Make Architects’ Ken Shuttleworth is putting on a new hat – this time as President of the Architects Benevolent Society. He takes over from David Rock, a past President of the RIBA who has been ABS President since 2003.
Following his appointment by ABS Council, Ken Shuttleworth said “David is a hard act to follow. He’s been involved with the Society for a long time and his President’s Appeal raised nearly £100,000. My aim as President is to increase awareness of the ABS in the profession – for those who need our help as well as those who might make a donation.”
He went on to dispel the widely held belief that the State, private health schemes or insurance will cover all eventualities when illness or accident strikes. “Not everyone can afford private schemes and what you get from the State is just not enough when you can no longer earn a living but still have a family to support. There are often delays with payouts and the ABS can help quickly – within 24 hours if needs be. We also assist people in applying for state help – a process which is far from straightforward.”
The ABS has been helping people in the architectural profession for almost 160 years with money, advice and sometimes with accommodation. Architecture may be experiencing boom times at the moment, but it is a sad fact that in recent years the number of people needing our help has increased. In the last year the number was 560 – the highest ever.