P2-19 Response Accepted

Review architect education and training for fire safety

Recommendation

We recognise that both the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) have taken steps since the Grenfell Tower fire to improve the education and training of architects. We recommend that they should review the changes already made to ensure they are sufficient in the light of our findings. (113.30)

Published Evidence Summary
The following publicly available evidence relates to this recommendation:
The Architects Registration Board (ARB) and Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) accepted this recommendation, committing to review changes made to architect education and training since the Grenfell Tower fire (Official government response, 26 Feb 2025). RIBA is currently undertaking a comprehensive review of its Code of Practice and its post-Grenfell Education and Professional Development Framework, with implementation expected in 2026 (Gov.uk progress update, 1 Feb 2026). Additionally, mandatory Health and Life Safety competence tests were introduced in 2025 (Gov.uk progress update, 1 Feb 2026).
How was this assessed?
Assessed by gemini-2.5-flash on 24 Mar 2026
Checked data held on this site (government responses, progress updates, independent evidence)
External sources searched: www.gov.uk, www.legislation.gov.uk, hansard.parliament.uk
Jurisdiction
England
Response
Accepted
Accepted ARB/RIBA Initial Response
16 Jan 2025

ARB and RIBA accept this recommendation. The Inquiry's report notes that both the regulator, the Architects Registration Board (ARB), and the professional body, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), have taken steps since the tragedy to improve the education and training of architects. Both organisations have committed to reviewing the changes already made to ensure they are sufficient in the light of the Inquiry's findings. We welcome the steps ARB and RIBA have already taken, and we will continue to support them to make further changes if deemed necessary.

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Accepted ARB/RIBA Follow-up
26 Feb 2025

ARB and RIBA accept this recommendation. The Inquiry's report notes that both the regulator, the Architects Registration Board (ARB), and the professional body, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), have taken steps since the tragedy to improve the education and training of architects. Both organisations have committed to reviewing the changes already made to ensure they are sufficient in the light of the Inquiry's findings. We welcome the steps ARB and RIBA have already taken, and we will continue to support them to make further changes if deemed necessary.

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Progress Timeline
Official Report
01 Feb 2026

RIBA advancing education, training, and competence approach with Code of Practice comprehensive review underway. Education and Professional Development Framework revised post-Grenfell undergoing review with 2026 implementation expected. 2025 introduced mandatory Health and Life Safety competence test for Chartered Members acting as designers under CDM Regulations and Building Regulations. Principal Designer Register accredits over 150 professionals.

Source
Report Grenfell Tower Inquiry: Phase 2 Report 04 Sep 2024
Responsible Bodies
ARB/RIBA Primary
Recommendation age 1.5 yrs
Last formal update 01 Feb 2026