Catalyst’s Paul Duddle to champion wider participation as new Subsidence Forum Chair

Catalyst Services UK Operations Director Paul Duddle has been voted in as the new chair of the Subsidence Forum with a mandate to increase participation in the national body.

His appointment to the two-year term of office was approved by members at the Subsidence Forum’s annual general meeting on 21^st May 2025.

Paul had previously served as the forum’s vice-chair and has been a member of its executive board since 2019.

Using collective expertise

He said: “I’m honoured and privileged to be trusted by my colleagues to be chair of the Subsidence Forum, the industry home for subsidence in the UK.

“My primary objective over the next two years is to increase active participation from insurance companies and loss adjusters within the forum.

“This will enable a deeper exploration of the operational, technical, and procedural challenges they face. I have already received expressions of interest from insurances companies that want to be more involved.

“By leveraging the collective expertise and experience within the forum, we aim to collaboratively share insights, and develop practical, scalable solutions to subsidence problems.”

Climate change – key challenge

The focus should be on creating actionable outcomes that enhance efficiency, service delivery, and customer satisfaction across the claims lifecycle, he added. Key challenges included the impact of climate change. Emerging solutions to explore included the use of AI in data analysis.

Speaking at the AGM, Paul thanked the forum’s outgoing chair, Liam Hanlon for his “leadership, dedication, and vision”.

“Under Liam’s chairmanship, the Forum has continued to grow in relevance and influence,” he said. “The direction and momentum has been incredibly valuable, and I look forward to continuing that work as we move forward.”

Paul will also encourage the forum to continue its proactive role in addressing skills shortages across the sector by facilitating training days, helping to upskill professionals, and attracting new talent to ensure the long-term resilience of the industry.

More collaborative approach

The Subsidence Forum represents a “unique and vital” collaboration, bringing together a diverse group of professionals — insurers, engineers, arboriculturists, and geotechnical specialists, among others.

“All are committed to sharing knowledge, challenging practices, and ultimately improving how we understand and manage subsidence across the UK,” said Paul.

“We have a wealth of expertise within the forum, and by involving more members in leading or contributing to our work we can spread the workload more evenly, bring fresh perspectives to the table, and ensure a more collaborative and representative approach.”

Catalyst claims solutions

Paul represented the Subsidence Forum as a speaker at the I Love Claims Specialist Subsidence Conference attended by many insurance industry professionals in early May 2025.

Catalyst delivers services on behalf of insurance companies and loss adjustors to investigate and resolve claims made by domestic and commercial customers.

Key services, alongside subsidence investigation, include drainage and off-mains drainage investigations and repairs, waters supply pipe investigation and repairs and water leak detection.

Find out more

Visit the Subsidence Forum website to find out more about its work: www.subsidenceforum.org.uk.