South Downs Branch

IOSH South Downs Branch Consultants Special Interest Group

Minutes of the Meeting held on Friday 18th March 2011 at Broadbridge Heath Leisure Centre – HAODS Meeting Room.

Present (19 members attended) John Sharp (Chair) Ken Stacey (Secretary/Treasurer) Malcolm Pink (Acting Vice Chair) Colin Greenway Juliet Sumner Tony Baker Angela Baker Rod Walters Ivor Knight Alan Coulson Ian Smith Graham Cosham plus guest Amin Ferdowsian Lisa Haws Ian Temple Ruth Rowbotham Chris Hilder Richard Honeyman Rick Malone

Apologies (10 members received) Robert Folwell Adrian Wild Graham Cole Simon Harrison Alan Barthrope Rod Thonger Kathryn Adderson Jeremy Carter David Sumner Steve Granger

1. Apologies for Absence –

10 members listed above were unable to attend due to work and other commitments. There were two new members present at the meeting – they were Lisa Haws and Ian Temple who were attending for the first time.

1 2. Presentation – “Contracts – the legal pitfalls!” a talk given by Mark Brenlund a Partner at Visard Wyeth Ltd Solicitors.

We had an excellent business talk from Mark Brenlund who highlighted the sorts of problems that may occur with the transmission of documentation from one party to another. He told us what to look out for and how to ensure that your T&C’s are always the one’s that are finally accepted. This was a very stimulating talk with lots of questions both during and after Mark’s talk. Nb Mark has provided an answer to CG’s question regarding the difference between a contract of services and a contract for services. A ‘contract of services’ usually relates to domestic services arrangements whereas a ‘contract for services’ is used for the provision of business related services such as health and safety.

3. Minutes of last Meeting and Matters Arising –

The minutes were circulated and agreed to be a reasonably accurate record of the December meeting. Those present proposed they be accepted and they were duly signed by JS. There were no matters arising.

4. Amberley Museum Update –

MP & JS briefed those present on the current position at Amberley. Volunteer signing on day is next Saturday 26th March and JS, MP, and KS will be attending to see exactly what the present position is. We have given some information regarding possible ways forwards but to date have had no response whatsoever. We appear to have been excluded currently from all of the discussion regarding operation and projects at the museum as well as the induction day. We shall hear what they say and then make a decision as to the best option for the future. At present we find it difficult to see any way forwards. Watch this space! Thanks again to all that have assisted with the project so far. Make sure you log your activities on cpd. We hope that the association with the museum has proved to be positive so far, and that any subsequent withdrawal will not reflect badly on IOSH. We cannot work without any management support or communication. Perhaps in the future we can look for other charities that would appreciate our support.

5. Reports from Chair and Secretary -

There was no report from the Chair or Vice Chair. The Secretary reminded members that the June meeting will be our AGM and that the offices of Chair, Vice Chair and Secretary will be up for election – any members wishing to take on any of these roles to let the Secretary know. The Secretary reported on the following future events from South Downs Branch forward programme -

2 a. April 5 th – AGM at Martletts b. May 10 th – Annual Legal Update at K2 c. May 17th – HSE Update for Construction Group at American Express Burgess Hill. Other items of interest included the use of the chartered logo by members of IOSH, and an on line survey for members also IOSH. Information on changes to fire standards in Care Homes and the HSE’s future inspection strategy reductions see www.shponline.co.uk There was also some discussion on the HSE charging for consultancy to recoup lost funding.

6. Members Reports and Items of Interest –

CH gave details of a fire issue at a Housing Association in London where improvement notices had been issued incorrectly in his view. It appears that an FSO had been moved for not meeting quotas on notices – a worrying trend. CH said that members should also be aware that charging for false alarms is likely to be back on the books in most areas to reduce costs. JS said that it was worth having a look at recent reported case law including the corporate manslaughter case – there was much to learn. TB said that following on from today’s talk his consultancy sends a couple of copies of their T&C’s to new clients with a signed copy for return - prior to work commencing. What do others do? There were various strategies mentioned by those present as well as discussion over options for non payment which appears to be a key issue! KS asked whether other consultants were still using the government approved mileage rate of 40p per mile. Most were, rather than complicating the tax position for increased costs. Ch said that if you were vat registered you can claim some of the fuel costs back and also might also be worth looking at a small business allowances with your accountants.

7. Future Programme -

Next meeting will be on - June 17th 2011 – Venue Broadbridge Heath (tbc) – our speaker will be Kathryn Adderson on ‘Environmental Noise and Statutory Nuisance’. Dates for future meetings suggested as – September 16th 2011 December 9th 2011 And March 16th 2012 These will need to be agreed with other SIG’s at SD Branch.

8. Any Other Business –

There was no other business.

9. Date of Next Meeting –

Our next meeting will be on Friday 17th June 2011 at Broadbridge Heath Leisure Centre HAODS room (venue tbc).

3 Meeting finished at 3.15pm approx.