Alan Jones issues apology to architects after temporarily leaving post in April
RIBA president Alan Jones will be back at his desk on Monday morning after the RIBA reported him to the Charity Commission over what was then described as a “serious incident”.
Alan Jones temporarily stepped down at the beginning of April over an issue in his personal life – which Jones, who is married, has now revealed was his “close relationship” with a struggling would-be architect.
In a statement to members (see below), the 55-year-old apologised for his conduct and for not giving a “full and frank” account to the RIBA when asked to do so at the end of last year. “This I plainly should have done,” he admitted.
His statement added: “Some time ago I came into contact with a person who had become frustrated in her attempts to enter our profession. My intention was to help and support her, however gradually we became friends and later the relationship became close for some months.
“In March, matters between us came to a head. I disclosed the matter to my wife and to the RIBA which led to a report being made to the Charity Commission.”
The RIBA called in City law firm Browne Jacobson to investigate the incident with the probe now wrapped up.
The RIBA said: “As a result, and in line with RIBA’s Code of Conduct for Council members, the matter has been resolved fairly and proportionately and Alan Jones has apologised. Alan Jones will resume RIBA Presidential duties from Monday 15 June 2020.”
RIBA chief executive Alan Vallance has been filling in for Jones on a temporary basis.
Alan Jones statement
To my fellow RIBA members:
You will have seen media articles about recent events and that I was stepping back from my post for a period. I am writing to explain what happened and to apologise for my conduct which led to this, which was not of the standard you have a right to expect of me.
Some time ago I came into contact with a person who had become frustrated in her attempts to enter our profession. My intention was to help and support her, however gradually we became friends and later the relationship became close for some months. In March, matters between us came to a head. I disclosed the matter to my wife and to the RIBA which led to a report being made to the Charity Commission.
In December 2019 when I had been asked about this by members of the RIBA staff, I did not give a full and frank account of events. This I plainly should have done. I have now apologised to those concerned for this serious failing and have undertaken to the RIBA Board that nothing like this will happen again.
I am sorry for the distraction my conduct has caused to the RIBA at a time when our focus should be on supporting our members. I offer you all my sincere and unqualified apology.
Postscript
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