Dispute Resolution Appointments Board

The Dispute Resolution Appointments Board (DRAB) plays a key role in RICS’s Dispute Resolution Service (DRS), promoting high standards in conflict avoidance and resolution across the land, property, construction, and infrastructure sectors. Aligned with RICS’s global strategy for alternative dispute resolution, DRAB reports directly to the RICS Standards and Regulation Board (SRB), helping to build trust with the public and the profession. DRAB reports to SRB on the remit of its role and responsibilities as set out in its Terms of Reference.

Responsibilities

DRAB’s responsibilities include:

Independent Decision-Making: Acting as the final decision-maker in the investigation and escalation of complaints raised against dispute resolvers and other professionals appointed by DRS.
Providing Guidance and Advice: to DRS on how best to fulfil its mandate to:
- define and maintain the criteria and processes for inclusion on, and exclusion from DRS panels of dispute resolvers and expert witnesses globally;
- ensure appointments of dispute resolvers and expert witnesses made by and/or on behalf of RICS are made efficiently and to agreed performance standards;
- deliver training provided by DRS to increase the professionalism and competence of such dispute resolvers and expert witnesses.

Supporting Independent Regulation

DRAB operates under delegated authority from the SRB, supporting RICS’ commitment to an independent and trusted regulatory function. DRAB is backed by RICS staff within the DRS, who deliver dispute resolution services worldwide.

Meetings

DRAB meets at least twice a year, with additional meetings as needed to adapt to the evolving demands of dispute resolution.

Meet the Dispute Resolution Appointments Board

Chair

Amanda Clack Dr. (hc) MSc BSc PPRICS FRICS FICE FAPM FRSA FIC CCMI CMC

Amanda is the CEO for the EMEA Region at HKA and is a member of the global ExCom. HKA is a leading global consultancy in risk mitigation and commercial dispute resolution, providing expert, claims, investigations and advisory services. With nearly 40 years in the built environment sector, she is listed in Who’s Who as a senior property professional in real estate, infrastructure and construction. Amanda was the global President for the RICS becoming the longest serving President in 123 years. She has chaired numerous Boards and Committees, including the RICS Governing Council and is the current Chair of Trustees at UCEM. Amanda was an expert adviser to the UK government to keep people safe in buildings following the Grenfell fire in 2017. She is a member of the Mayor of London’s Infrastructure Advisory Panel and was a Senior Adviser to the Construction Leadership Council. Her career includes being an Executive Director on the UK Board at CBRE, and a Partner at both EY LLP and PwC LLP. She was a Non-Executive Director of Countryside Partnerships LLP. She is a chartered quantity surveyor and chartered civil engineer, and is a Fellow of Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, the Institution of Civil Engineers, The Association for Project Management, Chartered Management Institute, Institute of Consulting and the Royal Society of Arts. Amanda is a Certified Management Consultant and Companion of the Institute of Management. She received an Honorary Doctorate of Science from the University of Westminster in November 2019 for her outstanding contribution to building safety and diversity and inclusion in the Built Environment, and also an Honorary Doctor of Professional Practice from The University of Wolverhampton. Amanda was appointed as Chair in October 2024.

Dr. Allan A. Abwunza, MRICS

Dr. Allan A. Abwunza is a Chartered Quantity Surveyor (MRICS), Project Manager, Arbitrator and Scholar with over two decades of progressive experience in academia and professional practice. He currently serves as an Assistant Professor in Built Environment at Northumbria University, Newcastle. Allan is a member of several professional bodies, including the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (MCIArb), Architectural Association of Kenya (MAAK), Institute of Quantity Surveyors of Kenya (PIQSK) and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, now known as Advance HE (FHEA). Allan has not only served as a Sole Arbitrator in several construction disputes but also as a Lead Technical Advisor, leading collaborations with legal representatives to prepare and strengthen clients' cases in arbitral proceedings. His experience also includes serving as the Lead Party Representative in numerous mediation and arbitral proceedings. Allan is passionate about the effectiveness of dispute resolution and has, in this regard, published several articles on construction arbitration. Having been privileged to serve on several Boards and Board Committees, his appointment as a Member of the RICS Dispute Resolution Appointments Board is an exciting opportunity to promote high standards in dispute resolution.

Barry Green

Barry is a Fellow of RICS, a membership he has held since 2011. With over 25 years of experience as a Chartered Quantity Surveyor (FRICS), Barry has occupied various senior commercial leadership roles with owners and tier-one contractors across the construction, infrastructure, and resources sectors in both Australia and the United Kingdom. An experienced adjudicator under the Construction Contracts Act 2004 (WA) and the Construction Contracts (Security of Payments) Act 2004 (NT), Barry is also a Grade 2 registered Adjudicator and Review Adjudicator under the Building and Construction Industry (Security of Payment) Act 2021. Barry holds a BSc (Hons) in quantity surveying and commercial management as well as a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and was admitted to practice in 2022. As an Australian Legal Practitioner, Barry understands the importance of maintaining a robust and proportionate regulatory, disciplinary and quality assurance regime and has successfully established both pre-contract and post-contract commercial strategies, along with effective dispute management on major projects. Barry specialises in the development and implementation of commercial strategy and management, contract law, claims management, quantum analysis, alternative dispute resolution methods, risk and opportunity management, adjudication, arbitration support, and dispute minimisation.

