About us

• Who We Are
• What We Do
  • Professional Institute
  • Learned Society
  • Sources of income & Annual Reports
  • Vision and Strategy
  • Presidential Panels
• Who's Who
• Where We Are
• Working with CIArb

What We Do

What we do

CIArb is a not-for-profit, UK registered charity working in the public interest through an international network of more than 30 branches and chapters.

We provide a wide range of services and support to members and others involved in dispute resolution, and offer the only globally recognised professional qualifications.

Education, training & professional qualifications

As a Professional Chartered Institute, CIArb offers a range of education and vocational training courses and qualifications - from introductory to advanced levels - in the various disciplines of dispute resolution, including arbitration, mediation, and adjudication.

CIArb's range of world-respected qualifications cover the major disciplines in the field, providing public recognition of expertise in dispute resolution. As part of its ongoing commitment to ensuring quality dispute resolution, CIArb develops and publishes a variety of standards and guidelines based upon the latest thinking from leading practitioners.

CIArb runs a calendar of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) events, often attracting top-flight speakers from the profession.

Membership of the Institute can be gained through qualification or experience routes.

Academic & professional resources

As the foremost professional body for dispute resolution, CIArb seeks to advance and promote research, academic thought and new professional policy and practices concerning dispute resolution as a Learned Society. It works closely with academic institutions and other professional bodies across the world.

CIArb provides a wealth of professional information and guidance to support the professional work of its members and also helps users of dispute resolution methods.

Legal Services and information includes articles, case law, regulations, professional guidelines and model clauses.

Members can visit the Maughan Library in London, which now hosts the CIArb back library, and access an online bookshop with dispute resolution titles available at discounted prices.

A range of stylish and well-equipped rooms are available at CIArb's central London office in Bloomsbury Square. Rooms are available for holding arbitration and mediations or for private meetings and functions.

Global community

CIArb has over 30 regional branches and chapters across the world, offering members a valuable global network of other like-minded professionals to share views and experiences with.

Online forums and the online membership directory also present opportunities for members to engage in discussion and debate with colleagues.

CIArb and its branches organise regular seminars, lectures and social meetings which address topical issues in dispute resolution and allow members - and often non-members - to come together.

The Institute offers a range of membership services and benefits.

Promoting access to non-court dispute resolution

Through international communications programme, CIArb seeks to promote greater understanding and use of alternative dispute resolution methods. CIArb works closely with professional organisations throughout the world and involves its local members heavily in its projects and activities.

Suitably qualified and experienced members are eligible to join specialist panels maintained by CIArb which serve as a referral source for those seeking dispute resolution services. IDRS, a dedicated subsidiary of CIArb operates an appointing service, as well as administering rapid-resolution schemes for many types of business and consumer disputes.

Information on Presidential Panels can be found in this section.

Last Updated: 02 September 2009