The RIBA’s focus on its 40,000 members has been strengthened by an internal restructure that creates one new team in a new Members Directorate.

The changes recently approved by the RIBA Board will come into effect in June with the recruitment of the new executive director members who will directly connect activities currently managed by the RIBA’s Membership & Profession directorate and the Nations & Regions directorate.

Harry Rich, RIBA Chief Executive, said, ‘This change will allow us to serve our members in the UK and around the world even better. Directly connecting our activities in this way represents a renewed and strengthened commitment to our work in the regions and nations of the UK and to our core membership, practice, education, client and international activities. It will allow us to build on the achievements of Richard Brindley and Elizabeth Robertson in their tremendous leadership of our Membership & Profession and Nations & Regions teams.’

Richard Brindley

After 11 years as a director of the RIBA, Richard Brindley will be leaving the Institute at the end of June 2015. Over the next four months Richard will continue to lead and develop the RIBA’s professional and membership services and after June, he will continue to be involved with the RIBA, helping to bring to fruition the work he initiated on new and improved membership categories and services.

Richard joined the RIBA as Director of Practice in November 2003 and then became RIBA Director of Professional Services (2007-2011) and is currently Executive Director Membership and Profession. Prior to his RIBA executive roles, whilst a practicing chartered architect, Richard was engaged with the RIBA as a Branch and Regional Chair, Council Member and Vice President between 1986 and 2002.

Harry Rich said, ‘We will thank Richard properly and fully in June, but in the meantime I want to express my gratitude for his immense contribution to our work and to the practice of architecture in the UK and beyond. He has been instrumental in developing many new services for RIBA members, such as the RIBA Chartered Practice scheme, Client Services, Business Benchmarking and sustaining the RIBA’s membership during the recent recession. I have enjoyed working with him and am grateful for his support as a highly respected and knowledgeable colleague. I am delighted that Richard will be able to ensure a smooth handover to his successor and that we will have the benefit of Richard’s professional skill and knowledge after June.’

Richard said: ‘It has been an immense privilege and fulfilling professional experience to work at the RIBA with many talented and committed RIBA members and staff colleagues and to be part of making a real positive difference for our architects’ profession and for architecture. Looking back on the last 11 years, it gives me great pride to see what we have achieved together in developing, supporting and promoting the profession through times of great change and challenge. The RIBA and its members are recognised globally as representing excellence in architecture and professionalism. Long may that continue!’

Elizabeth Robertson

From June Elizabeth Robertson will move to a new role of Executive Director CSR and will lead on a number of key cross-organisational areas, initially including the completion of RIBA North and initiating a coherent programme of corporate and social responsibility. Liz will work three days a week.

Liz has been with Nations & Regions for ten years this summer, overseeing a programme of change and renewal that has harnessed the creativity of staff and members and delivered outstanding work in all areas of RIBA activity.

Harry Rich said, ‘As a result of Liz’s remarkable leadership of our teams around the country our regional and branch network is stronger than ever – providing invaluable support to members and spreading our message about the value of architecture. I am immensely grateful for this and I am delighted that we will continue to benefit from Liz’s expertise, dedication and friendship in her new role.’

Liz said: ‘Leading Nations and Regions has been a constant source of pleasure and it has been a privilege to work with such dedicated teams across England and Wales. My new role will bring fresh challenges, but also exciting opportunities. I will continue to work with staff, members and other partners, and I look forward to creating a new programme of work which will positively engage all parts of the RIBA.’

Harry Rich said, ‘These changes are being made to serve our members even better and to build on the great work of the Membership & Profession and Nations & Regions teams over the past few years. The changes will come into effect from June.’

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1. For further press information contact the RIBA Press Office: 020 7307 3662 pressoffice@riba.org

2. The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) champions better buildings, communities and the environment through architecture and our members www.architecture.com

3. Follow us on Twitter for regular RIBA updates www.twitter.com/RIBA

Posted on Thursday 12th March 2015