Conflict Avoidance and Dispute Resolution Flashcards
How can you avoid conflict in the first place?
- Having clearly written tender/contract documentation
- Ensuring effective communication
- Putting things into writing (meeting minutes)
- Follow company policy
- Follow RICS rules of conduct
If a conflict arises, how do you deal with it initially?
Raise the issue with all relevant parties and try to solve the issue through communication and negotiation. Usually face to face.
What are some causes of disputes in construction?
- Commercial disagreements
- Unclear spec/drawings
- Teams under pressure
- Insufficient/unclear contract terms
- Unclear scope of service
What is dispute resolution?
A term that refers to several processes that can be used to resolve a conflict, dispute or claim
What is ADR?
Alternative Dispute Resolution. Generally refers to DR processes that are different to the traditional binding procedures of arbitration and litigation.
What are the main forms of ADR?
Negotiation
Conciliation
Mediation
Adjudication
What is the TCC?
Technology and Construction Court
- Handles disputes, usually those worth >£250k (unless good reason), associated with buildings, engineering and surveying
What is mediation?
Parties agree on a third party independent, neutral system to facilitate discussions between the parties with the goal of reaching a settlement. Power remains with parties, but process lead by mediator.
Non-binding.
What is conciliation?
RICS definition states it is the same as mediation. However some definitions state it is the same as mediation, however the conciliator gives recommendations. If neither party disagrees with recommendation then decision is binding.
Evaluative mediation vs facilitative mediation?
Evaluative - mediator learns facts from both sides and offers their view (more like conciliation)
Facilitative - mediator does not express opinion, but facilitates discussions by asking questions (most common)
Transformative - parties themselves control the procedure and decide outcomes.
What is negotiation?
The process whereby parties work out between them how to resolve issues that have arisen. Negotiation ends when parties have an agreement. Useful for simple matters.
What is an expert witness?
A person who’s experience or knowledge is beyond that of a typical person. They make their knowledge available to a court, to help it understand an issue before a decision is made.
What is expert determination?
The process whereby the parties agree to refer their disagreement to an independent third party expert, who will make a binding decision. Ideal for technical disputes.
Advantages of expert determination?
- Less adversarial
- Confidential
- Time and cost efficient
- Parties remain in control
What is adjudication?
A contractual/statutory procedure which allows for swift dispute resolution. A third-party adjudicator is appointed to provide resolution to conflict.
Describe the process of adjudication?
- One party serves notice on other for the intention to refer to adjudication.
- Within 7 days the referring party must serve a referral to the other. Void if not in 7 days.
- Referral contains an explanation of claim and supporting information
- Within the 7 days, the referring party must secure an adjudicator. Either a person named in the contract or nominated by a body identified in the contract.
- Adjudicator issues timetable, which allows other party to respond to referral.
- Adjudicator must make decision within 28 days.
Describe the process of adjudication?
- One party serves notice on other for the intention to refer to adjudication.
- Within 7 days the referring party must serve a referral to the other. Void if not in 7 days.
- Referral contains an explanation of claim and supporting information
- Within the 7 days, the referring party must secure an adjudicator. Either a person named in the contract or nominated by a body identified in the contract.
- Adjudicator issues timetable, which allows other party to respond to referral.
- Adjudicator must make decision within 28 days.
- Can be extended by 14 days by referring party, any further extension must be agreed by both parties.
Is adjudication binding?
Decision is binding (no right of appeal) unless revisited by arbitration or litigation.
Is there an appeal process associated with adjudication?
No, however parties can take the same dispute to arbitration/litigation
What is a contract contains no provisions for adjudication?
The Construction Act legislation enforces adjudication as a legal right in relation to construction contracts.
Who pays for adjudication?
Award of legal costs is at the discretion of the adjudicator unless excluded by the terms of contract.
What are the exclusions of adjudication?
S106 excludes it for parties to a contract who are residential occupiers carrying out work on their residence.