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The five presidents of the architecture institutes of England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland have committed to drive forward five shared principles to strengthen and safeguard the future of the profession.

The principles have been agreed to bring greater consistency of focus across the nations, as their collective membership serve their clients and society.

On behalf of their institutes and their combined membership of 46,700 architects, the presidents have committed to collaborate on the following five principles:

1. Place the public interest and value to society at the heart of all they do - by promoting the highest ethical standards and ensuring codes of conduct are continually strengthened.
2. Be accountable and the Gold Standard - by protecting the public and maintaining the highest standards of architectural education.
3. Reflect the diversity of the population in their workforce - by adopting reforms and policies that promote diversity and inclusion within business practices.
4. Research, build and share essential knowledge - by developing and disseminating the body of knowledge embedded within the profession.
5. Lead the profession in the fight for a more sustainable built environment - by placing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as a key guiding principle in all they do.

The Five Principles agreement has been signed by:

Ben Derbyshire, President of the Royal Institute of British Architects (����������)

Stewart Henderson, President of the Royal Incorporation of Architects Scotland (RIAS)

Carolyn Merrifield, President of the Royal Society of Architects in Wales (RSAW)

Joan McCoy, President of the Royal Society of Ulster Architects (RSUA)

David Browne, President of the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI)

Ben Derbyshire, President of the ���������� says, “I am delighted to join forces with the five presidents of the UK and Eire to launch this statement. It signals our joint commitment to strengthen the position of architects in the market place and increase awareness of our unique value in society.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

1. For further press information contact Elise Neve elise.neve@riba.org +44 (0)20 7307 3761
2. Download an image of the five presidents here
3. The Royal Institute of British Architects (����������) is a global professional membership body that serves its members and society in order to deliver better buildings and places, stronger communities and a sustainable environment. . Follow us on Twitter for regular ���������� updates
4. The Royal Incorporation of Architects Scotland (RIAS) was founded in 1916 as the professional body for all chartered architects in Scotland and is the foremost architectural institute in the country dealing with architecture and the built environment. and
5. The Royal Society of Architects in Wales (RSAW) The Royal Society of Architects in Wales/Cymdeithas Frenhinol Penseiri yng Nghymru (RSAW) is the voice of the ���������� in Wales. As part of the Royal Institute of British Architects (����������), the RSAW champions better buildings, communities and the environment through architecture and our members.
6. The Royal Society of Ulster Architects (RSUA) The Royal Society of Ulster Architects strives to enhance Northern Ireland's built environment for the benefit of all through the promotion of architecture and
7. The Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) supports and regulates the architectural profession and promotes the value that architecture brings to society for everyone’s benefit. and