The Royal Institute
of British Architects (RIBA) has published guidance for architecture practices
on closing the gender pay gap, as part of its commitment to support a diverse
and inclusive profession.
The RIBA’s guidance
– Close
The Gap: Improving Gender Equality in Practice – outlines a range of
effective best practice measures and initiatives.
The RIBA guidance is
accompanied by a #CloseTheGap
pledge which has been developed and signed by a core group of RIBA
reporting practices, a group of large practices who are required by legislation
(as they are above the threshold of 250 employees) to disclose their gender pay
gap data. The pledge commits practices to several actions including operating
fair, equal and unbiased recruitment and promotion procedures; supporting
flexible working patterns and appointing a Diversity Champion or Taskforce.
The RIBA is
encouraging all Chartered Practices to sign up to the pledge, as a
demonstration of their commitment to improving gender equality, broadening
opportunities and ensuring that individual career prospects are independent of
gender, race, background or any aspect of an individual’s identity.
The RIBA is also
encouraging practices of all sizes voluntarily to evaluate and share their
Gender Pay Gap data and, more importantly, to take the most effective
recommended actions to improve their gender equality for the benefit the wider
profession.
RIBA President, Ben
Derbyshire, said: “There is no place for discrimination in our profession. Yet,
almost 50 years after equal pay legislation came into force in the UK,
significant instances of inequality remain. Change is long overdue and all of
us - employers, employees and the RIBA - have a vital role to play. Driving
improvements in equality, diversity and inclusion – including closing the
gender pay gap - is a top priority for the RIBA. This guidance is a welcome
step on the path to a more inclusive profession and I commend all those
involved in its development.”
Allies and Morrison
Partner and RIBA Gender Pay Working Group Chair, Jo Bacon, said: "The RIBA
exists to provide leadership to all practices, whatever their size. Now that
gender pay gap is at the front of our minds, this work can help practices to be
able to fully understand the consequences of their gaps and also invite them on
a wider journey to improve access to architecture and equality for all. This
initiative supports everyone seeking improvement of diversity in our
profession."
