Stakeholder Event 2017

Atlantic Quay | Glasgow24 April 2017

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Contents

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

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

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

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

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

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

AiB Information .................................................................................................. 12 

Notes ................................................................................................................... 13 

Feedback Form ................................................................................................... 15 

Appendix 1 – Workshop delegates ................................................................... 17 

Morning Workshop Session .................................................................... 17 

Afternoon Workshop Session ................................................................. 20 

 

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Foreword

Welcome to the latest in our 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.

Dr. Richard Dennis

The Accountant in Bankruptcy & Agency Chief Executive

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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

10:00 - 10:30 Registration and refreshments

10:30 – 11:00

Welcome and introduction – James Watt A

Richard Dennis, The Accountant in Bankruptcy and Agency 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 17 – 22

12:15 - 13:00 Lunch break

13:00 - 14:15 Workshop session 2

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

Attendees for each session can be found on pages 17 – 22

14:15 - 14:30 Refreshments

14:30 - 15:30 Panel discussion – James Watt A

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

Facilitated by: Sharon Bell, Stepchange Debt Charity

Panel members: Richard Dennis, John Cook, Alex Reid and Kelly Donohoe

15:30 Close of Conference and thanks

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AiB Speaker Information

Dr. Richard Dennis, The Accountant in Bankruptcy and Agency Chief Executive Richard joined Accountant in Bankruptcy on 1 April 2015. Richard’s previous career included spells at the Department of the Environment, the European Commission and HM Treasury, before moving to the Scottish Government in 2000. Before coming to AiB, he led the Scottish Government’s Fire and Rescue Division through the period of the creation of the new single Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

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

.

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Venue Information

The venue for the Glasgow event is:

The Scottish Government, Atlantic Quay Building, 5 Atlantic Quay, 150 Broomielaw, Glasgow G2 8LU

Reception at Atlantic Quay can be contacted on 0300 244 6888 Fire Safety All visitors will be made aware of the evacuation procedures for the building by staff hosting or chairing event. Evacuation Routes

All persons should make their way to the designated assembly point listed below via the designated floor that that they have exited from. They should then wait at the relevant assembly point until the fire precautions officer has indicated that it is safe to return to the building. Assembly Point Brown Street Assembly Point James Watt Street

A Level with the bridal shop on the corner of Argyle Street

First Floor/Upper Ground/Car Parks

Level with the Premier Inn on the corner of Argyle Street

B Opposite the entrance to the MOD Building

Second Floor 71 James Watt Street

A members of staff will always be available guide you around the building throughout the day.

Directions Train

The office is located in Glasgow city centre, just five minutes’ walk from Central Station and the main bus routes. The nearest rail station is Glasgow Central. See here for walking directions. Car Parking is not available in the building but local parking is available throughout Glasgow.

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AiB Attendees

Name Position

Dr. Richard Dennis The Accountant in Bankruptcy & Agency Chief Executive John Cook Executive Director of Case Operations

Alex Reid Head of Policy Development

Kelly Donohoe Head of Debt Arrangement Scheme & Trust Deeds

Samuel Dickinson Senior Assistant Statistician

Fiona Wilson DAS team Leader

Mary Jane Connolly Operational Policy & Compliance Manager

Ann Scott Policy Development Officer

Donna Lindsey Policy Support

Gavin Cameron Communications Manager

Allan Holmes Web Development & Communications Officer

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Delegates Name Company Alan McIntosh Personal Insolvency Law Unit Alison Dryburgh Dundee CAB Alison Moore AMI Financial Solutions Ltd Amy Cook Renfrewshire Council Andrew Maak Grant Thornton Andrew McNeish Dumfries & Galloway Council Anna McLeod West Dunbartonshire Council Anne Baldock One Parent Families Scotland Annmarie Macdonald AMI Financial Solutions Ltd Audrey Laing Money Matters Money Advice Centre Barry Mochan mlm Solutions Brenda Diack Money Advice Scotland Brian Gormlie AMI Financial Solutions Ltd Bryce Findlay Findlay Hamilton Carole Benzie DAGCAS Chris Wardle Wylie & Bisset LLP Christine Sinclair DAGCAS Colin Murdoch Murray Stewart Fraser Ltd Colin Scott Geoghegans David Tannock Wylie Bisset Debbie Brodie Campbell Dallas LLP Deirdre Cargill French Duncan LLP Diane Dunn Renfrewshire Council Donald Harper Harper McDermott Limited Donna Creighton A G Taggart & Co Ltd George Lochrie Rutherglen & Cambuslang CAB Gillian Davidson Glasgow City Council Glenn Fisher Angus Council Graeme Penton PRA Group UK Limited

James Fennessey Scott-Moncrieff Jamie Bowman Scottish Government Jill Glen Insolvency Support Services Juliet Emery JETranslations

Karen Auld Whiteinch and Scotstoun Housing Association Ltd

Karen Hurst ABCUL Ken McEwan Money Advice Scotland Kevin McLeod TDC Solutions Limited Kim Banks Angus Council Kim Stevenson Scotwest Credit Union Kim Wilson William Duncan & Co Laura McCormack Glasgow City Council

