Responding to the Initial Complaint

If the Architects Registration Board (ARB) has received a complaint about you, please contact us straightaway. You need to respond to the initial complaint, outlining your innocence. We can write this letter on your behalf, explaining why there is no case to be answered. An early, intelligent response can be highly effective.

For immediate legal advice, please call us on 0151 909 2380, email info@jglaw.co.uk or complete the Free Online Enquiry Form.

Complaints to the Architects Registration Board

The ARB has the power to investigate complaints against architects. In particular, the ARB’s purpose is to establish whether an architect has displayed unacceptable professional conduct or serious professional incompetence.

If a complaint is made against you, the ARB will check that it falls within their scope. The ARB does not have the authority to manage disputes regarding fees, contracts, compensation and certain other issues. If the ARB is happy to continue, you will receive a copy of the complaint. Often, this is the first you become aware of the problem.

Responding to the complaint

At this stage, we highly recommend contacting us for expert legal advice. The ARB will invite you to respond to the complaint, asking for your comments on the matter. It is vital that you put forward a strong defence, explaining why your actions do not amount to unacceptable professional conduct and/or serious professional incompetence. We can write this response for you, drawing upon our expertise to discredit the case against you.

The ARB will review this information before deciding what to do next. Either, the matter will be dropped. Or, the case will be referred on to the Investigations Panel.

Ask us for help

We act on behalf of registered architects who are under investigation by the ARB. If you have received correspondence from the ARB regarding a complaint, we can help you. As your legal representative, we can respond to the initial complaint, explaining why the case against you has no merit. A compelling response at an early stage can prevent further action from being taken.

Principal Solicitor Jonathan Goodwin previously prosecuted for the ARB for nearly 20 years. This gives us a unique insight as to how the ARB works. We know how to draft a persuasive argument which will appeal to the ARB, putting an end to the matter.

We understand how upsetting it is to be reviewed by the ARB and will do everything we can to ensure a swift, successful outcome.

Contact us now

If you have received a letter from the ARB asking you to respond to a complaint, please call us on 0151 909 2380 or complete a Free Online Enquiry and we will soon be in touch.

Alternatively, for further information enter some details in the form below to instantly download our Free Guide.