Stakeholder Event

2017

Frederick Street Centre | Aberdeen 15 May 2017

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Contents

Foreword ............................................................................................... 2

Event Brief ............................................................................................ 4 

Timetable ............................................................................................... 5 

AiB Speaker Information ..................................................................... 6 

Venue Information ................................................................................ 8 

AiB Attendees ....................................................................................... 9 

Delegates ............................................................................................ 10 

AiB Information .................................................................................. 11 

Notes.................................................................................................... 12 

Feedback Form ................................................................................... 14 

Appendix 1 – Workshop Delegates .................................................. 16 

Morning Workshop Session ........................................................... 16 

Afternoon Workshop Session ........................................................ 19 

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Foreword

Welcome to the latest in the series of our annual stakeholder events. Today gives us an opportunity to discuss various topics to establish how we are doing and where we need to turn our attention next. As professionals in this sector, you interact directly with the people our work affects. As a result, you may well have a better idea of how previous reforms work in practice and where improvements are needed. This year’s events will be a little different to previous years. Where previous workshops focused on specific legislative aspects and featured our staff delivering detailed presentations, this year we are seeking to ask some searching questions and look forward to you engaging and debating these topics with us. We therefore want to hear from you: do you agree with what we’re doing, and how can we work together to deliver services to those who need them better? On behalf of myself and all the staff at AiB, I would like to welcome you to our 2017 event.

John Cook Deputy Chief Executive

& Executive Director of Case Operations

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Event Brief

Workshops Our workshop sessions will focus on topics we expect will have a significant impact on you.

Are current debt solutions working?

In recent years a number of policy initiatives have been introduced to try and improve the

processes of debt relief and debt management in Scotland. The overarching aim of these

policies has been to:

Balance the needs of debtors against the rights of creditors

Ensure that debt relief is available to those with unsustainable debt levels

Grant additional time and protection from creditor enforcement to those who can

afford to pay back the money they owe, but need more time to do so

Underpin statutory solutions with a compulsory advice requirement to allow

individuals to make informed choices on the full range of options available

Give breathing space and protection from enforcement to those with debt issues who

are considering a statutory debt solution

This session will look at the current statutory solutions, analyse if they are working properly

and discuss steps that could be taken to improve debt management and insolvency

processes in Scotland.

Has BADA(S) been a success?

Since the introduction of the Bankruptcy and Debt Advice (Scotland) Act 2014, AiB has

overseen the implementation of significant change affecting all stakeholders in the sector.

This session will provide insight on the impact of BADA(S) from an AiB perspective and seek

feedback from participants on their experience of the practical application of the new

provisions in advance of the BADA(S) review that will commence later this year.

What is the future for DAS?

Over the last few years, the Debt Arrangement Scheme has seen a gradual decline in

applications. Why is this? Has DAS outlived its usefulness or is there more that can be done

to make DAS a sustainable product for years to come?

At this session, a number of initiatives for the future direction of DAS will be presented and

discussed. You will have the opportunity to contribute your views to this debate and suggest

changes to the way in which DAS operates.

NB: Delegates have been assigned to workshops according to indicated preferences when booking.

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Timetable

10:30 - 10:45 Registration and refreshments

10:45 – 11:00

Welcome and introduction

John Cook, Executive Director of Case Operations and Deputy Chief Executive

11:00 - 12:15 Workshop session 1

Are current solutions working? Has BADA(S) been a success? What is the future of DAS?

Attendees for each session can be found on page in appendix 1

12:15 - 13:00 Lunch break

13:00 - 14:15 Workshop session 2

Are current solutions working? Has BADA(S) been a success?

Attendees for each session can be found on page in appendix 1

14:15 - 14:30 Refreshments

14:30 - 15:30 Panel discussion

Open floor discussion with the panel members on any matter brought up throughout the day or any other business.

Facilitated by: Mike Norris, Max Recovery

Panel members: John Cook, Alex Reid and Kelly Donohoe

15:30 Close of Conference and thanks

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AiB Speaker Information

John Cook, Executive Director of Case Operations John joined Accountant in Bankruptcy in January 2005 after working for

the Department for Work and Pensions for 18 years.

Initially John was responsible for Debt Arrangement Scheme (DAS) operations and in February 2007 was appointed Head of Case

Operations at AiB.

