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- Tasks: Lead the Standards Committee and ensure high professional standards in architecture.
- Company: Royal Institute of British Architects, a key player in the architectural profession.
- Benefits: Flexible commitment, reasonable expenses covered, and a chance to influence the built environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on professional standards and public trust in architecture.
- Qualifications: Strong governance background and experience in managing complex stakeholder relationships.
- Other info: Independent role with a three-year renewable term, meeting four times a year.
Abingdon People is supporting the Royal Institute of British Architects in the appointment of an Independent Chair of its Standards Committee. This is a senior governance role with real influence at a pivotal moment for the architectural profession and the wider built environment. RIBA plays a central role in promoting professional standards, ethics and public confidence in architecture, and the Standards Committee Chair will be instrumental in ensuring these responsibilities continue to be discharged with rigour, balance and credibility.
Responsibilities
- Lead the Standards Committee, creating an environment that enables open, evidence based discussion and sound decision making.
- Provide strategic oversight of RIBA’s professional standards framework.
- Work closely with the RIBA Board, Council and Executive Team, supporting collaboration across RIBA’s professional body and regulatory functions.
- Navigate complex and sometimes sensitive issues with judgement, diplomacy and independence.
Qualifications/Experience
- Experienced Chair with a strong governance background, ideally gained within a professional body, regulator or charity.
- Clear understanding of good governance and ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships.
- Confidence in leading senior level discussions.
- Commitment to upholding high professional standards and supporting public trust in the profession.
Due to the independent nature of the role, current RIBA members are not eligible to apply.
Key details
- The appointment is for a three-year renewable term, with an expected commitment of approximately one day per month.
- The Standards Committee meets four times per year, both in person, usually in London, and virtually.
- The role is unremunerated, with reasonable expenses covered.
Closing date: Sunday 15 February 2026. For further information or to apply, please contact by an email via the button below.
Independent Chair of the Standards Committee employer: RIBA
Contact Detail:
RIBA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Chair of the Standards Committee
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the architectural field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on roles like the Independent Chair of the Standards Committee.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your governance knowledge. Familiarise yourself with RIBA's standards and recent developments in the profession. This will show you’re not just interested, but genuinely invested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! When you get the chance to speak with decision-makers, be ready to articulate your vision for the Standards Committee. Highlight your experience and how it aligns with RIBA’s mission to uphold professional standards.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Independent Chair of the Standards Committee
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff: Before you start writing, make sure you understand the role inside out. Familiarise yourself with RIBA's mission and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you tailor your application to show why you're the perfect fit.
Be Clear and Concise: When it comes to written applications, clarity is key. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. Make your points succinctly, ensuring that your qualifications and experiences shine through without unnecessary fluff.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As an Independent Chair, you'll need to demonstrate strong governance and leadership abilities. Use specific examples from your past roles to illustrate how you've successfully navigated complex issues and led discussions. This will help us see your potential impact on the Standards Committee.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s super easy and ensures your application gets to the right people. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and ready for the digital age!
How to prepare for a job interview at RIBA
✨Know Your Governance Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your governance knowledge. Understand the principles of good governance and be ready to discuss how you've applied these in previous roles. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but can also implement it effectively.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
Prepare examples of how you've managed complex stakeholder relationships in the past. Think about times when you had to navigate sensitive issues with diplomacy. This will demonstrate your ability to lead discussions and make sound decisions.
✨Understand RIBA's Role
Familiarise yourself with RIBA’s mission and current challenges in the architectural profession. Being able to speak knowledgeably about their work and how you can contribute will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Have a few insightful questions ready for your interviewers. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the position aligns with your values and goals. It’s a two-way street, after all!
