Director of Policy and Communications

ARB is an independent professional regulator, established as a statutory body, by the 1997 Architects Act.Its functions include: approvingthe qualifications needed to join the Register of Architects; maintaining a publicly available register; setting professional standards of conduct and practice; determining the requirements for continuous professional development; taking appropriate action when an architect falls below required […]

ARB is an independent professional regulator, established as a statutory body, by the 1997 Architects Act.Its functions include: approvingthe qualifications needed to join the Register of Architects; maintaining a publicly available register; setting professional standards of conduct and practice; determining the requirements for continuous professional development; taking appropriate action when an architect falls below required standards of conduct or competence; protecting the legally-restructed title of architect.

We are looking to recruit a Director of Policy and Communications to join the Senior Leaders Group (SLG). You will be responsible for the delivery of a highly efficient and effective communications function and for supporting ARB’s development through engagement, consultation management and research. You will be responsible for the ARB’s regulatory policy development and will have leadership responsibility for influencing positive change in relation to equality, diversity and inclusion. As a member of the SLG you will work with colleagues to manage the operations of the Architects Registration Board (ARB) to facilitate ARB’s effective delivery of the Board’s purpose and objectives.

some key responsibilities

• Lead, develop, implement and deliver an overarching and integrated communications and engagement strategy that supports ARB’s strategic direction and helps deliver key objectives.

• Building ARB’s capacity and capability in evidence-based policy development making use of internal expertise and external research.

• Maintain and develop close and effective working relationships with Government, consumer organisations, professional bodies for architects, the construction industry, universities and other regulatory bodies, both in the UK and internationally, to improve understanding of ARB’s work and its reputation among its stakeholders.

• Leading the implementation of ARB’s EDI policies, with a particular external focus to influence a positive change in the architectural profession and to help make it more reflective of society as a whole.

some essential competencies we are looking for

• Senior communications leadership experience and previous leadership of communications teams.

• Strong record of high-level stakeholder engagement, including political influencers, MPs, ministers, and policy makers at a local and national level.

• Experience of operating and influencing at Board level in a large organisation and of providing professional counsel and advice to CEOs, Executive Directors and Board Members.

• Experience of managing different research methodologies and producing evidence to support policy development.

Full details of the role and responsibilities required can be found in the link below. Please apply by visiting and following the instructions in the candidate brief quoting reference AD1001. The closing date is Wednesday 26 November at 4pm.

Should you still require a confidential conversation with Sarah Thewlis or for any other information please email .