Arbitration

Arbitration is a more formal type of ADR which involves a tribunal process and an independent arbitrator who hears both sides of a dispute before coming to a decision. For more information on the other types of ADR, read Alternative Dispute Resolution.

The Arbitration Act 1996 regulates arbitration proceedings in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The Arbitration (Scotland) Act 2010 regulates and provides a structure for arbitration proceedings in Scotland. 

The arbitration process is run as a tribunal, generally with either a single arbitrator or a panel of three arbitrators. The arbitrators decide on the procedural and evidential matters. Often disclosure of documents will be required and there can be cross examination of witnesses, but proceedings will normally be shorter and less formal than litigation. The arbitrator makes a firm decision on a case, based on the evidence presented by the parties.

Arbitration is voluntary, so both sides must agree to go to arbitration; they should also agree in advance that they will abide by the arbitrator's decision.

It is important to note that you will not be able to go to court later if you don't agree with the outcome.

An arbitrator is a nominated independent third party who should be experienced in handling the arbitration process. Their role is similar to that of a judge, in that they will listen to both sides and come to a decision. However they will also encourage collaborative communication, as opposed to an adversarial approach. Although no specific qualifications are necessary to act as an arbitrator, some legal experience is useful, as is industry knowledge if the dispute involves technical matters.

Any decision made by an arbitrator in the course of arbitration proceedings is legally binding in the same way as a judgment would be. Furthermore under international conventions any arbitration awards or judgments in foreign countries are enforceable in the UK and vice-versa. This applies to any country who has signed the international convention. UK law also allows for the enforcement of both arbitration judgments in the UK and foreign ones too.

Arbitration is a more formal type of ADR, with a tribunal process and a decision being made by the arbitrator. Most types of commercial disputes can be arbitrated. Mediation and conciliation are less formal procedures and focus on the facilitation of communication with a view to resolving a dispute. Conciliation involves evaluative methods and recommendations whereas mediators tend not to make any proposals for a settlement. Conciliation is mainly used for employment disputes and Mediation is usually used for family or personal disputes (such as between a trader and consumer).

Some commercial contracts contain an arbitration clause, which requires arbitration to be used in the case of a dispute arising. Although such clauses are not compulsory, they can avoid unnecessary litigation and are particularly recommended in the case of cross-border contracts (ie between businesses in different legal jurisdictions).

If statutory rights or obligations are involved, an arbitration clause will generally be trumped by the relevant regulations. For example, employees cannot contract out of their statutory employment law rights to give precedence to an arbitration clause in an employment contract.

You will first need to agree with the other party that you want to use arbitration or have a contractual clause which requires you to use arbitration.

You will then need to apply to an independent arbitrator to take on your issue. There are many organisations which provide help in administermining the arbitration process.

For example, you can find a list of approved arbitrators through the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR).

The CEDR can help you by:

• providing a shortlist of arbitrators for the parties to choose from

• appointing arbitrators with the joint consent of the parties

The CEDR cannot appoint arbitrators with unilateral consent from only one party.

You can refer a matter to the CEDR on their request form.

Once an arbitrator is appointed, the process may be conducted by a sole arbitrator or a panel, according to party requirements and the arbitrators award is final and binding.

Other institutions that are commonly used in arbitrations in England and Wales include:

• International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)

• London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA)

• London Maritime Arbitrators Association

The arbitration process can be particularly useful in disputes which require an understanding of technical knowledge and where privacy is important (eg to avoid disclosure of commercially sensitive information) or if there is an international element (ie to avoid dealing with multiple legal jurisdictions).