The Annual General Meeting of QL Incorporated was held in Thursday 10th December in the offices of Baker and McKenzie, Bridge Street Sydney.

The Chairman, Patrick Fair, reported to the Management Committee the activities for the previous year as follows.

As I reported in 2008 we continue to make slow but steady progress with the roll out of LAW9000 with 36+ firms now being certified. The size of the firm’s being certified ranges from one partner practices to national firms.

Review of the LAW9000 Standard

The ISO9000 Standard and thus LAW900 Standard are being review as part of the usual review process undertaken of all standards. Mr Ben Bowering - National Marketing Manager for SAI Global is convenor of the working party which has representation from the QL Board.

At this stage it is due to complete the review by March/April 2010 with release tentatively scheduled for May/June 2010.

Review and Updating of Constitution and Rules

The board undertook a review of the constitution and rules of QL. After a period of review and drafting the new rules were approved at a special general meeting convened in September and approved for adoption.

On behalf of the Board I would like to extend our appreciation to Ray Ward of Ward Legal, a longstanding Board member and supported of QL for all the work he invested in the preparation of the new document.

Review of QL Strategic Plan

The Board held a Strategic Planning Session in September – chaired by Warrick McLean. The meeting reviewed the achievements since the last planning session in 2004 which was followed by a session set aside to reviewing the opportunities for the next few years.

The discussion reviewed the opportunities to review the structure of QL, developing a marketing plan and membership servicing activities. The potential for working with the regulators was recognized a significant opportunity given the changes occurring in the journey towards a more consistent regulatory framework across the States.

Ensuring an orderly succession plan for the Board was listed for ongoing discussion in the next year as was a review of the training options for the delivery of the standard

I am pleased to say that the board sub-committees have been working on a revised mission and values statement and marketing plan since the meeting and this augurs well for the next year.

We are very grateful to Sue Ella Prodonovich from WHK Horwath who has provided very valuable assistance to the marketing sub-committee and to Rosemary Howell and Marisa Pacchiarotta for their work in preparing a mission and values statement for QL.

The outcomes of the meeting will now be worked through by the committee over the next few months

SAI Global – Auditors Workshop

A very successful auditors workshop was held in May attended by all of the current SAI Global LAW900) auditors as well as a number of guest speakers including Michael Noyce, Warrick McLean, Greg Dwyer, Stephen Burke and Paul Matthews.

The meeting canvassed a range of issues relating to the interpretation of the standard, requirements for documentation and opportunities to add value to the various firms by way of advice and input

ALPMA National Convention – Royal Pines Resort Queensland

SAI Global was a sponsor at this event and Stephen Burke represented QL on the College of Law exhibitors stand.

Thank you Therese and the SAI Global team.

Membership Evenings

We have held two very successful membership evenings this year which looked at the quality of information available for business decisions – sponsored by WJK Horwath and the progress with the review of the LAW9000 Standard. This session was facilitated by Ben Bowering from SAI Global.

The membership seminar held after the AGM in 2008 at which the keynote speaker was Dr Christine Parker from the University of Melbourne spoke about the research into the incidence of complaints following self assessment should also be noted


Law 9000 Promotion and training.

The LAW900 training program has continued with a steady level of enquiries and attendees. As reported last year we are still constrained insofar that it has not been possible to establish training outside of NSW and this remains a priority for our relationship with SAI to identify how this can be started.

Finances

It is pleasing to note that the 2008 Financial Year Report records a small surplus again of $1,158.

We wish to acknowledge the sponsorship provided by - WHK Horwath and Legal Evolve who have been of great assistance in financing the membership events.

New Best Practice Management Course

It has not been possible to follow up on the feasibility study conducted by Dr John Nelson in late 2008 due to resourcing constraints within the College however it is anticipated that this will be able to be commenced in early to mid 2009.

Support

I thank all of the members of the board for attending the various meetings and as mentioned in my report last year QL is particularly appreciative of the contribution from Neville Carter and the support from the College of Law.

On behalf of the QL Board I would also like to note our appreciation for the continuation of the PI Premium discount by LawCover and Steve Mark, Legal Services Commissioner for his advice and contribution to our member events.

I would also particularly like to thank Stephen Burke for the excellent administrative and organisational assistance he has provided to QL, Greg Dwyer for his help and attention to the business of the board and all the members of the board who for their enthusiasm for the mission of QL and commitment to quality.

Patrick Fair
Chairman, QL Incorporated
1st December 2009

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