John has overall responsibility for AiB’s case management and supervisory functions related to bankruptcy, the Debt Arrangement

Scheme and protected trust deeds. John is an AiB Board member and volunteer chair of North Ayrshire Citizens Advice Service.

Alex Reid, Head of Policy Development

Alex joined Accountant in Bankruptcy in April 2012 as Head of Operational Policy and Compliance. He is currently Head of Policy Development.

Alex is responsible for leading the development and review of personal insolvency policy in Scotland and also the policies related to the devolved aspects of corporate insolvency.

Alex’s previous roles in Scottish Government have included the policy lead for the development of marine renewable energy in Scotland and management of the primary grant schemes to support research and Development activity in small businesses.

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AiB Speaker Information

Kelly Donohoe, Head of Debt Arrangement Scheme & Trust Deeds Kelly has worked in various internal roles within AiB before moving on to lead the Debtor Applications team in October 2008. Here, she oversaw the implementation of the legislative changes which introduced the low income, low asset (LILA) process, and changed how people apply for their own bankruptcy.

In 2010, Kelly helped oversee the introduction of the Certificate for Sequestration route to personal bankruptcy, and managed the operational transition for the team before becoming Senior Manager of the DAS and Trust Deed teams.

AiB Speaker Information

Plenary Chair Mike Norris, is Executive Director for Max Recovery Ltd.

Since 2008, Mike has headed up the UK, Canadian and Dutch operations for Max Recovery, the leading purchaser of consumer receivables where customers have been sequestrated or have signed a protected trust deed. Max Recovery has around 11,000 open insolvency claims in Scotland.

Mike commenced his career in the insolvency sector in 1984 when he joined the UK Insolvency Service.

Over the course of a 23 year career there, he moved through operations, human resources and investigations teams before becoming director of policy, where he led the team that developed, took through Parliament and implemented the personal insolvency provisions of The Enterprise Act 2002.

Mike has represented the UK government on a number of insolvency working groups at the European Commission and on the insolvency working group at the UN Commission on International Trade Law.

.

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Venue Information

The venue for the Aberdeen event is:

Frederick Street, Aberdeen, AB24 5HY The specific building positioned to the east side of Aberdeen City Centre is a training venue for Aberdeen City Council. It is located right next to a multi-storey carp park and opposite the NHS Health Village. The building itself is an old school grey granite building. These are the only three building on this specific street.

Upon arrival, you will be greeted at reception area and escorted around the building for the duration of the day. Please note that this building is generally not open to members of the public.

Fire Safety for Visitors: All visitors should be made aware of the evacuation procedures for the building Staff hosting or chairing meetings must make attendees aware of evacuation procedures On hearing the fire alarm

Calmly evacuate the building by the nearest available exit If you discover a fire

Immediately raise the alarm - shout to notify anyone in the vicinity Activate the fire alarm system (e.g. using 'break glass' points) Evacuate the building

Further information in the event of an emergency evacuation will be provided on the day.

Directions Train The nearest rail station is Aberdeen train station. From the station, it is a 13 minute walk to Frederick street.

Car There is a multi-storey car park directly next to the venue.

This is split by long stays and short stays. Long stays being on the higher levels (4 and above).

