THE CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF ARBITRATORS
EAST MIDLANDS BRANCH
BRANCH
NEWSLETTER
September
2004
CHAIRMAN’S
JOTTINGS
Agenda for
Change
The Institute's intention to modify its corporate governance structure,
and at the same time introduce the grade of "Chartered Mediator", has
been delayed for around three months. The principal reason for this is the
objection by other professional bodies to our intended use of this title.
Council of the Institute is currently deliberating the changes needed to
move the process forward. As soon as we have any news we will advise branch
members.
Branch
Annual Dinner
It is our custom to hold a branch dinner during the winter (this year it
is planned for 25 February 2005). However, analysis of attendance over the last
few years is causing the committee some concern. Last year for example, with a
total of 70 attending, if you strip out the branch committee and their guests,
and what we might call "corporate hospitality guests", only 2 branch
members attended the dinner. Since the event is designed for branch members to
be able to meet other branch members, as well as senior members of the
Institute such as the President and the Director General, this level of
attendance begs the question as to why hold the annual dinner anyway.
Perhaps we are doing it all wrong. We currently hold it at Kegworth (near East Midlands Airport) which we judge to be
close to the centre of the branch geographical area. We currently charge around
£30 per ticket, and we hire an after-dinner speaker. Is there perhaps another
format that you would prefer? Are you
put off by the cost (at £30 it is subsidised to the extent of around £5 per
ticket from branch funds), do you believe we should hold it in different
locations each year (would you attend if it was just down road?), or do you
think we are wasting time and money. Please let me have your views, preferably
by e-mail to chair@ciarb-em.org
AGM
Similarly, the branch AGMs are regularly attended by the committee and
perhaps two or three branch members. We have no choice with this event – we
cannot decide not to hold it. But we would like more members to attend. Do you
have any ideas for making this a more attendable
event? Should we attach it to a social event, or to a technical event, or what
else?
Technical
Events
The committee has decided that, for a trial period, no charges will be
made for members attending technical events.
We usually put on a mock arbitration, adjudication or mediation, and over
the last couple of years we have rekindled interest in what we call workshops
on both arbitration and adjudication. These are proving successful (the next
one is being held on Friday 8 October 2004). Let me know if you wish to attend.
What type of event would you support? Do you need to attend CPD events in order to remain on a panel? You can go to
London for £245 a day, or you can benefit from free branch events. The quality
of the speakers is just as high, and the opportunity to discuss the finer
points of disputes resolution are second to none.
Once again I would be pleased to have your views on how the branch
committee can best serve your interests.
You pay your membership subscription, why not
get value for it?
John
Evans
Chairman
Email: chair@CIArb-EM.org
SECRETARY'S
REPORT
It is encouraging to see that our Branch membership continues to grow
steadily. Since the last Newsletter we
are pleased to welcome the following new members.
Mr L Foyle, of Sawley, Long Eaton,
Nottinghamshire
Mr G D Goodlad of Northampton
Mr W J Duke of Anstey, Leicestershire
Mrs H Essen of Ashby De La Zouch,
Leicestershire
Mike
Cross
Honorary
Secretary
Email: sec@CIArb-EM.org
TREASURER'S
REPORT
BANK
ACCOUNTS
The current account stands at £953.81, with the deposit account at
£6899.23. There are no outstanding invoices to be paid and there is no outstanding monies due at this time. Invoices for web
links on our website (see the Web Site Editor's Report) will be sent out in the
near future.
VAT
The VAT return was sent to HQ on time.
EVENTS
A Mock Mediation was held at Lincoln University on 30th April, and the
profit was £303.98.
There are no other events for which money is due at this time, although
there are a number of events coming up in the future.
Bill
Fisher
Honorary
Secretary
Email: treas@CIArb-EM.org
WEB SITE
EDITOR’S REPORT
You will note that on our web site, www.ciarb-em.org, there
is a members' listing. Would you please check your membership details. If incorrect, please e-mail us at web@ciarb-em.org
Additionally, if you want your web address to be listed with
a link, this can be arranged for the sum of £10 per annum which will become
part of the branch funds. If you would like this, please send your request to
web@ciarb-em.org.
Any additional events or updates to current events will be
posted on the website.
The newsletter is now circulated to 71% of our members by
e-mail. Members are encouraged to provide and/or update their e-mail addresses
to reduce outgoing costs to the branch, which is to the advantage of the
membership.
Web Site Editor
Email: web@ciarb-em.org
Contributions to the Newsletter are always welcome.