At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Standards Committee, ensuring high professional standards and ethical governance.
- Company: Join RIBA, a key player in promoting architecture and public confidence.
- Benefits: Flexible commitment of one day per month with covered expenses.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the architectural profession at a pivotal moment.
- Qualifications: Strong governance background and experience in managing complex stakeholder relationships.
- Other info: Independent role; current RIBA members are not eligible to apply.
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.
As Chair, you will lead the Standards Committee, creating an environment that enables open, evidence based discussion and sound decision making. You will provide strategic oversight of RIBAβs professional standards framework and work closely with the RIBA Board, Council and Executive Team, supporting collaboration across RIBAβs professional body and regulatory functions. The role requires the ability to navigate complex and sometimes sensitive issues with judgement, diplomacy and independence.
This appointment would suit an experienced Chair with a strong governance background, ideally gained within a professional body, regulator or charity. You will bring a clear understanding of good governance, the ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships and confidence in leading senior level discussions. Above all, you will be committed 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
Chair (Standards Committee) in London employer: RIBA
Contact Detail:
RIBA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Chair (Standards Committee) in London
β¨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 a lead or can put in a good word for you.
β¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its values. Understand RIBA's role in promoting professional standards and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets it.
β¨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your governance experience and how it relates to the role of Chair. A clear, confident presentation of your skills can make all the difference in landing that position.
β¨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application is seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Chair (Standards Committee) in London
Some tips for your application π«‘
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 Authentic: When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so donβt be afraid to share your passion for governance and architecture. Use a conversational tone that reflects your genuine interest in the role.
Showcase Your Experience: Highlight your relevant experience clearly and concisely. Use specific examples to demonstrate your governance background and how you've successfully navigated complex issues in the past. This will help us see your capability to lead the Standards Committee effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website. Itβs the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures youβre considered for the role. Plus, it shows youβre tech-savvy and ready to engage with us online!
How to prepare for a job interview at RIBA
β¨Understand the Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of the Chair of the Standards Committee. Familiarise yourself with RIBA's professional standards framework and recent developments in the architectural profession. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs.
β¨Prepare for Complex Discussions
Given the nature of the role, be ready to discuss complex and sensitive issues. Think about examples from your past experiences where you've navigated challenging stakeholder relationships or led discussions that required diplomacy and sound judgement. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the intricacies of the position.
β¨Showcase Your Governance Experience
Highlight your governance background during the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific instances where you've implemented good governance practices or contributed to a professional body, regulator, or charity. This will reinforce your suitability for the role and your commitment to upholding high professional standards.
β¨Engage with RIBAβs Vision
Research RIBAβs mission and values, and think about how you can contribute to their goals. During the interview, express your enthusiasm for promoting professional standards and public trust in architecture. This will show that you're not just a fit for the role, but also genuinely invested in RIBA's vision.