Dispute Resolution Flashcards
What clauses in the NEC 3 deal with conflict avoidance?
- NEC3 adopts a two-tier approach to dispute resolution:
- The first step is adjudication.
- The second step is either arbitration or litigation.
- “a spirit of mutual trust and co-operation” (clause 10.1)
- Option W2 – referral to adjudication
NEC3 provides an adjudication procedure for use in the UK when the HGCRA applies.
What clauses in the NEC 4 deal with conflict avoidance?
- Option W1, Option W2 and the new Option W3
- Amendments to Options W1 and W2 provide for the initial referral of all disputes to the parties’ Senior Representatives
- The new Option W3, is only applicable where the Construction Act does not apply and provides for the obligatory referral of all “potential disputes” to an impartial standing DAB (Dispute Avoidance Board) before any subsequent referral to a tribunal.
What clauses in the JCT deal with conflict avoidance?
- Section 8 ‘Settlements of Disputes’
- The usual approach in the JCT contracts is an express reference to adjudication in the Articles of Agreement, together with a further express reference to arbitration or legal proceedings
What is ADR?
- Alternative Dispute Resolution – several processes that can be used to resolve a dispute or claim.
- Mediation, Negotiation, Adjudication
What is Mediation?
- Parties agree a third-party individual who facilitates discussions between both parties to reach an agreement.
o Non-binding
o Encourages coming together to agree
o Undertaken by mutual agreement
o Can be initiated at any time.
What is negotiation?
- Where parties work out between them how to resolve issues that have arisen.
o Negotiation ends when both parties come to an agreement
o Suitable for simple matters
o Requires co-operation of both parties.
What is conciliation?
- Similar to mediation, a conciliator seeks to facilitate a settlement between both parties.
- Each party states their position and the conciliator attempts to help work towards a compromise.
o Conciliator is an independent party helping to aid agreement
o Conciliator prepares a recommendation
o Recommendation becomes final and binding if neither party suggests adjudication or arbitration.
What is adjudication?
- Adjudicator gets appointed, they get all referral documentation, the adjudicator sets a timetable which permits the other party to issue a response and the adjudicator makes a decisions within 28 days.
How does Adjudication work?
- Once a dispute has been agreed that it cannot be resolved, either party can serve a notice of its intention to refer the dispute.
- Within 7 days of the notice being issued, the referring party must serve it’s referral
- If the referral is not served within 7 days, the adjudication will be void.
- Referral must contain detailed explanation of the referring party’s claim with supporting documentation.
- Within the 7 day period, the referring party must secure the appointment of an adjudicator (likely to be named in the contract)
- Following appointment, the adjudicator will set out a timetable to issue a response to the referral
- Adjudicator must make his decision within 28 days of the referral.
Can the decision period of 28 days be extended?
- Yes, to 42 if both parties agree.
Is adjudication binding?
- Yes, unless the adjudicator has acted outside their jurisdiction or was biased.
Is there an appeal process?
- No, but both parties can take the dispute to litigation.
Who pays for adjudication?
- Both parties are jointly liable for fees and reasonable expenses.
What does it mean when a dispute has been crystalised?
Both parties agree that there is a dispute and it does need to be taken to ADR/Court.
What is litigation?
- Going to court for a judge to make a decisions on the case.
o Judges make agreements which are binding
o Judge can over-ride any previous made agreement
o It is costly, in the public eye and time consuming.
What is an expert Witness?
- A person whose experience and knowledge is beyond what is expected of a layman.
What are techniques for conflict avoidance?
- Clearly stating in all tender docs and contract docs exactly what is expected of each party
- Ensure continuous, effective communication
- Follow company procedures and guidance
- Follow RICS professional standards.
How do you manage conflict?
- Raise the issue with all parties and try to resolve it immediately through communication and negotiation
- Face to face is usually the best way to find a resolution.
How do you select the right procurement route to avoid conflict?
- Some procurement routes are more collaborative than others.
- For example, for a client who isn’t knowledgeable, they may select a D&B procurement route so that all the risks or potential issues would sit with that contractor.
- You’ve also got frameworks and partnering where both parties work collaboratively to reach a common goal.