The updated Codes, which will come into force on May 1, were approved by RIBA Council last month alongside a new version of the Disciplinary Procedures.

The new codes are:

• RIBA Code of Professional Conduct
• RIBA Code of Practice for Chartered Practices

Requirements relating to: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI); employment practice; the environment and health and safety have all been strengthened in the updates, the result of the most comprehensive review of the RIBA’s Codes since 2005.

The most significant aspect of the new disciplinary procedures is a change in the standard of proof from ‘beyond reasonable doubt’ to ‘a balance of probabilities’, bringing it in line with requirements set by many other professional and regulatory bodies, including the Architects Registration Board (ARB).

RIBA President, Ben Derbyshire, said: “All RIBA members commit themselves to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, best practice and ethics. These baseline requirements for ethical professionalism set members’ reputation apart in terms of perceptions of probity amongst clients and society.

“With today’s updates, our Codes of Conduct give clear guidance to our members and practices on priority issues such as diversity and the environment, and make it clear that our profession is committed to working in the public interest.”