in 1962 hayes was elected to the council of the royal society of british artists, rba, having exhibited with them several times previously. he served as president of the rba from 1993 to 1998. he used this role to promote the re-establishment of teaching the formal elements and methods in art education. hayes exhibited on a regular basis until the end of his life, with exhibitions at both agnews and the new grafton gallery in london. he travelled widely in greece, tibet and india and he often used bright colours and strong patterns in his paintings. in 1963 he became an associate member of the royal academy and in 1970 was elected a full member.