Ruth Reed emails members but fails to deny reports of failed no-confidence bid

RIBA president Ruth Reed has refused to deny reports of an attempted bid to oust chief executive Harry Rich at a board meeting earlier this year.

In an email seen by Building Design, Reed says she regrets “misrepresentation” in the reports but does not explicitly deny she instigated a no confidence vote against Rich.

She said: “Contrary to the speculation in those reports, I want to reassure you that the RIBA Board continues to work with the executive to implement, on your behalf, the policies and new ways of working that council has agreed upon and which will help the RIBA to deliver effectively against its mission and business plan.”

RIBA has refused to comment on the Architects’ Journal story about the alleged boardroom rift.

Ruth Reed’s email in full:

“You may have read recent reports about the RIBA Board in the trade press.

Contrary to the speculation in those reports I want you to reassure you that the RIBA Board continues to  work with the executive to implement, on your behalf, the policies and new ways of working that council has agreed upon and which will help the RIBA to deliver effectively against its mission and business plan.

I very much regret the misrepresentation contained in the article and the inaccurate perceptions of the Institute that it may provoke, albeit amongst a small number of readers.”

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