked if certain functions should be reserved for registered architects.
Late 2025 – early 2026
RIBA President Chris Williamson’s decision not to renew his ARB registration due to it being “absurd” (since it protects only the title “architect”, and not anything substantial) sparked wider debate and amplified calls for change.
RIBA’s formal response to the government argues that “some professional functions relating to planning and building regulations gateways should be regulated activities” to uphold public health, safety, and the environment.
January 2026
ARB CEO Hugh Simpson confirmed “very detailed discussions” with ministers for over a year on regulating “activities in architecture” and strengthening outdated legislation. We know that ARB asked the government to consider clearer competence requirements for higher-risk design activities.
February 2026
ARB published its 2026-2030 corporate strategy. The document commits to assessing the effectiveness of title-only protection and exploring “alternative models” of regulation that better support competence and accountability.
Ongoing into March 2026
The Single Construction Regulator prospectus (consultation closes 20 March 2026; government response summer 2026) emphasises competence frameworks, licensing for high-risk roles, and a call for evidence on building professions reform planned for spring 2026, plus a full built-environment professions strategy in spring 2027.
It does not yet propose specific function protection for architects but signals a wider review of regulation, including for design professionals.
Industry reaction to the protection of function developments is largely positive among architects (92% support in an Architects’ Journal poll). There are voices arguing it is essential for safety, proper resourcing of projects, and preventing fee erosion.
Others (e.g., CIAT) prefer a pure competence-based approach without entrenching titles, warning against protectionism or added costs. Recent opinion pieces note that protection of function “has the potential to dramatically change architecture in the UK” but would bring “greater responsibility.”
Current status
No legislation has been passed and no final decision has been made regarding protection of function. It remains under active review as part of the broader 2026-2027 regulatory overhaul.
If adopted, it would likely require new primary legislation (possibly repealing or amending the 1997 Act) and could be phased in alongside the Single Construction Regulator.
This is one of the biggest potential shifts in UK architectural regulation in decades, so expect more proposals and changes. To prepare your practice for possible changes, go through the following checklist:
How to prepare for protection of function
Stay registered with ARB and be ready to adapt to the new accreditation framework
The Architects Registration Board is overhauling its qualification system (moving from “prescription” to competency-based accreditation).
Part 1 qualifications lose accreditation by 31 Dec 2027; Part 2/3 by Dec 2028. After that, new routes require a Master’s-level academic qualification + Practice qualification (or combined) plus 2 years’ experience.
Check out this post on the exact steps to take.
Set up or strengthen a CPD Programme
ARB and RIBA require ongoing competence evidence; this will become even more important if architectura functions are protected.
To set up a CPD programme, either go the RIBA route (minimum 35 hours/year on the 10 core curriculum topics), or the ARP route (no fixed hours, but you must demonstrate up-to-date skills via audits).
See our full article with a step-by-step CPD guide.
Prepare for potential higher scrutiny of competence beyond CPD
Once protection of function is introduced, regulators may require enhanced or audited competence demonstrations for specific activities like fire safety, structural oversight, sustainability in higher-risk buildings, etc. We can expect that because the ARB’s 2026-2030 strategy mentions “alternative models” for assessment.
Build a portfolio of verifiable evidence in high-risk areas (e.g., related to the Building Safety Act, net-zero compliance, and so on).
Pursue specialist certifications like Registered Building Inspector status, Passivhaus Designer/Certifier, or RIBA Conservation Register, especially if you handle heritage or higher-risk work. Consider ARB/RIBA mentoring schemes or peer reviews to demonstrate leadership and competence.
Review business model, fees, and contracts
Protection of function could allow registered architects to charge more due to exclusivity on certain tasks, but might at the same time increase liability, responsibility, and insurance costs.
Model different scenarios: how would restricting submissions to registered architects affect project pipelines, fees, and resourcing? Consider that in your profit planning.
Update contracts/terms to reflect potential reserved roles (e.g., clearer scopes for regulated sign-offs).
Build broader professional networks and alliances
Join RIBA/ARB working groups, forums, or events on regulation. It’s always easier to go through transitory periods as a part of a group rather than on your own.
Collaborate with engineers/surveyors (e.g., via multidisciplinary teams) to prepare for integrated oversight under a single regulator.
Check out our guide to networking for architects.
Bulletproof your project management
With reserved functions likely increasing responsibility for key outputs, effective project management becomes a critical defence against errors, disputes, audits, or professional challenges.
Get formal or practical training in project management tailored to architecture – here’s where to start.
Brush up workflows and identify bottlenecks in current setups (e.g., email overload, scattered files). Implement sensible team permissions and access controls, strengthen communication protocols, and revise your document management.
PlanMan has features that allow all of these operations and much more – get your free trial today and prepare your practice for imminent regulatory changes!