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 provide and the added value we can bring. We must reduce our overheads and the loss of colleagues and expertise as they leave our profession because of the economics of our situation. Talent is universal and opportunity into and upward through our profession must be too.”

Controversy overshadowed the race when allegations against RIBA for institutional racism and attempts to stifle criticism — spearheaded by 2019-21 presidential candidate Elsie Owusu — had emerged. A longtime advocate for stronger inclusivity and diversity within the Institute, Owusu could have been the first black woman to serve as RIBA President. She was elected as a National Council Member instead.

“The understanding of institutional bias within RIBA was very poor — it is a bit better now [...],” Owusu told The Guardian. “I think the only way [RIBA] will listen is if the membership become really engaged. The very best thing about this whole presidential campaign is it has brought to light all these issues that so many people have been concerned about for such a long time.”