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RIBA Chief Executive Alan Vallance is stepping down

2022-04-28T11:58:00-04:00

Change is coming to the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) as Chief Executive Alan Vallance is stepping down in a surprise move announced by the organization on Wednesday.

RIBA shared that Vallance will be departing to helm the influential 110-year-old Chartered Insurance Institute beginning in July. No immediate successor has been named.

The outgoing chief said now was “the right time for the RIBA and for myself to take this step,” and that he was “proud of our many collective achievements during my time at the helm.”

Vallance first stepped into the role in 2016 and has guided the organization through polarizing political times and the inevitable pandemic, which included the recent tough decisions to get RIBA’s financial house in order by shedding staff and selling its former 77 Portland Place offices.

Vallance’s tenure saw the launches of a host of new initiativ...

RIBA's Alan Jones returns to his presidential duties

2020-06-16T19:48:00-04:00

Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) President Alan Jones has returned to his post following a two-month leave of absence prompted by the disclosure of an affair that had taken place between Jones and another person.

Jones temporarily stepped back from his role in April when news of the affair prompted an external review of the situation by Britain's Charity Commission, the group that oversees groups like RIBA.

As part of his return to work at RIBA on June 15th, 2020, Jones issued a statement describing the matter and apologizing for the affair.

Jone's statement, first published in The Architect's Journal, is printed in full below:

To my fellow RIBA members:

You will have seen media articles about recent events and that I was stepping back from my post for a period. I am writing to explain what happened and to apologise for my conduct which led to this, which was not of the standard you have a right to expect of me.

Some time ago I came into contact with a person who had b...

RIBA president accused of using position to find job for girlfriend

2020-05-11T20:45:00-04:00

Details continue to come to light regarding the ongoing investigation over the abrupt recusal of Royal Institute of British Architects' (RIBA) President Alan Jones following allegations that a "serious incident" had taken place.

Jones announced that he would temporarily step down from his position in April following concerns that whatever it was that took place could potentially harm the financial standing or reputation of RIBA itself. In the weeks that have followed, news reports from the British press indicate that Jones was allegedly taking part in an extra marital affair and that he potentially used his position within the RIBA organization to aid the career of the person he was having an affair with.

The Times reports that Jones was partaking in an affair with a woman, Sanoara Begom, who worked as an architectural assistant and that Jones used his position to help her look for work.

Additionally, a RIBA source tell's the UK's Daily Mail "I understand the allegations involve t...

RIBA President temporarily steps down due to 'serious incident'

2020-04-03T16:13:00-04:00

The president of the Royal Institute of British Architects has stepped down after an undisclosed “serious incident” prompted an investigation by the Charity Commission. Alan Jones emailed members of the institute’s governing council to say that a "matter had arisen in his personal life” and that he needed to "take some time out." He added that he was "grateful for the strong support I have from my wife and family."

A serious incident, according to the Charity Commission, The Times reports, is one that could cause harm to a charity's beneficiaries, staff, volunteers or others. It involves a loss of money or assets, or damage to property, or can even cause harm to the charity's work or reputation.

RIBA elects Alan Jones as its next president, as it faces accusations of silencing criticism from another presidential candidate

2018-08-09T17:21:00-04:00

As one of three finalist candidates, Alan Jones has been elected as the next RIBA President, the highest elected position in UK architecture. As RIBA's current Vice President of Education, Jones will replace incumbent RIBA President Ben Derbyshire starting September 1, 2019 and will serve through 2021. Jones will officially become RIBA President Elect next month.

In his manifesto during the race, Jones wanted to focus on making the Institute more relevant and engaging, and supports equal opportunity for all. In a statement today, he said:

“The RIBA is a fantastic organization with great resources, particularly its staff who I am keen to support more than ever. As individuals and as an institution, we need to come together to make the most of our assets, and make the case for our profession. We need to gather evidence and realize a more significant role and position in business and society. We must focus more on the pertinent issues that will increase the quality of service we provid...