IRRV Annual Conference - some photographs

Kerry with Performance Awards Gold Award Winners at IRRV Annual Conference in Telford:

Broadland District Council

Croydon London Borough Council

Newham London Borough Council

Southend On Sea Borough Council

Liberata

Preston City Council and Fylde Borough Council Fraud Partnership

Gloucester City Council

Milton Keynes Council in partnership with Mouchel PLC

Sutton London Borough Council

Shepway District Council

Kerry hands over the Presidential reins to 2011/12 President Roger Messenger

Kerry at the IRRV Performance Awards in Telford

Kerry at IRRV Scottish Conference

The President recently attended IRRV Scottish Conference at the Crieff Hydro Hotel.   It was a very well-attended event and Kerry gave the official welcome from the President, as well as speaking to the IRRV Students' Workshop.   Here's some photographs from the Conference :

Along with IRRV Scottish Association President Jim McCafferty, Kerry congratulates Dumfries & Galloway Council, winners of the "Best in Scotland" Award in the IRRV Performance Awards 2011

Conference Exhibition

At the Scottish Performance Award Village

Latest from the President ...

A relatively quiet period ensued after the Irish meetings, punctuated by local Association meetings and a Performance Awards meeting that the President attends in an official capacity. 

In early June, I attended the Collection and Enforcement conference in Harrogate that, despite the financial constraints imposed in local government, was reasonably well supported.    This was closely followed by the Wessex Association meeting in Beaulieu Motor Museum which commenced at 9.30am.  The IRRV Chief  Executive and I gave a brief update on topical issues affecting the Institute and left at 10.30am to return to the Rating and Surveyors lunch in the House of Lords,  to support fellow Council Member Graham Ryall who has recently been elected as their President.   Many congratulations and well done Graham.

The Welsh IRRV Annual Conference was again held in Llandrindod Wells and co-ordinated by the North Wales secretary Islwyn Lewis Jones and his colleagues in the North Wales Association.   Another superb conference with a number of notable speakers including Paul Howarth, Paul Sanderson and David Magor - to name a few. 

The annual East Anglian Association meeting was held in Great Yarmouth at the races with a number of our members looking for a “flutter”on the horses.   From South Wales to Great Yarmouth and back in one day is challenging but nevertheless worthwhile to meet old colleagues and former students. 

The week following the Association, I attended a Defas project meeting in Warsaw and opened a conference for Polish Valuers. I am sure the translators would have worked hard to contend with my accent!

I know I have mentioned previously that the Institute is regarded highly by other professional kindred organisations and this was evident in my conversations with other conference delegates.

I left the conference early to attend a House of Commons committee of inquiry on welfare reform, this being the second time the Institute has been requested to provide evidence.   This would have been based on the submission from our Faculty Board and underlines the important contribution it makes to the Institute. It is fascinating to observe the political debate and for those interested, the presentation is available on the House of Commons website (reports for the 6th July 2011).

The South Eastern Dinner was hosted by their President and long term friend Patrick Knight in a marquee in Grantly Green. I must thank Pat for the most generous present received during my tenure as President.   It was a record of Puff the Magic Dragon, a highly underrated production and the only time I have ever participated in karaoke (extremely badly).

The President’s Annual Reception was in the Churchill War Rooms, an amazing venue, with 250 in attendance.  For those not there, it is well worth a visit when you are next in London. 

Traditionally, the Reception coincides with the quarterly round of council meetings, and, for the first time, were held in the Institute’s new offices - all designed to save funds in the current climate. 

International Conference in Dublin and Northern Ireland Presidential Dinner

Last week, Kerry took part in the IRRV/IPTI International Conference in Dublin.   The event was a great success, and later in the week, Kerry hosted a Dinner in Belfast with representatives of the IRRV Northern Ireland Association and other invited guests from partner organisations in Northern Ireland. 

Here's some photographs from the events (and with thanks to Pat Doherty for providing all but the last two here) :

Above :   Kerry at the top table during a speech by IRRV Chief Executive David Magor at the International Conference in Dublin

Above :  Kerry speaks at the International Conference's Dinner in Dublin

Above :   Kerry and other guests at the International Conference Dinner in Dublin

Above :  Kerry at the drinks reception prior to the Dinner in Belfast

Above :  Colin Wilkinson, Chair of the IRRV Northern Ireland Association, welcomes Kerry and other guests to Belfast

Above :   Kerry welcomes guests to the Dinner in Belfast

Update from the President

My Presidential luncheon was in the Grosvenor hotel in late March and attended by the Presidents of kindred organisations.   It is most gratifying to see the respect that other professional organisations have for the Institute. 

Hot on the tail of the dinner at the (in fact the next day) was the Lancashire and Cheshire Association Dinner, held in Formby Hall near Southport.   It is a very popular event, well attended by Institute members and excellently hosted by the Association President John Farrell.  

This event was followed by the London and Home Counties AGM, held at the home of football, the Emirates Stadium, and which included a tour of the stadium.   My congratulations to the newly installed President Phil Black and best wishes for your Presidential year.

