The eComms forum was originally formed in 2004 at the request of the Valuation Office Agency who asked Charles Partridge of LSH to chair it. Sadly following Charles' passing on 30 November 2011, Hugh Bower of GL Hearn was asked by the professional bodies to take over tha chair of the forum. The remit of the forum is as follows:
"Liaison between professional bodies (RICS, IRRV and RSA) and VOA and VTS in respect of electronic communications
The three professional bodies (RICS, IRRV and RSA) have identified that there would be benefits in appointing a single individual to act as liaison representative in respect of electronic communications between the firms and individuals who are members of those professional bodies and the VOA and VTS. It is envisaged that the role will be that of representing the professional bodies and their members in discussions with the VOA and VTS in respect of electronic communications processes. As well as involving members of professional bodies, those discussions may also involve representatives of software suppliers.
The aim of the role will be to ensure that existing electronic communications processes between members of the professional bodies and VOA and VTS work effectively, and that there is a forum for exploring improvements to those processes to improve efficiency for the benefit of ratepayers, their advisors, the VOA and VTS.
The electronic communications liaison representative is expected to attend meetings with the VOA and VTS with the aim of securing these objectives and to be responsible for reporting back to the professional bodies and their members about changes to, or enhancements to, electronic communications processes.
It is not envisaged that the electronic communications liaison representative will attend the Committee meetings of all three professional bodies. However, the representative will report back to those Committees and also report back to members and firms who are users of the electronic communications processes. The role may involve attendance at Committee meetings from time to time, at the request of the liaison representative or of the professional body concerned."