On-line ADR push

MEDIATION: multi-lingual dispute resolution unveiled

On-line dispute resolution site The Claim Room has linked up with commercial mediation organisation the ADR Group to produce two Web-based initiatives.

The ADR Group, which also has offices in Spain, eastern Europe and Australia, is launching a worldwide multi-lingual dispute resolution service using The Claim Room's software technology.

The system claims to be the first comprehensive European-based on-line dispute resolution service, and it is based on The Claim Room's existing software system.

The Claim Room offers a 24-hour 'blind bidding' service, where parties can submit offers that will not be disclosed to the other side.

If a bid is entered that comes within a certain parameter - adjustable for every case - to the last bid from the opposing side, the computer will automatically declare a binding settlement at the mid-point.

However, the ADR Group project will have a third party present at all times to help the arbitration and mediation process.

It will initially provide services for the legal, healthcare, accountancy and human resources sectors.

Solicitor Graham Ross, founder of The Claim Room, said that on-line alternative dispute resolution was an important tool for encouraging customer confidence.

'Some disputes which are ripe for ADR may be too low value to justify getting all the parties around one table,' he said.

'On-line ADR builds consumer confidence as it allows a third-party neutral mediator to settle the dispute as swiftly as possible.'

The ADR Group and The Claim Room are also in the early stages of developing a full range of classroom and on-line distance learning facilities to train potential mediators.

The courses, which will eventually be fully accredited, will train students in both face-to-face and on-line mediation.

LINKS: http://adr.themediationroom.com

Victoria MacCallum