WAPI News

THE LICENSING CONFERENCE - NOVEMBER 16. 2005

THE LICENSING CONFERENCE - WATFORD NOVEMBER 16. 2005

200+ Delegates from around the UK gathered at the Ramada-Jarvis Hotel last Wednesday starting the registration process from around 7.30am!!

We lost a few at lunchtime, but most stayed to the bitter end!!

Overall, the day was interesting, The keynote speech from Peter Hermitage - Chairman SIA) opened the day, however the bottom line was that the SIA were unable to take the Competence Issue any further forward. There is no doubt that this was of some disappointment to the audience, however the explanation as to the reasons was accepted, and it would seem that the survey currently in process from the SIA - MAY enable them to determine how we all feel about the competence factor plus other criteria which may be required or suggested by the Sector. Kevern Oliver spent some time explaining his reasons for yet another sampling of opinion.......... All down to Government Policy to extract from the affected Sectors an "Impact Assessment"

What was made clear, was that the Approved Contractor Scheme would be "rolled-out" in due course, opening the door for assignments and contracts from the Statutory Bodies to be awarded to Approved Contractors, however there are no additional powers of access to information, unless parliament changes the law further down the road.

Alan Martin made a brave attempt to outline and explain the NOS - National Occupational Standards, and how they fit into the scheme of things - possibly to enable us to be assessed against - should that become part of the competence criteria!!

The Information Commissioner's Representative, Mick Gorrell, Head of Investigations kept the audience "frozen" to their seats - as he candidly outlined their increased investigative capacity, and determination to weed out and prosecute the "Blaggers" out there!! Of particular concern was his suggestion that anyone convicted of DPA Offences may have their PI Licence refused or revoked!!

You have been warned!

Our Sponsors and Vendors reported a good through-put of visitors and there is no doubt that the "captive audience" spent some time visiting the various stands - hopefully this will lead to new or increased business for our Vendors and Sponsors in due course.

If anything of use was achieved, it was the networking of the many Investigators who took the time and trouble to attend, and the number alone certainly impressed the SIA & other Speakers present. They are now certainly aware of the keen interest shown by the Investigator Sector in terms of the criteria determination.

In conclusion, it really has to be said, what a fine bunch we all were? There was no shouting, no insults, and really well thought out and testing questions posed from the floor, despite the underlying frustration that we all feel at the progress of implementation in our Sector.

As always our thanks to Tony Imossi for chairing the day, and maintaining the schedule - so diplomatically!! Also to Peter Heims, & Gavin Robinson who along with myself formed the organising committee for the Event, our Sponsors and Vendors for their financial support, and to all - who demonstrated their commitment to their future plus to the Sector - by taking time-out from their busy lives to participate.

Ian (D. Withers)
WAPI Chairman
ISG Organising Team &
Vendor Sales
ian@pilimited.com

Quick links > Home > Member Services > WAPI news