ARB · Post-BSA 2027 guidance
ARB post-BSA 2022 guidance 2027 — architects PI
Reviewed by Apex Insurance Brokers · Published 15 July 2026
The Architects Registration Board (ARB) is issuing updated guidance in 2027 to reflect the Building Safety Act 2022 impact on architects' PI. Standard 8 adequacy expectations are the focus.
Why the 2027 guidance matters
BSA 2022 s.135 created 30-year retrospective liability for HRB work.
Standard 8 currently says PI must be 'adequate' — no fixed floor.
ARB has signalled that 'adequate' should reflect BSA 2022 exposure.
Guidance formalises expectations without changing the Standard itself.
Expected content of the guidance
- Explicit reference to BSA 2022 s.135 as material to adequacy.
- HRB-specific cover-level indications for HRB-active practices.
- Run-off cover expectations extended to reflect 30-year retrospective.
- Retroactive-date discipline for practice transitions.
- Documentation standards for cover-adequacy assessment.
- Aggregation clause treatment guidance for BSA-related claims.
Practical implications for architects
- HRB-active practices likely need materially higher aggregate limits.
- Documentation of cover-adequacy assessment against BSA exposure.
- Run-off cover extension for HRB-relevant historic work.
- Aggregation clause negotiation for multi-project HRB portfolios.
- Regular review as case law and regulator understanding evolves.
What non-HRB architects should do
The guidance focuses on HRB exposure — non-HRB work relatively unaffected.
Confirm which projects are HRB-classified retrospectively.
Buildings later converted to residential may become retrospectively HRB.
Non-HRB firms with any doubt should discuss with broker.
Timeline
- ARB consultation expected mid-2026.
- Draft guidance published late 2026.
- Final guidance effective 2027 in most cases.
- Adoption in practice through renewal cycles 2027-2028.
Frequently asked
Does the ARB Standard 8 change?
The Standard remains 'adequate PI cover'. Guidance clarifies what 'adequate' means in the BSA 2022 context.
How does this affect small architectural practices?
If no HRB work, relatively unaffected. If HRB-active, cover expectations rise.
What counts as HRB?
Buildings 18m+ or 7+ storeys containing dwellings, per BSA 2022 definition.
Do I need to change insurer?
Not necessarily. Cover level and terms need review; insurer choice is separate.
What's the retroactive-date implication?
For HRB work retrospectively covered by s.135, PI retroactive date should extend to the earliest such work.
How is compliance documented?
Cover-adequacy assessment file, updated annually, referencing HRB exposure and ARB guidance.
Related
- Architects PI insurance UK guide 2026
- BSA 2022 s.135 principal designer
- ARB Standard 8 adequate PI cover explained
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