LICA’s Head of Architecture, Des Fagan, was recently named as the new Chair of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) National Practice and Policy group, by competitive application and interview.

The RIBA is a global Architecture Professional Membership body based in London, driving excellence in architecture.

As chair of the committee, Des will help to lead the RIBA’s National and International policy development and political activity, working with the RIBA Board, Council, and expert member groups, engaging with politicians, civil servants, and sector stakeholders, to develop both proactive and reactive policy content and campaigns.

This work will include:

• Influencing and overseeing the development of a programme of policy and public affairs activity to affect change in Whitehall, Westminster and beyond.
• Identifying and leading partnerships with other organisations and influential individuals to support the RIBA’s policy objectives.
• Influencing the RIBA at the highest level on practice, legislative and regulatory issues relating to architecture through targeted external relationships.
• Providing expert advice on practice, policy and public affairs issues, opportunities, risks.
• Developing and supporting the Policy and Public Affairs Team.
• Working to ensure that the RIBA’s work on practice, policy and public affairs work is visible to members.

This is the second major appointment for Des within the National regulatory bodies that govern architecture – for the last four years, he has, and continues to be, an Expert Advisor on matters relating to the prescription (recognition) of all UK architecture qualifications to the Architects Registration Board (ARB).