Following detailed consultation and review with members, the RIBA has now moved to a brand new governance structure, enabling the organisation to be more efficient and effective, and able to focus on better outcomes for members.
This means that the RIBA, and in particular your elected RIBA Council representatives, can focus more time and resource on the issues that matter to you.
What are the key changes?
- RIBA Council, chaired by the President, remains the most senior governance body representing the membership
- A new Board of up to 12 trustees is now the RIBA’s seat of fiduciary duties and will have oversight of the work of the executive. It will work with the executive team and the Council to formulate the RIBA’s strategy
- RIBA Council selects the trustees and has the power to appoint and remove them
- The majority of trustees are Council Members, alongside a number of independent trustees with specific areas of expertise
- This enables the RIBA to draw on wider skills and experience, and improve diversity
Who will be in charge?
The President remains Chair of RIBA Council and a member of the Board.
The Chair of the new Board will ensure that the Board properly oversees the management of the operations of the RIBA. The Board members are appointed by Council based on a skills and experience matrix. The Chair Elect of the new Board is Sir Nigel Carrington who is an independent member of the Board, although the Chair can be a member of Council. The Chair will be a member of Council until the Chair Elect takes up his role in September.
Will these changes reduce the influence of members on their institute?
No, the structure has been designed to improve influence. Council members will no longer have to deal with operational detail. Instead, Council members will be responsible for collecting insight from the membership and the profession, to guide the strategic direction of the Board.
Will this reduce the scrutiny of executive decisions?
No, the Board (which has a majority of members who are also members of Council) will oversee executive decisions including the business plan, with improved scrutiny due to the broader mix of skills represented. Council will ultimately oversee and hold the Board to account.
Will the regional governance structures change?
No, the current regional, branch and international chapters will be maintained. We are developing an increased focus on international regions as the RIBA increases its leadership role in setting standards for the profession on a global basis.