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AiB Attendees

Name Position John Cook Executive Director of Case Operations

Alex Reid Head of Policy Development

Kelly Donohoe Head of Debt Arrangement Scheme & Trust Deeds

Donna Lindsay Policy Support

Gavin Cameron Communications Manager

Allan Holmes Web Development & Communications Officer

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Delegates Name Company Aneta Stapinski Citizens Advice Bureau Angela Kazmierczak Aberdeen City Council Angela Paterson Henderson Loggie Anna Thomson Meston Reid & Co Caralyn Nolan Johnston Carmichael Carol James Johnston Carmichael David Tannock Wylie Bisset Derek Lyttle Middlebrooks Business Recovery & Advice Fiona Spendlow The Moray Council Gillian Low Johnston Carmichael Gillian Tait Citizens Advice Bureau, Kincardine & Mearns Jacqui Bruce Banff & Buchan CAB Jennifer Penman Anderson Anderson and Brown LLP Julie McNamee The Moray Council Juliet Taylor Moray Council Karen Leslie Stronachs LLP Kathryn Munro Moray Council Laura Rodgers Aberdeen City Council Lesley Comfort Gordon Rural Action Margaret Linn Henderson Loggie Margaret Mowat Banff & Buchan CAB Marlene Forsyth SWACAB Mike Norris JP Morgan Morag Matthew Banff & Buchan CAB Orkhon Ochirpurev Aberdeen Citizens Advice Paul O'Donnell Meston Reid & Co Rachel Smith Gordon Rural Action Raymond Fettes Gordon Rural Action Robert Deeming South West Aberdeenshire CAB Robin Bowden Citizens Adice Bureau Robyn Murray Begbies Traynor Ryan Flett Shelter Scotland Sandra Wallis Citizens Advice Bureau Shona Fraser Turriff Citizens Advice Bureau Shona Maxwell Condies Business Recovery & Insolvency Ltd Stuart Robertson SWACAB Susan Cooper Aberdeen Citizens Advice Bureau Tracy MacDonald Gordon Rural Action

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AiB Information

Who we are Accountant in Bankruptcy (AiB) is an Executive Agency of the Scottish Government with responsibility for administering the process of personal bankruptcy, administering the Debt Arrangement Scheme and recording corporate insolvencies in Scotland. We aim to meet the needs of our staff, stakeholders, customers, local community and the environment. This is achieved through regular assessment of commitments, objectives and services being provided.

Our Mission To provide access to fair debt relief and debt management processes for the people of Scotland, taking account of the rights and interests of all those involved.

Our Values We will ensure that our activities are: - independent - responsive - accountable - transparent - fair - open

Our Key Functions We will achieve our mission through the following key functions, while recognising our unique statutory role: - Delivering, with stakeholders, a range of options for individuals seeking debt relief and debt management - Supervising the insolvency process - Supporting Ministers to develop and refine policy - Ensuring best value services to our customers Should you require further information please do not hesitate to contact the Stakeholder Events team by email to allan.holmes@aib.gsi.gov.uk or by telephone on 0300 200 2629.

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Notes

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Notes

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Feedback Form

Your feedback is valuable to us. We would be grateful if you could spare a few minutes to offer your feedback. All constructive feedback, both negative and positive, is of great value to us. Please complete the attached form and hand it to a member of staff on your way out.

Event Strongly agree

Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly disagree

Overall, I found the event worthwhile

The information at the event was useful and well presented

Overall, the event was well facilitated

Additional comments:

Morning Workshop (please circle/underline the workshop you attended)

Debt Solutions BADA(S) DAS I found the workshop useful and informative

I had the opportunity to participate in the discussion

The presenter was prepared and accommodating

Afternoon Workshop (please select the workshop you attended)

Debt Solutions BADA(S) I found the workshop useful and informative

I had the opportunity to participate in the discussion

The presenter was prepared and accommodating

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In your opinion, what were the strengths of the event? What did you find most useful or enjoyable and why?

Which parts were the least useful or enjoyable? Why?

Are there any topics you would like to see covered at future events / workshops that would assist you?

Thank you

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Appendix 1 – Workshop delegates Morning Workshop Session Are current solutions working? 11:00 – 12:15 Facilitated by: John Cook Name Position Company

Derek Lyttle Business Recovery Director Middlebrooks Business Recovery & Advice

Gillian Low Restructuring Assistant Manager Johnston Carmichael

Gillian Tait Snr Debt & Income & Maximisation Worker

Citizens Advice Bureau, Kincardine & Mearns

Lesley Comfort Debt Adviser Gordon Rural Action Mike Norris Executive Director JP Morgan Orkhon Ochirpurev Debt Advice Outreach Aberdeen Citizens Advice Paul O'Donnell Insolvency Supervisor Meston Reid & Co Rachel Smith In Court Adviser Gordon Rural Action Robyn Murray Insolvency Manager Begbies Traynor Sandra Wallis Senior Money Adviser Citizens Advice Bureau Shona Fraser Debt Adviser Turriff Citizens Advice Bureau Stuart Robertson money adviser SWACAB

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Morning Workshop Session Has BADA(S) been a success? 11:00 – 12:15 Facilitated by: Alex Reid Name Position Company Caralyn Nolan Restructuring Senior Manager Johnston Carmichael

Carol James Restructuring Assistant Manager Johnston Carmichael

Jacqui Bruce Manager Banff & Buchan CAB Jennifer Penman Restructuring Manager Anderson Anderson and Brown LLP Jennifer Penman Restructuring Manager Anderson Anderson & Bown LLP

