Bernadette Barker

British - Irish

35+ years of experience

Language:

English

Present Function:

I receive appointments as an arbitrator and adjudicator. I sit on multiple panels, including those of the CIArb, SIAC, SCMA, and HKIAC.
In relation to appopintments as an expert work and a forensic architect, I am currently instructed on a broad range of expert witness matters relating to construction defects, fire safety, and professional negligence — with a particular focus on compliance with the Building Safety Act 2022, external wall systems, cladding, and CDM regulations. My appointments include the preparation of expert reports, intrusive site inspections, and evidence in adjudication and tribunal proceedings. I am also appointed as a Single Joint Expert in appropriate cases.
I have been appointed to monitor building work and report on the external walls being constructed.

General Expertise:

Certifications and/or licenses

CIArb Diploma In International Commercial Arbitration
CIArb Diploma In International Maritime Arbitration
CIArb Presidential Panel Appointment Certificate Arbitration
CIArb Presidential Panel Appointment Certificate Construction Adjudication

Professional legal or litigation experience related to the scope of competence of the PMAC

I am submitting this application for consideration to join your panel of arbitrators. I am a Chartered Architect, Chartered Building Engineer, and Chartered Arbitrator with over 35 years of experience in the construction industry and dispute resolution. I have acted as an arbitrator in a wide range of construction-related disputes and am currently listed on the CIArb Presidential Panel of Arbitrators, as well as the panels of SIAC, SCMA, and HKIAC.
I hold both the CIArb Diploma in International Commercial Arbitration and the CIArb Diploma in International Maritime Arbitration, in addition to an MSc in Construction Law and Arbitration from King’s College London, completed with part scholarship. My work spans domestic and international disputes, particularly those involving construction contracts, professional negligence, façade and cladding defects, and Building Safety Act compliance and inspection of products being installed as part of the external wall works.
Alongside arbitrator work, I am frequently appointed as an adjudicator, mediator, and expert witness in complex construction matters. My expert appointments include evidence in adjudication, arbitration, and tribunal proceedings, with regular instructions for Single Joint Expert reports, and appearances in both civil and criminal forums. My practice is underpinned by extensive procedural training, including Bond Solon certification in civil, criminal, and Scottish law and courtroom procedure.
I am currently undertaking the Xact Level 5 Diploma in Fire Engineering, to further support my work in fire safety and regulatory compliance. In addition, I am studying Level A1 Spanish, reflecting my interest in broadening my international practice and language capabilities.
I bring to my tribunal appointments a disciplined, efficient, and fair approach, with particular regard to proportionality, procedural clarity, and dispute resolution efficiency. I maintain robust systems for conflict checks and am fully available for both domestic and international appointments.

Professional technical experience related to the scope of competence of the PMAC

Chartered Architect | Chartered Building Engineer | Chartered Arbitrator
Principal, Barker Consultants (1993–present)
Over 35 years of professional experience

I am a Chartered Architect, Chartered Building Engineer, and Chartered Arbitrator with over 35 years of experience across the architecture, construction, and dispute resolution sectors. Since qualifying as a Chartered Architect in 1986, I have specialised in technical compliance, fire safety, and design coordination, establishing my practice, Barker Consultants, in 1993.

My technical expertise includes construction detailing, CDM and fire safety compliance, and the investigation of design and construction defects in residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects. My current practice is focused on expert appointments in matters involving:
• External wall systems (StoTherm, Equitone, Corium, ACM, EPS, K15)
• Fire safety, compartmentation, and Building Safety Act 2022 compliance
• Design coordination and construction defects
• Professional negligence (architectural and design practice)
• CDM Regulations and Principal Designer duties

I have extensive experience in intrusive inspections, coordination with façade and fire engineers, and the preparation of detailed expert reports supporting litigation, adjudication, and arbitration.

I am a member of the CIArb Presidential Panels of Arbitrators and Adjudicators and serve on international panels including SIAC, SCMA, and HKIAC. I also act regularly as an Expert Witness in technically complex construction and fire safety disputes.

Qualifications
• MSc in Construction Law and Arbitration – King’s College London
• CIArb Diploma in International Commercial Arbitration
• CIArb Diploma in International Maritime Arbitration
• Cardiff University Bond Solon Expert Witness Certificate (Civil)
• Cardiff University Bond Solon Expert Witness Certificate (Criminal)
• University of Aberdeen Bond Solon Expert Witness Certificate (Scotland)
• BA (Hons) Architecture
• Post Graduate Diploma in Architecture
• RIBA Part III
• Chartered Architect
• Chartered Arbitrator
• Chartered Building Engineer

Memberships and/or accreditations

Chartered Arbitrator
Fellow of Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (1994);
Member of Presidential Panel of Arbitrators - Chartered Institute of Arbitrators;
Member of Commercial Rent Panel - Chartered Institute of Arbitrators;
Member of Pub Code Adjudicator’s Panel of Arbitrators- Chartered Institute of Arbitrators;
Panel Member of Singapore Chamber of Maritime Arbitration; (SCMA)
Panel Member of Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC)
CCODR Panel Member for the Commercial Rent (Coronavirus) Arbitration Scheme;
https://www.ccodr.com/expert-arbitrators/bernadette-barker;

Member of Presidential Panel of Construction Adjudicators - Chartered Institute of Arbitrators ;
Registered with ICC United Kingdom Arbitrator and ADR Database ICC UK Arbitrator Database (iccarbitratorsdatabase.uk);
Member (Construction Industry Council) CIC Register of Adjudicators;
Member (Construction Industry Council) CIC Low-Value Disputes Register of Adjudicators;
Member Hunt ADR Panel of Low-Value Disputes of Adjudicators;
Member UKAdjudicators;

Practising Member of The Academy of Expert Witnesses 2021;
Registered with the UK Register of Expert Witnesses;
Registered with Expert Witness https://www.expertwitness.co.uk

RIBA Register of Experts;

Member of BEWA (Baltic Expert Witness Association).
Member of the Institution of Fire Engineers (00054342) 2020;
Hunt ADR Accredited Civil and Commercial Mediator;

ArbitralWomen;
Society Construction Law;
Adjudication Society; (Vice Chair) (Coordinator of the quarterly newsletter)
Kings College Construction Law Association;
Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Arbitrators; (Court member)
LCIA London Court International Arbitration;

Associate Member Chartered Institute of Environmental Health;
SME Member of Fire Protection Association;
Centre for Windows and Cladding Technology; (CWCT)

Supporting Member London Maritime Arbitrators Association; 2024;
Member of London Shipping Law Centre.
WISTA (Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association);
Member of The Baltic Exchange.