The traditional April round of our IRRV Council Meetings were held at Keele University to coincide with the annual revision course as many council members are tutors on the course.   It was a busy week, culminating in a journey to the Lancashire and Cheshire Association AGM held in Knowsley Council offices. The meeting installed the new President Pauline Wass and my best wishes to her for the year ahead.

The next two AGMs were held in God’s country - that is Wales.   The South Wales Association, meeting in Bridgend, installed Maureen Neave as President for the forthcoming year.   Best Wishes Maureen!

The North Wales Association meeting was held in Mould and was chaired by the Association President David Barnes.  

The Thames Valley Association Annual Dinner was held in the Manor House, Wokefield Park outside Reading.   Another well attended event which facilitated the transfer of Presidential duties from the former President Phil Adlard to Tess Reeves and, again, I wish her all the best for the forthcoming year.

Kerry at Scottish Benefits Conference

As well as undertaking the official welcome to delegates at the IRRV Scottish Benefits Conference in Crieff on 9th and 10th March in his capacity as President of the Institute, Kerry also chaired sessions and gave a presentation of integrating benefits administration.

The conference was very well attended and feedback to it has been very positive.   Here's some photos from the event :

Above : Despite being postponed from December because of snowy weather, there was snow on day 1 of conference!

Above :  From Left - Jim McCafferty, Scottish Association President, Kerry, and Paul Howarth of DWP - on the conference stage.

Above :  The conference hall.

Latest news from the President ...

A rather belated Happy New Year to you all.

From my perspective, being President is akin to waiting for a bus, long periods of inactivity and then a flurry of events in close proximity.

The year started with a meeting involving the National Fraud Authority, myself and the Chief Executive  - to discuss their forthcoming initiatives and to offer suggestions for future projects.

The first function of the year was hosted by the Chartered Institute of Taxation at the Dorchester in London.   I shared a table with amongst others, the Honourable M.P for Burnley and the President of C.I.P.F.A and learnt that residents in Burnley consumes some 15% of all French Benedictine.   A useful quiz question.

January contained the regular Council round of meetings and it is still fascinating to comprehend the extent of the Institute’s involvement in European activities.

The London and Home Counties Association event was in the Innkeepers Hall in London, a splendid venue steeped in tradition.  Both the food and wine were excellent and my thanks to the Association for their kind invitation.

Following quickly on the heels of this event was the Annual Benefits Conference in Southport.    The event once again proved incredibly popular with both exhibitors and practitioners.   As always the programme contained a variety of topical subjects for the audience "to get their teeth into."

Finally, February came to a close with the C.I.P.F.A President’s function at the Savoy Hotel.   It was an opportunity to catch up with former colleagues especially my former Treasurer at Swansea City Council and past president of the Institute John Butler,who has now retired, and I would like to take this opportunity of wishing him good health and happiness for the future.

December Update from Kerry - and a very Happy Christmas!

Myself, the Chief Executive,  Deputy Chief Executive and Carol Cutler (Chair of Commercial Services) met with the retiring Ombudsman Tony Redmond to thank him for his support of the Institute. Before I provide any further details on the event it is worth reminding all that the Ombudsman is one of the most revered officers in public administration. When asked by him what my choice of sweet would be : the intention was to request sticky toffee pudding however, being tongue tied I asked for “a stiffy” please. Needless to say I was unable to correct my choice with dignity due to the laughter of my colleagues.

November and December is accompanied by a plethora of functions and I recall the prophetic words of previous presidents who have advised me of their burgeoning waistline due to the social aspect of the role. The first being the Rating Surveyors Association in the Royal Air Force Club in Piccadilly. The event was well supported by many members of the Institute who have membership of the Association and well hosted by the current President John Elcox and many thanks to him for the hospitality extended by the Association.

The following day myself and the Chief Executive were invited to the Association of Chief Estates Surveyors and Property Managers (ACES) in the Fishmongers Hall near London Bridge. ACES represents around 250 public sector bodies and has approximately 300 participating  members. The Immediate Past President Geoff Fisher presented the 2010 IRRV Performance Award for Excellence in Valuation and cited ACES as "punching well above its weight in professional property and valuation circles".   I would also thank the current President Paul Over for the kind invite to the event and if future events follow the standards already set, I feel adjustable waist trousers will be the order of the day!!

The recent Scottish Association’s meeting was in Dumfries and despite the prevailing weather conditions the meeting was well supported. As President it is a traditional to present a “State of the Nation Address” regarding the current status and activities of the Institute. The evening entertainment comprised a Chinese buffet followed by a karaoke or at least that was the plan. Unfortunately, despite the best endeavours of staff, the equipment would not work. However, we did decant to a local hostiliary and myself and the Scottish President (Brian Jeffrey) delivered a magnificent duet to "Daydream Believer" - that is unless you were there and experienced the moment - you may have had a different opinion!

I also attended the London and Home Counties Association quiz hosted by Gary Watson. Although not an official Presidential event, our team of myself, Nick Rowe and Louise Freeth managed a creditable fourth place with my contributions amongst others being the answers to “What was Emily Bishop’s maiden name in Coronation Street" and "What was the Christian name of Noele Gordon’s character in Crossroads?”   I really must get out more !!  

