The Conflict Avoidance Coalition is pleased to announce the appointment of Richard Bayfield, Vice President of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), as its new Chair. A seasoned professional in construction and engineering, Richard brings decades of expertise to this leadership role.

Established in 2018, the Coalition now comprises around 90 of the UK’s leading professional and industry bodies. Its mission is to reduce the financial and relational costs of disputes in construction and engineering by promoting collaborative practices and encouraging widespread adoption of the Conflict Avoidance Pledge.

In his first weeks as Chair, Richard has formed a new steering group to coordinate delivery of the Coalition’s aims and has introduced a written constitution to provide a strong governance framework. These steps mark a renewed phase of activity and impact for the Coalition.

Speaking on the New President, Richard Bayfield said: “In his former role as Chair Len Bunton has been a tireless advocate for positive change in the industry. Indeed, Len has managed to enthuse a significant array of organisations into joining the coalition. The Steering Group was unanimous in awarding Len the role of President upon his leaving the Chair’s role.

Speaking on his appointment, Richard Bayfield said: “Conflict Avoidance Processes (CAP) anticipate that conflict is inevitable in any situation involving human activity. Often, small problems are hidden and eventually grow to become too big for the project team to resolve. Decisions are then escalated to a third party such as a judge or adjudicator, at great financial and relational cost to the parties. CAP avoids such risks.”

Martin Burns, RICS representative on the Coalition, welcomed Richard’s appointment:
“Richard has immense knowledge and experience in construction and engineering dispute resolution. His appointment as Chair adds to the Coalition’s status and its growing influence on how employers and suppliers behave towards each other in an industry that has often been damaged by unnecessary disputes.”

In a further development, the Coalition has today launched its new website. Designed as a user-friendly platform, the website will make it easier than ever for businesses and organisations to adopt the Conflict Avoidance Pledge. The new website is a hub for conflict avoidance professionals, providing practical tools and resources to help organisations embed proactive dispute management processes. Visitors to the site are also invited to submit their own conflict avoidance news and events for hosting on the website.

For more information and updates on the website launch, visit conflictavoidance.org.

LIST OF STEERING GROUP MEMBERS

Len Bunton (President)
Richard Bayfield (Chair)
Jeremy Glover (Vice Chair)
Ed Schryver (Vice Chair)
Ian McIlwee (Treasurer)
Sue Barrett
Ashley Belcher
Stephen Blakey
Martin Burns
Julie Forsyth
Ysella Jago
Jim McCluskey