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CHAIRMAN'S REPORT 2004 - 2005
Branch activity continued unabated this year against a background of major change for the Institute. The lengthy process of bringing in the 'Agenda for Change' proposals ended finally with Privy Council approval after provisions for Chartered Mediator were dropped in order to secure withdrawal of objections made by other organisations.
The Institute's first Congress, held in Cyprus on 1st March 2005, was the culmination of this process. It is a meeting of Branch representatives held every two years. It does not take decisions, but nevertheless it is an immensely important development in the governance of the Institute. I attended on behalf of the Branch. It was quite an experience to meet fellow members of the Institute from all over the world. The main topics discussed were 'Competence-led Programmes' (the future of Institute qualifications and accreditation), election of chairs of Institute committees (not supported), the Institute's role as an appointing body, and sustaining membership growth. Congress ended with presidential elections: Eugen Salpius (nominated by the European Branch) for 2005, Colin Wall (East Asia) for 2006, and Hew Dundas (London Branch) for 2007. This was an important event for the Institute and for the Branch, and a separate, fuller report will be published in News & Views.
In relation to 'Agenda for Change', the Committee was particularly concerned about future regular communication with HQ after Council and our Branch Representative ceased to exist. This issue is now receiving attention from the Trustees. Whatever changes take place in the future, communication continues in other ways: James Mumford (chair of the Institute's Professional Committee) and Anne Kenny from Bloomsbury Square are Committee members, and during the year Greg Hunt came from DRS to tell us about the new dispute resolution schemes being set up by the Institute.
The Branch has held its regular programme of monthly meetings at Reigate Manor Hotel, with talks on the three major areas of dispute resolution promoted by the Institute: arbitration, adjudication and mediation. We are very grateful to all the speakers and others who generously gave their time to make these events possible. All are reported in News & Views and on the Branch website. The Branch programme included an Adjudication Entry Course, put on under the direction of Rod O'Driscoll and in partnership with Mid Kent College. We are very grateful to him and to the other tutors and to the college for their contribution to the course attended by 31 participants.
On the social side, we held dinners after monthly technical meetings, an opportunity to meet new people and for a friendly chat with the speaker and Branch colleagues. For our June summer outing, we went with 34 members and guests to Loseley Park, historic house, family home and birthplace of the eponymous ice cream. The Branch Annual Dinner was held in November, when another 34 members and guests dined and danced the night away at Reigate Manor Hotel.
The Branch magazine, News & Views, continues to be widely circulated and to be a lively read. It is a credit to the editorial team and to the Branch. Roger Clarke retired last summer after three years as editor - many thanks to him for all his hard work. I am very pleased that Peter Cousins has taken over, maintaining the high standard. Peter Horne has throughout been the other member of the editorial team, and we are grateful for his continued support.
As in other branches and professional organisations, the Committee wishes it could attract more members to participate. Branch activity is stable, but the lack of growth is not good for the longer term. The Committee has therefore started a review of Branch activities. We hope to develop new initiatives to increase participation, to increase membership and to increase opportunities for private dispute resolution in the Branch area. The questionnaire sent to members in February was the start of a consultation exercise which will continue throughout the year.
Early in 2005, David Simmonds generously offered to help with the Branch website. It was in need of a makeover. He has now given it a new look consistent with the Institute's house style, and it is a much more attractive and effective 'shop window' for the Branch.
To end, I would like to extend thanks to Harvey Mason, my predecessor as Branch Chairman. David Bailey retired as Treasurer at the end of December. We are very grateful for his invaluable contribution to the Branch over many years as Committee member, Editor of News & Views, Chairman, Council Representative and Treasurer. Peter Chapman and Peter Solari are also retiring from the Committee after many years' valued service. Many thanks are due to them and to all members of the Committee who have generously given their time to the Branch.
There are many others who have contributed during the year to the activities of the Branch. There are too many to mention all individually, but I would like to thank them as well. Without their help, the Branch could not function.
Robin Orme, Branch Chairman