RIBA action on equal opportunities is guided and co-ordinated by ‘Architects For Change’ (AFC), its equality forum. AFC acts as an umbrella organisation within the RIBA, bringing together the energies and concerns of a number of groups to provide support and information about equal opportunities for RIBA members.
Beyond the RIBA, AFC has links with other Construction Industry organisations, such as the CIC, CIB, CITB, along with Women’s, Manual Trades and other professional associations, in order to share experience and avoid duplication.
As stated recently by RIBA Chief Executive, Richard Hastilow: 'It is clear that equal opportunities is not a ‘special’ (nor an optional) interest. Nor is it the business of a small pressure group. As far as the RIBA is concerned, equal opportunities is now everybody's business.'
Within this framework, AFC strives to support an environment which recognises the creative potential of men and women from diverse backgrounds, and which values the differing skills and abilities they bring to the RIBA and to the architectural profession. Particular issues they seek to address in the next five years are:
Education To encourage a more representative entry of women and ethnic minorities in education, reduce their drop-out rates and support recognition of diversity in architectural education.
Profession Equal pay and career progression opportunities for women and ethnic minority architects. Fair working conditions and pay for students. To demonstrate that family friendly working and humane working hours can make business sense.
Disability Research and monitor those with disabilities in architecture. Ensure correct allocation of grants and funds to support those with disabilities who are studying architecture or working in the profession.
Information: provide information that will support RIBA members in their commitment to good equal opportunities policies and action.
Architects for Change Executive The AFC Executive brings together the energies, concerns and commitment of a number of individuals and organisations:
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Samir Pandya – AFC chair - from December 2003/Architect in practice/p/t academic
Sumita Sinha. – AFC founder / Chair 2000- 2003/architect in practice
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Marina Adams – link to RIBA Council – architect in practice/ RIBA Education Committee /RIBA Education Trust Funds and RIBA Education Research Award Committees. Also Chair of RIBA London Education Committee
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Sarah Akimbogun - Archaos Student Forum Representative
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Angela Brady - Chair: Women in Architecture/architect in practice
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Musa Garba - Society of Black Architects/architect in practice
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Virginia Newman - Vice Chair, Women in Architecture/ represents RIBA on CIC Equal Opportunities Group/architect in practice
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Karen Rogers – Treasurer, Women in Architecture/architect in practice
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Nita Sharma - Women in Architecture / architect in practice/ Member of ARB Board /‘Arch Ed’ school students architecture awareness project
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Helen Taylor - RIBA Council link/ Jane Drew Award Group / RIBA Education Trust Funds Committee (includes Student Hardship Fund / RIBA Policy Committee/ architect in practice
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Richard Parnaby – Diversity Champion on main RIBA Board / Head of Architecture, University of West of England
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Pamela Edwards, Head of Professional Education: RIBA staff support
Since its inception in January 2000, AFC has operated mainly through the voluntary energies of its executive group, with some additional staff support from the RIBA Centre for Architectural Education.
In the current RIBA reorganisation it is envisaged that AFC will retain its link with Education, with links to Practice and Membership Services being strengthened within the wider context of RIBA Professional Services.
To contact the AFC Executive please e-mail info@inst.riba.org, indicating which organisation you would like to make your enquiry to. Alternatively, you can contact us by post at Architects for Change, RIBA Education Department, 66, Portland Place, London W1B 1AD.
Find out what the RIBA and AFC are doing for equal opportunities (insert link).