England – East Midlands Branch

2008 Annual Report by Robert Ridgwell, Chairman.

The principal branch officers for 2008 were: Robert Ridgwell (Chairman), Alan Wilson (Vice Chairman and Public Relations Officer), Michael Cross (Honorary Secretary) and William Fisher (Honorary Treasurer).

The branch arranged or participated in the following events:

• an 'Arbitration and Adjudication Workshop' in June, attended by about 12 members. Derek Simmonds as usual led an excellent workshop of scenario questions and Peter Collie, barrister, gave a thoroughly interesting and useful presentation of recent case developments

• a joint CIOB / CIArb half-day conference on 'Dispute Resolution' in October, attended by some 45 CIOB members. Peter Collie and Alan Wilson gave talks on arbitration and dispute avoidance.

A proposed seminar entitled 'Introduction to ADR - Arbitration, Adjudication and Mediation' to be held before the AGM in April was cancelled a week beforehand due a poor response. In the event, Mike Owen, Head of Marketing, Membership and Training gave a brief talk on 'Changes to CPD Requirements and Routes to Qualification' prior to the AGM.

Attendance at the whole range of events, including committee meetings, is relatively poor. This is not only disappointing for those organising events but is a lost opportunity for members.

The focus of the committee is to provide good, targeted and inexpensive CPD for members and an introductory event to encourage new members. It will continue to seek alliances with other institutions to assist in doing so effectively.

Last Updated: 07 July 2009