2010 IBC Conference
VenueBridgewater Hall
LocationManchester
Date & time26 June 2010 at 09:15

IBC Annual Conference
26 June 2010
Bridgewater Hall
Manchester

The Institute of Barristers' Clerks is pleased to announce further details of this year's Conference.

We are in a fast moving legal environment with significant issues to discuss and debate, the resolution of which will have far reaching consequences for the future of the Bar. Just a few of the issues to be discussed that I hope will be of interest and benefit are:-

  • the current circuit road show involving Nicholas Green QC, the relaxation of the Bar Standards Board's rules and procurement possibilities;
  • the possibilities and opportunities with alternative business structures;
  • the Jackson Report and Ministry of Justice reforms and how these will affect the junior Bar;
  • further potential cuts in criminal and family public funding.

The title for the day is "Embrace Change and Deliver" to demonstrate that the Bar, clerks and other staff have the ability to adapt to a changing market in the delivery of legal services for continued success.

It is commonly accepted that well trained and motivated staff will be more effective at pursuing chambers' aims. It is for this reason that I urge senior staff to promote the IBC event at an early stage. We know that making clients feel important is a fundamental rule in building business and it is my firm belief that investing in staff is an integral part of the progression of the Bar.

Whilst this is the IBC Conference, to suggest it is merely a "clerks' conference" is incorrect. Clerks could not operate without acting within a team of dedicated and specialised staff whether they are involved in the clerks room, reception, accounts and administration etc, all of whom have a valuable role to play within the organisation of Chambers. Clients value the entire service so all staff are warmly welcomed and encouraged to attend.

I would particularly urge all junior clerks to attend as a demonstration of your commitment to chambers and the future.

Please find attached this year's draft programme. There are some finishing touches to be made but I hope the programme will interest you. I am delighted so many prominent figures have committed their valuable time to what promises to be a day not to be missed.

If there are any comments you would like to make, please feel free to let me know because this is your conference and I want to ensure it is of maximum benefit to you.

If you are interested in attending I would be extremely grateful if you could email Carol Harris on - admin@ibc.org.uk  to reserve your place. A list of the cost to attend this event is attached and please note the prices remain the same as last year.  An "early bird" discount of 10% is available on all bookings made before 30th April.

It will not have escaped your notice that the World Cup starts in June. England may have a game on the evening of the conference. Whilst I do not want the day to be dominated by arrangements for football I suspect many will want to know this has been borne in mind. I can assure you arrangements will be made to ensure a suitable local venue is found to watch the game and socialise or, for those who are planning to travel back to their respective cities, we will try to be flexible with the day's running order.

From previous feedback received I know many appreciate the voting machines that allow you to share your views anonymously. These are costly so the more people who register at an early stage the more likely we can provide this facility.

I therefore hope you can give this your early attention and look forward to seeing you at our flagship event and another highly successful conference.

Matthew Gibbons
Conference Chair
mgibbons@deanscourt.co.uk 
0161 214 6009

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