Objects, powers and other activities

As taken from the constitution (updated 17-3-06) of the Society:

 

2. OBJECTS AND POWERS

 

2.1          The Society is established for:

 

2.1.1       the advancement and promotion of the education of persons who are or who wish to be arbitrators in the London and international insurance and reinsurance markets; and

 

2.1.2       the advancement and promotion of arbitration as a means to resolve disputes in the London and international insurance and reinsurance markets.

 

2.2          In furtherance of such objects but not otherwise the Society may:

 

2.2.1       arrange and provide for, or join in arranging and providing for, the holding of exhibitions, meetings, lectures, classes, seminars and training courses;

 

2.2.2       promote and carry out or assist in promoting and carrying out research, surveys and investigations and publish the useful results of such research, surveys and investigations;

 

2.2.3       establish and maintain panels of suitably qualified and experienced individuals for appointment as arbitrators or umpires in insurance or reinsurance arbitrations;

 

2.2.4       appoint when so requested arbitrators or umpires;

 

2.2.5       draft and promote the use of rules for arbitrations;

 

2.2.6       draft and promote (where appropriate in conjunction with other bodies) the use of suitable arbitration clauses for insertion in insurance and reinsurance contracts and treaties;                                                                                                

2.2.7       bring together in conferences or meetings representatives of organisations, Government departments, statutory authorities and individuals;

 

2.2.8       collect and disseminate information on all matters affecting such objects and exchange such information with other bodies having similar objects whether in this country or overseas;

 

2.2.9       collaborate with and make representations to any governments, authorities, corporations, companies or persons on all matters relating to such objects;

 

2.2.10     undertake, execute, manage or assist any charitable trusts which may lawfully be undertaken, executed, managed or assisted by the Society;

 

2.2.11     procure to be written and print, publish, issue and circulate gratuitously or otherwise such papers, books, periodicals, summaries, pamphlets or other documents or films or recorded tapes as shall further such objects;

 

2.2.12     purchase, take on lease or in exchange, hire or otherwise acquire any property and any rights and privileges necessary for the promotion of such objects and construct, maintain and alter any buildings or erections necessary for the work of the Society;

 

2.2.13     make regulations for any property which may be so acquired;

 

2.2.14     sell, let, mortgage, dispose of or turn to account all or any of the property or assets of the Society;

 

2.2.15     accept gifts and borrow or raise money for such objects on such terms and on such security as shall be thought fit;

 

2.2.16     procure contributions to the Society by personal or written appeals, public meetings or otherwise;

 

2.2.17     invest the money of the Society not immediately required for such objects in or on such investments, securities or property as may be thought fit, subject nevertheless to such conditions (if any) as may for the time being be imposed or required by law;

 

2.2.18     employ and pay any person or persons to supervise, organise and carry on the work of the Society and make all reasonable and necessary provision for the payment of pensions and superannuation to or on behalf of employees and their widows and other dependants; and

 

2.2.19     do all such other lawful things as are necessary for the attainment of such objects.

 

OTHER ACTIVITIES

In accordance with 2.2.4 ARIAS (UK) acts, where required, as an appointor of an arbitrator or umpire (it is usual now for the institutions of Lloyd’s, IUA and the ABI, often named as the appointing power in older reinsurance contracts, to consult with ARIAS (UK)).

In accordance with 2.2.9 the Society has also made representations on behalf of the insurance markets on matters relating to arbitration and dispute resolution generally, including conveying our views to the then DTI advisory committee concerned with the introduction of the Arbitration Act 1996 (our former Chairman, Johnny Veeder Q.C. having been a prominent member of that committee).