What is the BIVR?
BIVR is the leading organisation representing professional verbatim reporters working in all fields in the UK.
Disclaimer: Please note that any contract is between the client and note taker and not BIVR.
What is the history of BIVR?
BIVR is the successor organisation of the Institute of Shorthand Writers which was incorporated in January 1887.
What does BIVR do?
- We continually strive to raise the qualifications and status of all our members and public awareness about the importance of using a BIVR member.
- We maintain access to training and examination facilities for our members.
- We encourage all our members to maintain and improve their skills by providing information about formal and informal training opportunities as part of their continuing professional development.
- We maintain the national register of Verbatim Reporters who work in various fields.
- We provide a forum for our members.
- We hold meetings, an annual conference and an AGM.
- To promote the more efficient practice of the art of machine and pen shorthand in connection with legal and other proceedings.
- To raise the qualifications and status of our members
- To encourage the maintenance of adequate training and examination facilities.
Why it is important to be a member of BIVR?
- BIVR membership and accreditations are recognised nationally and internationally.
- We promote standards of excellence for the profession and public.
- All accredited and registered members of BIVR are shorthand writers with a high level of skill and knowledge. They are all independently examined by internal and external examining bodies and are competent in applying these skills to produce a verbatim written record.
- BIVR members are kept informed about changes within the profession and the factors that can affect their working practice. We use technology to perform our role in more efficient and effective ways.
Members of the BIVR shall:
- Uphold the reputation of the profession at all times and avoid any action that will adversely affect the good standing of the profession.
- Always declare a personal or prejudicial interest which may affect any party.
- Maintain confidentiality and treat any information obtained in the course of an assignment as privileged, not to be communicated to any third party without authority.
- Do not derive any gain from privileged information acquired in the course of work undertaken.
- Act in an impartial manner, not giving advice or personal opinion in relation to topics discussed or people present.
- Make every effort to maintain and develop professional skills and knowledge.
- Practise only in situations where you have sufficient skill, experience, competence and qualifications to do so.
- Agree terms and conditions before accepting work and honour all professional commitments.
- Be respectful at all times towards colleagues and members of other professions.