With regards to the article on the teleconference in last month's newsletter.
It would seem some have taken exception to the comments made.
An item that has caused some associations concerns, ‘Chatham House Rule’;
http://www.chathamhouse.org/about-us/chathamhouserule
“The Chatham House Rule originated at Chatham House with the aim of providing anonymity to speakers and to encourage openness and the sharing of information. It is now used throughout the world as an aid to free discussion. Meetings do not have to take place at Chatham House, or be organized by Chatham House, to be held under the Rule.
Meetings, events and discussions held at Chatham House are normally conducted 'on the record' with the Rule occasionally invoked at the speaker's request. In cases where the Rule is not considered sufficiently strict, an event may be held 'off the record'”.
Dib-Unite are totally against CHR, our representatives are there to represent their members and as such all information exchanged at meetings has to be transmitted back to the membership.
We are completely against discussion and decisions being made behind closed doors where those involved in the decisions are hidden from scrutiny.
Most representatives are duly elected to represent the interests of their membership. In our eyes the members' interests are paramount in any decisions we make. We also reserve the right to change our minds should our membership indicate a change of heart on any matter.
CHR was mentioned slightly at the 30th October meeting; by a member of DVSA, it was suggested that maybe the National Associations may want to adopt this practice at meetings; however it was mentioned at the teleconference but the Chair never invoked CHR. Dib-Unite policy is to oppose CHR at all meetings.