Charlotte Garbett

Charlotte is a qualified solicitor with an LLM in Corporate and Commercial Law and nearly a decade of experience in compliance, commercial strategy, and corporate governance. She has worked with international businesses, listed companies, and charities and has a wealth of experience helping boards navigate critical decisions and align their strategies with organisational goals. Currently, Charlotte is a Commercial Lawyer at one of Europe’s leading energy companies, where she oversees complex contract negotiations and ensures regulatory compliance in the energy sector. As Trustee, Compliance Officer, and Board Director for the National Traction Engine Trust (NTET), she ensures strong governance and compliance with Charity Commission standards. Passionate about diversity and inclusion, Charlotte has served on the Komatsu Global Women’s Network Board and volunteers with the Riding for the Disabled Association, supporting therapeutic programs that empower individuals with disabilities. Recognised for her ability to simplify complex legal matters, foster collaboration, and deliver actionable insights, Charlotte is a trusted advisor focused on driving sustainable growth and innovation.

Ignacio Guaia

Ignacio Guaia is a litigation and corporate lawyer based in Geneva, Switzerland. Ignacio practised law for almost 15 years in various law firms in Argentina, England and Switzerland before going solo as an independent advisor to UHNW families and wealth managers in Europe and South America. Ignacio serves on the board of several Swiss and South American companies, where he provides advice on corporate governance, compliance, ethics, CSR and strategic investments. He is also active in local and regional arbitration centres, where he has contributed to the design, drafting and implementation of procedural and institutional rules and appointment protocols. Ignacio regularly helps, on a pro-bono basis, start-ups focused on environmentally friendly solutions for challenges in the meat, logistics and energy industries.

Javier Llorente

As Managing Director at Marsh, Javier leads the development and execution of the company's business strategies in Europe and Latin America, providing strategic advice while overseeing financial performance, investments, and business ventures. His extensive background includes an MBA from IE Business School, an MSc and a BSc in Civil Engineering from Universidad Alfonso X El Sabio and Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, along with multiple certifications in construction, energy, insurance, and banking. He has also completed several Executive Programs in Strategy, Leadership, and Advisory Board at IESE Business School and other institutions. With a proven track record of delivering sales and marketing plans, negotiating and closing major contracts, and managing complex projects across more than 40 countries, he excels in analyzing new business challenges, geopolitical risks, technological disruption, shareholder fragmentation, and the growing relevance of environmental and social issues. His commitment to embedding the concept of purpose in strategy, business models, and corporate policies—particularly regarding talent, innovation, and client service.

John Baker

John is a Fellow of RICS, having been a member since 1989. Working in the commercial real estate sector, John has specialised for most of his career in landlord & tenant negotiations, lease advisory consultancy work and dispute resolution. John worked for 16 years in central London before moving to Dorset in 1999. After working for major private practice firms for almost 30 years, John set up his own property consultancy business in 2011. He served as a board member of the RICS Dispute Resolution Professional Group from 2010 to 2018, and as a member of the RICS South West Regional Board from 2015 to 2018. He was a rent review arbitrator and independent expert on the RICS President’s panel of dispute resolvers from 2009 to 2024, and he has been a member of working parties tasked with updating RICS guidance publications (Surveyors acting as expert witnesses and Surveyors and lawyers involved in lease renewals under PACT). John is an experienced APC Chair, Assessor, Auditor, Senior Professional Assessor, Fellowship Assessor and Appeals Panel Member. He developed and delivered training on technical and APC subjects for RICS Training between 2010 and 2023, and he has been a consultant with APC Success since 2023, providing training to APC candidates.

Michael Peer

A member of RICS since 2015, Michael is an expert witness with over 30 years of experience, Michael provides testimony and analysis in complex disputes. His multi-sector expertise spans financial services, telecommunications, infrastructure, energy, life sciences, natural resources, and manufacturing. Michael specializes in cross-border disputes and has acted as an expert in proceedings under ICC, UNCITRAL, LCIA, NIA, SCC, PCA, ICSID, SIAC, and VIAC rules, as well as in disputes in the English High Court, US Courts, and various jurisdictions across Asia, the Caribbean, and Central Europe. He has been described as "a standout name in the market, highlighted as a first-rate expert witness in both commercial and investor-state arbitration proceedings." Michael has been included in an independently compiled list of global international arbitration experts since its inception in 2010. Throughout his career, he has developed a reputation for integrity, independence, and intellectual rigor, earning the respect of legal professionals and industry peers alike. His ability to handle rigorous cross-examination by opposing counsel and clearly explain key concepts to the tribunal further underscores his standing as a sought-after expert witness.

Shy Jackson

Shy is a partner at the London office of BCLP, an international law firm. His practice covers advising on construction and engineering projects in the UK and abroad and acting for clients across a range of contentious matters. His experience covers adjudication, arbitration and court proceedings as well as various forms of ADR and mediation. Shy is a current member of the NEC Contract Board, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors. Shy has written extensively on various construction law related issues and often speaks at industry events, as well as delivering training for the RICS. He is also a Visiting Fellow (Construction Law) at King's College Centre of Construction Law and Dispute Resolution.