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What's new at CIArb As most of you will be aware, the last couple of years have seen a great deal of change at Bloomsbury Square. Following the adoption of Agenda for Change and the consequential amendments to the Royal Charter, a change of Director General and a new management structure have led to some new ideas and a different attitude to the governance of the Institute. There have been a number of staffing changes, and a general overhaul of the way in which membership, training and dispute resolution services are provided. Perhaps the most significant change to note is that the CIArb's Dispute Resolution Service became a separate 'commercial arm' earlier this year. With effect from 1st March 2007, the Institute's dispute services have been delivered by IDRS Limited, a subsidiary company wholly owned by the CIArb. It is intended that IDRS will work within three distinct market segments: the UK consumer redress market; the ADR market for disputes between commercial businesses of any kind; and disputes in the UK public sector market. The company will operate independently of CIArb, and any activities previously undertaken by CIArb-DRS will now be undertaken by IDRS at the Institute's former premises at 24 Angel Gate, London EC1V 2PT. All CIArb-DRS staff and management have transferred to IDRS accordingly, and Tony Canham (a former CIArb President) has been appointed Chairman. Joseph Wan and Michael Forbes Smith, the CIArb's Director General, have also been appointed to the IDRS Board. From a practical point of view, it is important to note that all CIArb panel appointments will now be made through IDRS, and IDRS will provide all forms of ADR including conciliation, mediation, adjudication, early neutral evaluation and arbitration. Further information can be found on IDRS's website. Another important development has been the appointment of Mike Owen to the newly formed position of Director of Marketing, Membership and Training. Mike's responsibilities will include elevating the profile of the CIArb in new sectors, promoting the benefits and services offered by the Institute, enhancing communications and support to members and branches across the UK and internationally, and developing the education, professional training and e-learning support programmes. An ambitious remit I'm sure you will agree! Mike has been on a tour of the UK Branches, meeting as many Chairmen as he can to gain their feedback on the ups and downs and pros and cons of the Institute. The membership, training and educational teams at Bloomsbury Square have been reorganised, and it is clear that many aspects of the Institute's marketing, membership and training activities have already been subject to review. In terms of education and training, some of you will be aware that the Institute launched its new 'Pathways to Fellowship' programme last year. Many members expressed their concerns about the transitional difficulties and teething troubles, and the Institute has certainly listened to these concerns. A significant review of the arrangements for members transferring to the new Pathways route has been undertaken (those affected have been contacted directly), and a much greater level of assistance and advice is to be offered to those who wish to complete their Log Books before the 'old' system expires at the end of December this year. The pupillage aspect is being coordinated by Karen Cheel, who can be contacted at Bloomsbury Square or by email to kcheel@arbitrators.org. A review is also taking place of Fast Track and Special Member Assessments, as well as a review of the range of tutors, moderators and examiners needed to support the CIArb's educational programmes. The CIArb is being assisted in its review of the Pathway's programme by a senior research Fellow at King's College in London. In terms of membership, a number of measures are being put in place to make it easier for Branches and members to find out what they need to know about their Institute. It is hoped that by September a Member Services Manager will be appointed to provide closer assistance to the Branches, and we will surely all benefit from the planned creation of a Central Member Services unit at Bloomsbury Square. It is intended that communication with and between the Branches will be improved by increased access and opportunity to discuss common problems and opportunities. An update/consultation meeting is planned for September, and a Branch Officer's meeting will be taking place in Dublin in November to coincide with a weekend conference being held by the Irish Branch. Branch Chairmen are also receiving regular updates from Michael Forbes Smith, the Director General, and Doug Jones, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, to make sure that they are up to date with developments and deliberations as they happen - a very useful source of information which makes it much easier to know what is happening within the Institute. I am sure you will agree that it has been a busy couple of years for the CIArb, and it shows no signs of slowing down as the changes outlined above come into effect and bed down. However, the early indications are that we will all benefit from the progress being made and we will try to keep you informed at Branch level so you don't miss out on the latest news! By Helena Brown Report by Helena Brown |
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