Karen Leslie Law Society of Scotland Registered Paralegal Stronachs LLP

Kathryn Munro Money Adviser Moray Council Margaret Mowat Money Adviser Banff & Buchan CAB Morag Matthew Money Adviser Banff & Buchan CAB Ryan Flett Senior Money & Debt Adviser Shelter Scotland

Shona Maxwell Director Condies Business Recovery & Insolvency Ltd

Susan Cooper Money Advice Worker Aberdeen CAB Tracy MacDonald Money Adviser Gordon Rural Action

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Morning Workshop Session The Future of DAS? 11:00 – 12:15 Facilitated by: Kelly Donohoe Name Position Company Angela Paterson Senior Manager Henderson Loggie Fiona Spendlow Money Advisor The Moray Council

Juliet Taylor Financial Inclusion Team Leader Moray Council

Margaret Linn manager Henderson Loggie Robert Deeming Debt Adviser South West Aberdeenshire CAB Aneta Stapinski Debt Adviser Citizens Advice Bureau

Angela Kazmierczak Financial Inclusion Team Leader Aberdeen City Council

Anna Thomson Insolvency Administrator Meston Reid & Co

Derek Lyttle Business Recovery Director Middlebrooks Business Recovery & Advice

Julie McNamee Money Adviser The Moray Council

Marlene Forsyth Debt and Income Maximisation Adviser SWACAB

Raymond Fettes Senior money adviser Gordon Rural Action Robin Bowden Volunteer Citizens Adice Bureau Stuart Robertson money adviser SWACAB

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Afternoon Workshop Session Are current solutions working? 13:00 – 14:15 Facilitated by: John Cook Name Position Company Aneta Stapinski Debt Adviser Citizens Advice Bureau

Angela Kazmierczak Financial Inclusion Team Leader Aberdeen City Council

Angela Paterson Senior Manager Henderson Loggie Anna Thomson Insolvency Administrator Meston Reid & Co Caralyn Nolan Restructuring Senior Manager Johnston Carmichael

Carol James Restructuring Assistant Manager Johnston Carmichael

David Tannock Assistant Manager Wylie Bisset Jacqui Bruce Manager Banff & Buchan CAB Jennifer Penman Restructuring Manager Anderson Anderson and Brown LLP Julie McNamee Money Adviser The Moray Council

Juliet Taylor Financial Inclusion Team Leader Moray Council

Karen Leslie Law Society of Scotland Registered Paralegal Stronachs LLP

Kathryn Munro Money Adviser Moray Council Margaret Linn manager Henderson Loggie Margaret Mowat Money Adviser Banff & Buchan CAB Morag Matthew Money Adviser Banff & Buchan CAB Raymond Fettes Senior money adviser Gordon Rural Action Robin Bowden Volunteer Citizens Adice Bureau Ryan Flett Senior Money & Debt Adviser Shelter Scotland

Shona Maxwell Director Condies Business Recovery & Insolvency Ltd

Stuart Robertson money adviser SWACAB Susan Cooper Money Advice Worker Aberdeen Citizens Advice Bureau Tracy MacDonald Money Adviser Gordon Rural Action

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Afternoon Workshop Session Has BADA(S) been a success? 13:00 – 14:15 Facilitated by: Alex Reid Name Position Company David Tannock Assistant Manager Wylie Bisset Fiona Spendlow Money Advisor The Moray Council Gillian Low Restructuring Assistant Manager Johnston Carmichael

Gillian Tait Snr Debt & Income & Maximisation Worker

Citizens Advice Bureau, Kincardine & Mearns

Lesley Comfort Debt Adviser Gordon Rural Action

Marlene Forsyth Debt and Income Maximisation Adviser SWACAB

Mike Norris Executive Director JP Morgan Orkhon Ochirpurev Debt Advice Outreach Aberdeen Citizens Advice Paul O'Donnell Insolvency Supervisor Meston Reid & Co Rachel Smith In Court Adviser Gordon Rural Action Robert Deeming Debt Adviser South West Aberdeenshire CAB Robyn Murray Insolvency Manager Begbies Traynor Sandra Wallis Senior Money Adviser Citizens Advice Bureau Shona Fraser Debt Adviser Turriff Citizens Advice Bureau