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Delegates (cont) Name Company Laura Reid Wylie & Bisset LLP Laurette McNay French Duncan Linda Barr French Duncan LLP Linda Crookston Grant Thornton UK LLP Linda Gemmell HSCP Advice Services Lorna Bingham Bingham Associates Lyndsay Millar Scott Moncrieff Lynn Daniels North Lanarkshire Council Margaret Carr West Dunbartonshire Council Michelle Lynch TDX Group Nicola Standen Campbell Dallas LLP Orne Rogers Glasgow Central CAB Paul Findlay Findlay Hamilton Paul McDougall Wylie & Bisset LLP Peter Reilly LTC/MacMillan-Glasgow City Council Robert Kelly NHS Credit Union Ltd Samantha Moran North Lanarkshire Council Sharon Bell StepChange Debt Charity Stacey Mitchell Inverclyde HSCP Advice Services Stephanie Carr Blackadders Stewart Rennie Rennie McInnes LLP, Solicitors Stuart Perratt A G Taggart & Co Ltd Tracy Maxwell Dumfries & Galloway Council Victoria Devoy Glasgow City Council

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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) DAS 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 James Watt A Facilitated by: John Cook Name Company Position Alan McIntosh Personal Insolvency Law Unit Project Manager Amy Cook Renfrewshire Council Senior solicitor Andrew Maak Grant Thornton Restructuring Executive Annmarie Macdonald AMI Financial Solutions Ltd Insolvency Manager Audrey Laing Money Matters Money Advice Centre Quality Controller Barry Mochan mlm Solutions Assistant Manager Brenda Diack Money Advice Scotland Money Adviser Christine Sinclair DAGCAS Operations Manager Colin Murdoch Murray Stewart Fraser Ltd Director David Tannock Wylie Bisset Assistant Manager Donald Harper Harper McDermott Limited IP / director Gillian Davidson Glasgow City Council Debt Advice counsellor

Graeme Penton PRA Group UK Limited Debt Management Operations Manager

Jamie Bowman Scottish Government Legal Directorate Jill Glen Insolvency Support Services Associate Director Ken McEwan Money Advice Scotland Trainer/Consultant Kevin McLeod TDC Solutions Limited Kim Stevenson Scotwest Credit Union Finance Assistant Laura McCormack Glasgow City Council Money Advice Officer Linda Crookston Grant Thornton UK LLP Manager Linda Gemmell HSCP Advice Services Money Adviser Lyndsay Millar Scott Moncrieff Administrator Michelle Lynch TDX Group Insolvency Provider Manager Nicola Standen Campbell Dallas LLP Personal Insolvency Manager Paul Findlay Findlay Hamilton Manager Paul McDougall Wylie & Bisset LLP Manager Robert Kelly NHS Credit Union Ltd CEO Stephanie Carr Blackadders Partner

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Morning Workshop Session Has BADA(S) been a success? 11:00 – 12:15 Fleming B & C Facilitated by: Alex Reid Name Company Position Alison Dryburgh Dundee CAB Advice Support Alison Moore AMI Financial Solutions Ltd Managing Director Anna McLeod West Dunbartonshire Council Welfare Rights Officer/ Money Advice Brian Gormlie AMI Financial Solutions Ltd Personal Insolvency Consultant Bryce Findlay Findlay Hamilton Owner Chris Wardle Wylie & Bisset LLP Manager Colin Scott Geoghegans Partner Deirdre Cargill French Duncan LLP Administrator Diane Dunn Renfrewshire Council Policy Officer, Tackling Poverty Donna Creighton A G Taggart & Co Ltd Insolvency Manager Juliet Emery JETranslations Director

Karen Auld Money Advice and Financial Inclusion Officer

Whiteinch and Scotstoun Housing Association Ltd

Karen Hurst ABCUL Policy Officer Kim Banks Angus Council Welfare Rights Officer Kim Wilson William Duncan & Co Senior Manager Laura Reid Wylie & Bisset LLP Tam Leader Laurette McNay French Duncan Assistant Manager Linda Barr French Duncan LLP Director Lorna Bingham Bingham Associates Insolvency Consultant Margaret Carr West Dunbartonshire Council Working 4 U Officer Orne Rogers Glasgow Central CAB Debt Adviser Samantha Moran North Lanarkshire Council Debt Adviser Stewart Rennie Rennie McInnes LLP, Solicitors Partner Stuart Perratt A G Taggart & Co Ltd Insolvency Administrator

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Morning Workshop Session The Future of DAS? 11:00 – 12:15 Glennie A & B Facilitated by: Kelly Donohoe Name Company Position Andrew McNeish Dumfries & Galloway Council Revenues Officer Anne Baldock One Parent Families Scotland Carole Benzie DAGCAS Money Advice Coordinator Debbie Brodie Campbell Dallas LLP Personal Insolvency ManagerGeorge Lochrie Rutherglen & Cambuslang CAB Money Adviser Glenn Fisher Angus Council Welfare Rights Officer James Fennessey Scott-Moncrieff Senior Manager Lynn Daniels North Lanarkshire Council Advice Centre Manager