On the 27^th November we attended the East Midlands Association’s dinner dance at the Breadsall Priory Country Club and Hotel in Derby. (SEE EAST MIDLANDS PHOTOS BELOW!) An excellent venue and, despite the weather conditions, most attendees made the venue. The Association’s President Mike Carr presided over the event and my gratitude to him and his family for their company during the evening. The President’s chosen charity was the Alzheimer’s Association and the event raised a substantial sum for the charity.   Well done to everybody.    The only criticism of the event is that no-one rigged the raffle for the President to win a prize.   I mention that failing now to enable the other Associations to remedy the situation at their events! 

Unfortunately, the impact of the snow in Scotland resulted in their Annual Benefits Conference in Crieff scheduled for the 1^st/2^nd December to be postponed and will now be delivered in the New Year.

The East Midlands Association’s Annual Christmas lunch was in Oakham in Rutland and was an opportunity to partake in another superb lunch but - again - in the raffle I was a failure, unlike Gary Watson who won a prize. I recall in his Presidential year he monopolised the raffle prizes at such events.   It was however a pleasure to present Catherine Ellis with her I.R.R.V (Honours) certificate.  Congratulations Catherine and best wishes for the future.

The following day 10^th December involved a meeting at Headquarters of the Performance Awards Panel to discuss the criteria and categories for the forthcoming year. I am sure the awards will be as highly contested as in previous years and look forward to applications from the authorities of readers of the blog.

…….And finally, my last official event of the current year attendance at the Scottish Committee of Inquiry and in the evening the Scottish Association President’s (Brian Jeffrey's) Christmas Reception.   (SEE SCOTLAND PHOTOS BELOW!) The venue was an establishment called the Underground which was described by Fraser Macpherson as a unique venue. He was correct, when you could find the establishment!    During the evening Brian was presented with an award in recognition of his tenure on IRRV National Council.   I was fortunate that he was allocated to my committee, Education and Membership, and his contributions were invaluable.   As Brian has now retired, I wish both him and his wife all the best for their future years together. Don’t forget to keep in touch !!

The year 2010 has flown by at a meteoric pace and I am sure 2011 will be as busy. A very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year to one and all and I look forward to seeing you next year at Institute events.

And ... Kerry back in Scotland!

 Above :  Kerry at Scottish Committee of Inquiry meeting in Edinburgh

Above :  Scottish Association President's Christmas Reception

Above : With Brian Jeffrey, Scottish Association President

Kerry in the East Midlands!

President in Scotland!

Towards the end of last month, Kerry visited Scotland - the Forum in Dumfries - a few photos :

Above and Below : Kerry addresses the Scottish Revenues & Benefits Forum

Below :  The infamous Chinese Karaoke meal - and the karaoke machine didn't work!    But it proved not to be the only karaoke machine in Dumfries!

West Midlands Association function

The first official function as President has now passed almost without event which I will explain later. On the evening, I left the room punctually only to return at high speed - no not pre event nerves - I forgot the ceremonial chain of office.  

Firstly, I would like to thank the West Midlands Association for kindly inviting me to their function and for their superb hospitality. Secondly, I would also like to thank the Association’s President Anne Bradbury and her family for being excellent company on the night. My earlier comment that the evening almost passed without event, refers to my announcing the Lancashire and Cheshire President as being Colin Farrell as opposed to John and please accept my apologies for the slip.

The enthusiasm and energy of some people never cease to me amaze me. The evergreen Barry Powell managed to locate a party of young ladies on a hen night and proceeded to dance the night away with them. I would also like to thank him for not leading any of the attendees astray by sharing them !!

A message from Kerry, our new President :

I would firstly like to thank the immediate past president Geoff Fisher for his kind words, support and for the advice provided when sharing his experiences of his presidential year with me. Geoff was a model president and the Institute was in safe hands during his tenure and I intend to continue in that vein. Each president brings to the office their own unique style and whilst mine will be different to Geoff’s, I hope it will be as equally effective.

As is tradition, the Presidential handover occurred on the Awards night (Thursday) of the conference week and I was heartened by the congratulations given by many institute members and I hope to be able to catch up with as many members as possible at the various events during the next year.

I was delighted to be allowed to move unaided to the front of the stage. For those of you that have attended any of the Institute’s student revision courses at either Keele or Caerleon you will have noticed that strategically Bob Trahern and Gary Watson locate me at the back of the stage, during what could be loosely described as the “entertainment”. In my view they see me as a threat to their roles. However, I have been reliably advised that I am deluding myself and am simply uncoordinated or more bluntly,  rubbish and this is the least damaging location.

However, I look forward to my new role and position. In addition, am preparing myself to represent the Institute at professional events and championing our cause in particular with the proposals for 21^st Century benefits.

My first official event follows quite quickly on Saturday the 9^th October and is the West Midland dinner dance and pictures of the event will be on the blog next week. I very much look forward to meeting old friends, new and old colleagues and their guests at the events during the forthcoming months.

Kerry pictured with Bob and Gary

Kerry becomes IRRV President 2010-11 Please note that a full set of photographs from IRRV Annual Conference is available from ARM Photography - follow the link here for more details.