The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators tailor-made Arbitration and Mediation schemes are systems designed to assist parties in resolving their disputes economically and more quickly than through the traditional court system. Their values lie in reducing the time, cost and uncertainty of litigation. The key to achieving successful results in these processes is preparation. The Institute offers two sets of Guidance Notes to assist you.

The Musicians' Union Dipute Resolution Scheme is a combination of mediation and arbitration, known as Med/Arb. In Med/Arb parties agree to mediate in the first instance with a stipulation that any issues not settled will be resolved by binding arbitration.

Mediation itself is a private, voluntary process in which an impartial person facilitates communication between the parties to promote a mutually agreeable settlement. View Notes

Arbitration on the other hand, is an adversarial process in which the parties present their evidence and arguments to a neutral third person - the Arbitrator - who issues a legally binding judgement, known as an "Award". View Notes

NOTE: You should ensure that you thoroughly read the Rules of the Scheme and these Guidance Notes. The Rules govern the procedure of the Scheme and the Guidance Notes will give you general advice about the Scheme. By signing the application form you are bound by the Rules and failure to comply with them may affect the outcome of your claim or even invalidate it. The Rules and Guidance notes contain everything you need to know about the procedure of the scheme and the law that covers it.