UAL Vice-Chancellor Sir Nigel Carrington appointed to chair new Royal Institute of British Architects Board of Trustees

UAL's Vice-Chancellor Sir Nigel Carrington has been appointed to chair the new Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Board of Trustees.

Nigel will take up the prestigious role in September 2020, alongside experts from the worlds of architecture, business and culture. 

As Chair of the RIBA Board, Nigel and his fellow Trustees will oversee RIBA’s operations and work closely with RIBA Council - the representative body which is responsible for the organisation’s strategy on behalf of the architecture profession.

His appointment comes after being awarded a knighthood in the 2019 Queen’s Birthday Honours for his pivotal role in higher education. It recognised Nigel's commitment to redefining the way in which creative education is valued for its contribution to society and the economy.

Under his leadership, UAL has cemented its place as a leading global institution and a key part of London’s creative success. This has culminated in UAL’s rank as 2nd in the world for Art and Design in the QS World University Rankings by subject, for the second consecutive year. 

Nigel will continue to lead UAL through the current coronavirus crisis – empowering staff to deliver UAL’s world-leading courses off-campus, ensuring that all students progress and complete the academic year in the most inclusive, ethical and fair way.  

In addition to this new role at RIBA, Nigel will continue to uphold extensive charitable activities including as chairman of the Henry Moore Foundation as well as founding chairman of Advance HE and as founding director of the Creative Industries Federation. He will, however, be stepping down from the Board of Universities UK in the summer ahead of the end of his term as UAL Vice-Chancellor.

Nigel said of his appointment: 

“I am honoured to have been selected to join the new RIBA Board and to take on the Chair role from September 2020. The RIBA is at an important point in its development and has a great opportunity to build on its role as a global and inclusive professional membership body. I look forward to working alongside my fellow trustees, and to supporting the organisation to focus on excellence, building stronger communities and environmental sustainability.”