The responsible Minister for the period from 1 July 2021 to 27 June 2022 was the Hon Richard Wynne MP, Minister for Planning. The responsible Minister for the period from 27 June 2022 to 30 June 2022 was the Hon Lizzie Blandthorn MP, Minister for Planning.
Establishment and Role
Established in 1923 the ARBV is a self-funded Victorian public sector entity.
The Architects Act 1991 (the Act) establishes the framework for the regulation of architects in Victoria and has as its purposes:
- to provide for the registration of architects
- to provide for the approval of partnerships and companies providing architectural services
- to regulate the professional conduct of architects
- to provide a procedure for handling complaints against architects
- to regulate the use of the terms “architect”, “architectural services”, “architectural design services” and “architectural design”
- to establish the Architects Registration Board of Victoria.
Functions
The ARBV’s statutory functions include:
- assessing and determining applications for registration from individuals and applications for approval from partnerships and companies
- suspending and cancelling registrations or approvals and revoking suspensions where required
- regulating the professional conduct of architects, approved partnerships and approved companies
- preparing guidelines on professional conduct and practice for architects, approved partnerships and approved companies
- publishing information relating to the operation of the ARBV and the Act
- together with the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA), administering the Architectural Practice Examination, the most common pathway to registration
- accrediting architectural programs of study within Victoria, in accordance with the established Architecture Program Accreditation Procedure in Australia and New Zealand administered by the AACA and in doing so, determining qualifications required for registration under the Act
- investigating and bringing proceedings for offences against the Act
- carrying out any other powers and functions which are given to it by the Act or which are necessary to implement the Act.
Nature and Range of Functional Areas at the ARBV
Registration
Registration is responsible for registration-related activities, including assessing and determining applications for registration. It also includes applications for applicants seeking registration for the first time, architects seeking to change their class of registration, architects seeking registration with the ARBV via mutual recognition, and architects seeking to renew their registration. The function also oversees suspensions and cancellations of registration and revocations of suspension. The function is also responsible for maintaining the Register of Architects, supporting the AACA in its administration of the Architectural Practice Examination (APE) and other pre-registration pathways, and assisting the administration of accreditation. It also provides secretariat support to the National Registrars Forum.
Complaints and Investigation
The ARBV receives complaints and notifications and where appropriate investigates matters relating to professional conduct or prohibited conduct matters. Based on cumulative information, this function identifies systemic or emerging issues based on its data analysis and information sharing. The Complaints and Investigation team maintains collaborative relationships with other regulators and stakeholders. The ARBV seeks to identify and act upon possible non-compliance as early as possible and provide guidance to architects and consumers through its proactive regulatory strategies.
Legal
The legal section provides legal, regulatory and policy advice and may represent the ARBV in proceedings. The function coordinates administrative support for the Architects Tribunal in relation to disciplinary proceedings. It also manages freedom of information (FOI) and privacy matters, including the assessment of FOI requests in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act 1982 and guidelines issued by the FOI Commissioner. The function also supports implementation of Victorian Government policy and assists other divisions to bring into operation the various regulatory requirements.
Governance
The governance function ensures the necessary mechanisms, frameworks, processes, policies and procedures are in place to meet the organisational, statutory and whole of government compliance and accountability requirements and facilitates the effective and efficient operation of the Board and its committees.
Finance and Corporate Services
Finance: Finance ensures accurate, transparent and timely management of financial information including management of revenue from applications, registration and examination fees together with strong financial management of budgeted expenditure.
Risk Management, Auditing and Compliance: This function is responsible for establishing effective systems and controls for financial management and performance and sustainability of the ARBV, including internal control, risk management, auditing and meeting government compliance requirements.
Business Services: This function encompasses building and facilities management, sustainable procurement, information services, and office administration.
Human Resources: The human resources function includes payroll services, compliance with key governance obligations, industrial and employee relations, workforce planning, capability development, organisational culture and occupational health and safety and employee wellbeing.
Communications and Engagement: This function is responsible for public relations, issues management, stakeholder relations, corporate communications (publications and external messaging) and digital presence.
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