Riba Trust trustees and Riba councillors have spoken of their anger over the sudden scrapping of the Riba Trust.
They are furious that they were not consulted about the plan, decided last week. And they have raised fears for the future of the trust’s work and for the world-class collections for which it is responsible. At a meeting last Thursday, Riba Council voted to scrap the body and replace it with a committee. It will cease to exist on December 31.
Riba chief executive Harry Rich said it was merely a simplification of an overly complex structure which would bring it in line with most other charities and which would not affect its activities. He said: “This will allow the Riba to focus as much energy and money as possible on its outward-facing work, rather than on internal structures.”
But some trust members said it left the collection in a precarious position. Paul Davis, who spoke against the move at council on Thursday, said: “It’s a national asset and I am concerned we haven’t got the structures and resources in place to ensure its future.”
Roger Zogolovitch, a Riba Trust trustee, vowed to fight to overturn the decision. He issued a statement today (Tuesday) praising the trust’s work and protesting against the Riba’s move. “I am sure my fellow architect trustees will share my embarrassment at this discourteous and unilateral action which has been promoted by the Riba Board and sanctioned by the Riba Council,” he wrote. “It is unreasonable that non-architect trustees, who have given their time and effort tirelessly over long periods of time to such good effect, have not been afforded the common courtesy of an explanation. There has been no meeting of the trust board where any paper has been presented for discussion, and no consultation with my fellow trustees has been undertaken. Yet on the 1st of January 2011 we will cease to exist. This is a state of affairs that must not go unchallenged.”
Yechte Consulting Article: LINK
