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The RIBA Equality & Diversity Forum 'Architects for Change' (AfC) was established in 2000 to challenge and support the RIBA in developing policies and action that promote improved equality of opportunity and diversity in the architectural profession.

The co-ordinating committee of AfC brings together the energies and concerns of external networks, including Women in Architecture (WIA)|, Society of Black Architects (SOBA)|and ARCHAOS|, the student architect forum.

The 2008/09 AfC Co-ordinating Committee was launched in April 2008 at an Equality and Diversity event; 'Changing Faces', chaired by RIBA President Sunand Prasad.

Aims

AfC strives to improve equality and diversity in the education and practice of architecture. Particular issues and actions the group seeks to address are:

Education: to encourage a diverse entry into architectural education, based upon ability and potential, and reflecting the diversity of the society architects serve; to reduce dropout rates; and improve diversity in the curriculum, and studio teaching cultures.

Profession:  to identify inequalities in pay and career progression opportunities that undermine, in particular, the career development of women and BME professionals; improve working conditions and pay for students; to demonstrate that family friendly working and humane working hours can make business sense.

Achievements

Since its foundation in 2000, AfC has:  

• Promoted and advised on the development of the RIBA Policies on Equal Opportunities, Good Employment Practice and Access and Inclusion policies.
• Secured sponsorship from the RIBA and CABE for 'DiverseCity Architects', a travelling exhibition to show case the work of women architects and minority led practices and establish UK and international links to on equality and diversity issues the practice of architecture.
• Undertaken research to investigate issues and guide service development including the RIBA's own 'Why Do Women Leave Architecture?' study with the University of West of England, and through participation in CABE studies of retention and progression rates amongst minority ethnic students, and minority ethnic representation in built environment professions. Research 
• Pioneered a model for 'career taster' workshops to inform girls and school students from minority ethnic backgrounds considering careers in architecture.
• Developed external partnerships to produce guidance material, notably with the Centre for Education in the Built Environment (CEBE) on supporting student diversity in UK schools of architecture. Supporting Student Diversity

Co-ordinating Committee

Members of the committee include: 

• AfC Chair:  Shula Slater
• AfC co-Chair:  Helen Taylor
• Women in Architecture:  Clare Devine
• Society of Black Architects: Chris Nasah
• Archaos Student Forum: Elena Tsolakis and Caine Crawford
• 'Lifetime career in Architecture' advisor: Virginia Newman
• Practice advisors: Wilfred Achille and Joanna Marriott
• Disability advisors: Ahmed Ali, Andrew Holdsworth-Wild and Jos Boys
• Education advisors: Ann de Graft-Johnson and Joanna Bailey
• New to UK architects advisor: Joanna Marriott

The co-ordinating committee is supported by an extended group of corresponding members.

To find out more about AfC, or to become a corresponding member, email: lucie.gibson@inst.riba.org|