Peter Reilly LTC/MacMillian-Glasgow City Council Debt Advice

Sharon Bell StepChange Debt Charity Head of StepChange Debt Charity Scotland

Stacey Mitchell Inverclyde HSCP Advice Services Money Adviser Tracy Maxwell Dumfries & Galloway Council Revenues Supervisor Victoria Devoy Glasgow City Council Money Advisor

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Afternoon Workshop Session Are current solutions working? 13:00 – 14:15 James Watt A Facilitated by: John Cook Name Company Position Alison Dryburgh Dundee CAB Advice Support Alison Moore AMI Financial Solutions Ltd Managing Director

Anna McLeod West Dunbartonshire Council Welfare Rights Officer/ Money Advice

Brian Gormlie AMI Financial Solutions Ltd Personal Insolvency Consultant Bryce Findlay Findlay Hamilton Owner Carole Benzie DAGCAS Money Advice Coordinator Chris Wardle Wylie & Bisset LLP Manager Colin Scott Geoghegans Partner Deirdre Cargill French Duncan LLP Administrator Diane Dunn Renfrewshire Council Policy Officer, Tackling Poverty James Fennessey Scott-Moncrieff Senior Manager Karen Hurst ABCUL Policy Officer Kim Banks Angus Council Welfare Rights Officer Kim Wilson William Duncan & Co Senior Manager Laura Reid Wylie & Bisset LLP Tam Leader Laurette McNay French Duncan Assistant Manager Linda Barr French Duncan LLP Director Lorna Bingham Bingham Associates Insolvency Consultant Margaret Carr West Dunbartonshire Council Working 4 U Officer

Peter Reilly LTC/MacMillian-Glasgow City Council Debt Advice

Samantha Moran North Lanarkshire Council Debt Adviser

Sharon Bell StepChange Debt Charity Head of StepChange Debt Charity Scotland

Stacey Mitchell Inverclyde HSCP Advice Services Money Adviser Stewart Rennie Rennie McInnes LLP, Solicitors Partner Victoria Devoy Glasgow City Council Money Advisor

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Afternoon Workshop Session Has BADA(S) been a success? 13:00 – 14:15 Fleming B & C Facilitated by: Alex Reid Name Company Position Alan McIntosh Personal Insolvency Law Unit Project Manager Amy Cook Renfrewshire Council Senior solicitor Andrew Maak Grant Thornton Restructuring Executive Andrew McNeish Dumfries & Galloway Council Revenues Officer Anne Baldock One Parent Families Scotland Annmarie Macdonald AMI Financial Solutions Ltd Insolvency Manager

Audrey Laing Money Matters Money Advice Centre Quality Controller

Brenda Diack Money Advice Scotland Money Adviser David Tannock Wylie Bisset Assistant Manager Debbie Brodie Campbell Dallas LLP Personal Insolvency Manager Donald Harper Harper McDermott Limited IP / director George Lochrie Rutherglen & Cambuslang CAB Money Adviser Gillian Davidson Glasgow City Council Debt Advice counsellor Glenn Fisher Angus Council Welfare Rights Officer Jamie Bowman Scottish Government Legal Directorate Ken McEwan Money Advice Scotland Trainer/Consultant Laura McCormack Glasgow City Council Money Advice Officer Linda Crookston Grant Thornton UK LLP Manager Lyndsay Millar Scott Moncrieff Administrator Lynn Daniels North Lanarkshire Council Advice Centre Manager Nicola Standen Campbell Dallas LLP Personal Insolvency Manager Paul Findlay Findlay Hamilton Manager Paul McDougall Wylie & Bisset LLP Manager Stephanie Carr Blackadders Partner Tracy Maxwell Dumfries & Galloway Council Revenues Supervisor

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Afternoon Workshop Session The Future of DAS? 13:00 – 14:15 Glennie A & B Facilitated by: Kelly Donohoe Name Company Position Barry Mochan mlm Solutions Assistant Manager Christine Sinclair DAGCAS Operations Manager Colin Murdoch Murray Stewart Fraser Ltd Director Donna Creighton A G Taggart & Co Ltd Insolvency Manager

Graeme Penton PRA Group UK Limited Debt Management Operations Manager

Jill Glen Insolvency Support Services Associate Director Juliet Emery JETranslations Director

Karen Auld Money Advice and Financial Inclusion Officer

Whiteinch and Scotstoun Housing Association Ltd

Kevin McLeod TDC Solutions Limited Kim Stevenson Scotwest Credit Union Finance Assistant Linda Gemmell HSCP Advice Services Money Adviser

Michelle Lynch TDX Group Insolvency Provider Manager

Orne Rogers Glasgow Central CAB Debt Adviser Robert Kelly NHS Credit Union Ltd CEO Stuart Perratt A G Taggart & Co Ltd Insolvency Administrator

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