Richard Garland, Partner and Head of Development and Commercial at George F. White, has recently and successfully completed the RICS Expert Determination Training Programme, formally qualifying him to act as Independent Expert Determiner on disputes between parties.
Independent Expert determination is an increasingly common tool for dispute resolution in property disputes as it allows contractual freedom of how the dispute should be heard, with the opportunity to submit expert evidence from those involved, which is then analysed by the Independent Expert as well as drawing from their own professional knowledge and experience.
In order to gain this accreditation candidates must have at least 10 years post qualification experience and be able to demonstrate wide experience and expertise in their relevant sector as well as undergoing significant teaching and examinations.
Richard commented “I’m delighted to have been accredited as an Independent Expert. For a number of years, I have appeared as an Expert Witness in disputes referred to Expert Determination. This qualification allows me to draw on my professional expertise to assist parties in resolving disputes as the Determiner”.
Richard’s primary area of dispute resolution will be Development Valuation, Planning and other development or valuation disputes arising primarily from option agreements, overages and conditional contracts. However, he is able to act as an Independent Expert on a wide range of property and valuation disputes. He is available immediately for private referral and will be applying for membership of the RICS Dispute Resolution Service Panel.
Richard joins several colleagues within George F. White who also feature on similar RICS panels ensuring that the business is well-positioned to provide a comprehensive dispute resolution service across many aspects of the sectors we work within, alongside acting as Expert Witnesses.
