The ARBV reports to the Minister for Planning, who is supported by the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP). The responsible Minister for the period was the Hon. Sonya Kilkenny MP, Minister for Planning.
DTP delivers an integrated approach to Victoria’s transport and planning system to support inclusive, prosperous and sustainable community outcomes. DTP enables more liveable communities across Victoria through the realisation of local economic and community opportunities.
DTP serves five Ministers and a Parliamentary Secretary and unites transport, planning, precincts, land use, property, building and heritage to support its vision of thriving places, connected communities for all Victorians.
The ARBV and its initiatives are key contributors to the transport and planning portfolio.
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
(APE), 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
Registration
The registration function is responsible for pre-registration and registration-related activities, including assessing applications for registration from 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.
Registration oversees suspensions and cancellations of registration and revocations of suspension. It also ensures registrants comply with their compliance obligations including Continuing Professional Development and Professional Indemnity Insurance.
The function is also responsible for maintaining the Register of Architects, supporting the AACA in its administration of the 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 Complaints and Investigation function is responsible for administering compliance obligations set out in the Act. As part of this function, Complaints and Investigation assesses complaints received about architects' professional conduct and may undertake investigations. Complaints and Investigation may also investigate in circumstances where an unregistered person is alleged to be representing themselves as an architect which is prohibited conduct under the legislation.
Complaints and Investigation support the ARBV’s proactive regulatory activities by identifying complaint trends and emerging issues which help to inform parallel educative initiatives. Established collaborative relationships with other regulators and stakeholders including information sharing arrangements also help to inform regulatory activities and outcomes.
Tribunal support
This function coordinates administrative support for the Architects Tribunal in relation to disciplinary proceedings.
Freedom of Information and Privacy
This function manages freedom of information (FOI) and privacy, including the assessment of FOI requests in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act 1982 and guidelines issued by the FOI Commissioner.
Communications and Engagement
This function is responsible for public relations, issues management, stakeholder relations, corporate communications (publications and external messaging) and the ARBV's digital presence.
Governance
The governance function ensures that 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. The function supports implementation of Victorian Government policy and assists other divisions to bring into operation the various regulatory requirements.
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.
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