How to use CIArb for Adjudication
Using CIArb as your Adjudicator Nominating Body
When a dispute arises, it is essential to resolve it quickly and effectively, ensuring work can continue, to protect cashflow, and to prevent unnecessary costs. Adjudication provides a simple and efficient method of settling disputes without resorting to lengthy and expensive court procedure.
What is adjudication?
Adjudication involves an independent third party who considers the claims of both sides of the dispute and who makes a decision. It is a time-sensitive process, with adjudicators making a decision within 28 days. The result of the adjudication process is a judgment and court opinion that is legally binding, and unless revised by arbitration or litigation there is no right of appeal. Click here for more information on the process of adjudication.
What is an Adjudicator Nominating Body?
An Adjudicator Nominating Body (ANB) appoints an adjudicator to resolve a dispute arising from a construction contract.
Why choose CIArb as your Adjudicator Nominating Body
- Accredited Adjudicators – our Presidential Panel of Adjudicators consists of highly qualified and accredited CIArb members who have been subject to a rigorous panel entry process.
- Expertise – our panel members have expertise spanning construction contracting, legal practice, quantity surveying and many other professional backgrounds.
- Independence – our appointment process is designed to select the adjudicator best suited to the particular requirements and circumstances of your adjudication dispute.
Find out more about our adjudicator members through our directory.
How to name CIArb as your ANB
To name CIArb as your ANB in your construction contracts, use the following recommended clause.
If you already have a clause in place with a named ANB, think about adding CIArb and other ANBs to give you flexibility of choice should a dispute arise.
A party to this contract ("the Referring Party") may at any time give notice ("the Notice") in writing to the other party of its intention to refer a dispute arising under the contract to adjudication.
The parties may agree the identity of the adjudicator.
Where an adjudicator is not agreed within 2 days of the Notice being given the Referring Party shall immediately apply to the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators for the nomination of an adjudicator, which nomination shall be communicated to the parties within 5 days of receipt of the application.
Within 7 days of the Notice the Referring Party shall refer the dispute to the adjudicator. The adjudicator shall reach a decision within 28 days of referral or such longer period as is agreed by the parties after the dispute has been referred.
The adjudicator may extend the period of 28 days by up to 14 days, with the consent of the party by whom the dispute was referred.
The adjudicator shall act impartially.
The adjudicator may take the initiative in ascertaining the facts and the law. The decision of the adjudicator is binding until the dispute is finally determined by legal proceedings, by arbitration (if the contract provides for arbitration or the parties otherwise agree to arbitration) or by agreement.
The adjudicator is not liable for anything done or omitted in the discharge or purported discharge of his functions as adjudicator unless the act or omission is in bad faith and any employee or agent of the adjudicator is similarly protected from liability.
What happens if a dispute does arise?
Follow our simple flowchart* to see how the process might unfold:
Click on the image below to enlarge.
*The above is provided for information only and should not be relied on. It is the user's responsibility to verify the information with the most recent version and seek legal advice. Flowchart was created on 12 July 2021.
Opinion and analysis
Watch our previous webinars
25 years since the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act: how can adjudication continue to meet the needs of the construction sector?
Low value adjudication: How can Adjudicator Nominating Bodies (ANBs) better cater to smaller disputes?
Beyond Construction: can adjudication be used more widely as a mechanism for resolving disputes?
Expert Views
CIArb: The obvious choice
Simon Yates FCIArb, Director, Rowfield Commercial
"Since the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996 came into force, any party to a construction contract has a statutory right to refer a dispute to adjudication. Conceived as an alternative to litigation, parties to a construction dispute can receive a temporarily binding Decision within 28 days of referring a dispute to adjudication.
CIArb was founded with the aim of promoting the equitable and efficient resolution of disputes, while keeping them out of the court system. Established in the UK in 1915, CIArb is one of the world’s oldest and leading providers of ADR and its training and qualifications are amongst the most prestigious.
Statutory adjudication and CIArb originated from the same ethos, which makes CIArb the obvious choice when selecting an Adjudicator Nominating Body."
Beyond Construction
K T Salmon MCIArb & Marcus Cato FCIArb
Mandatory adjudication for disputes arising out of construction contracts...
Tips for budding adjudicators
Tom Hawkins FCIArb
You’ve made the exciting decision to become an adjudicator and now you want to get your new career off the ground...
Firm foundations
Matt Molloy, Chartered Surveyor
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Housing, Grants Construction and Regeneration Act 1996 receiving Royal Assent...