Vaughan-Dick has worked at a senior level in the public, private and voluntary sectors. She is currently the chief executive of the Royal Institute of British Architects, the global professional membership body driving excellence in architecture. RIBA serves more than 50,000 members and society to deliver better buildings and places, stronger communities and a sustainable environment. Being inclusive, ethical, environmentally aware and collaborative underpins all RIBA does. Vaughan-Dick started her career with the UK National Audit Office, where she qualified as an accountant. She has extensive experience in the built environment. She has been a managing director of a housing association, advised on public finance initiative building projects and has considerable international experience. She has been a chair of a heritage properties regeneration organisation, chair of an NHS trust and is currently the chair of a housing association which manages 8,000 homes in London.