The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has begun the process for selecting a new president following the temporary recusal of current RIBA President Alan Jones. Jones's tenure is set to last through August 2021. 

Jones stepped aside from the position in March as news of a "serious incident" involving the Northern Irish architect. The Architect's Journal reports that events surrounding the "incident," which could be tied to an affair and potential blackmail, are being investigated by the police in Northern Ireland. 

For its part, RIBA is choosing to move ahead with an open call to replace Jones at the scheduled end of his term, while also electing new regional, national, international, and associate council member seats. 

In March 2020, the group unveiled a new leadership structure for its RIBA Board, the group that oversees the organization, including its seven official committees. Currently, RIBA honorary secretary Kerr Robertson is "overseeing presidential responsibilities" for the organization. 

A new president is set to be elected on August 4th, 2020 when the new election period ends. The new president would take office for a two-year term that is set to start on September 1, 2021.

Editor's Note: A previous version of this story stated that Jones's replacement would take office on September 1, 2020; That starting date was incorrect. Jones is slated to remain in office through August 2021. We regret the error