With the rise of consumer protectionism, increased use of social media to frame our opinions and values rather than from experts, as well as the loss of public confidence in professionals after several high-profile disasters (such as the Grenfell Tower fire and Shrewsbury Hospital Maternity Scandal), the value and purpose of professionalism has come into question again.

Within the context of professionalism, there is a unique history of the development of professionalism and regulation of UK architects, from  the pyramids to medieval guilds, to the RIBA, ARB, WCCA and the ACE (EU).  There is also a changed public perception, need and future relevance for professionalism, which is causing professional bodies, guilds and livery companies to re-appraise their position and purpose in Society. 

This is the basis of Richard Brindley's recent  book 'Professionalism at Work', published in January 2022 as an RIBA Good Practice Guide.  In this talk, Richard will outline the historic development of professionalism in the UK, particularly the roles of City Livery Companies and professional institutes in this, with an outlook on the challenges and opportunities now facing processionals in the modern post-digital age.

About the Speaker:

Richard Brindley is past Master of the Worshipful Company of Chartered Architects (2016-17) and a chartered architect with many years' experience in small and large practices.  He was also active in developing the profession whilst Director or Practice and then Executive Director of Professional Services at the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) (2003-2015). Richard now provides strategic management and governance advice to professional membership bodies, as well as being a university lecturer on professional studies.  He has recently written a book 'Professionalism at Work', as a 'RIBA Good Practice Guide' to encapsulate his knowledge and prognosis on Professionalism, particularly for Architects. 

This online talk, free to WCCA members, will count towards the annual CPD hours under the RIBA "Architecture for Social Purpose" topic.


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