Dispute resolution procedure - Revision history

Editor at 19:24, 4 January 2022

2022-01-04T19:24:00Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:24, 4 January 2022
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	[1] FIDIC: ‘Fédération Internationale des Ingénieurs-Conseils’ or ‘the International Federation of Consulting Engineers’) was founded in 1913. It is a membership organisation, with members comprising national associations of consulting engineers from 97 countries.		[1] FIDIC: ‘Fédération Internationale des Ingénieurs-Conseils’ or ‘the International Federation of Consulting Engineers’) was founded in 1913. It is a membership organisation, with members comprising national associations of consulting engineers from 97 countries.

−	= Related articles on Designing Buildings ~~Wiki~~ =	+	= Related articles on Designing Buildings =

	* Adjudicators and bias.		* Adjudicators and bias.
Line 80:		Line 80:
	* Contract claims.		* Contract claims.
	* Contract conditions.		* Contract conditions.
		+	* Dispute avoidance.
	* Dispute resolution.		* Dispute resolution.
	* Dispute resolution board.		* Dispute resolution board.

Editor at 15:52, 16 August 2021

2021-08-16T15:52:15Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:52, 16 August 2021
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	* Breach of contract.		* Breach of contract.
	* Causes of construction disputes.		* Causes of construction disputes.
		+	* Compulsory Alternative Dispute Resolution.
	* Conciliation		* Conciliation
	* Contract claims.		* Contract claims.

Designing Buildings at 07:51, 25 December 2020

2020-12-25T07:51:32Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:51, 25 December 2020
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	* The Scheme for Construction Contracts.		* The Scheme for Construction Contracts.

−	[[Category:Client_procedures]] [[Category:Construction_management]] [[Category:Contracts_/_payment]] [[Category:Procurement]]	+	[[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:Client_procedures]] [[Category:Construction_management]] [[Category:Contracts_/_payment]] [[Category:Procurement]]

Designing Buildings at 10:12, 1 August 2019

2019-08-01T10:12:36Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:12, 1 August 2019
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	In construction as in many other fields, disputes will arise during the course of a project. This is understandable given the usually long duration of construction projects, the complexity, uncertainty and the many parties involved, whether contractors, sub-contractors, suppliers, consultants or clients.		In construction as in many other fields, disputes will arise during the course of a project. This is understandable given the usually long duration of construction projects, the complexity, uncertainty and the many parties involved, whether contractors, sub-contractors, suppliers, consultants or clients.

−	The way these disputes are handled and resolved is critical if minimal adverse impact in terms of cost, delay and disruption is to be inflicted on the project. That is why having effective dispute resolution procedures is an ~~effective~~ way of minimising the impacts of ~~such~~ disputes ~~as usually they~~ cannot be resolved by discussion alone.	+	The way these disputes are handled and resolved is critical if minimal adverse impact in terms of cost, delay and disruption is to be inflicted on the project. That is why having effective dispute resolution procedures is an important way of minimising the impacts of disputes that cannot be resolved by discussion alone.

	= What can go wrong? =		= What can go wrong? =

−	Construction contracts can generate a plethora of disputes but typically they ~~may include~~:	+	Construction contracts can generate a plethora of disputes but typically they can result from:

−	* The contractor claiming against the client due to a change to the scope of works previously agreed;	+	* The contractor claiming against the client due to a change to the scope of works previously agreed.
−	* The client claiming against the contractor for poor workmanship (defective works);	+	* The client claiming against the contractor for poor workmanship (defective works).
−	* ~~A consultant claiming against the client~~ for non-payment of fees, and	+	* Claims for non-payment of fees.
−	* ~~The client claiming against a consultant for a lack of site supervision or for design~~ deficiencies.	+	* Delays and cost overruns.
		+	* Design deficiencies.

−	Circumstances such as those listed above would traditionally have been resolved in the courts. However, this is often a long, complex, adversarial and potentially costly process for all involved. Adopting a dispute resolution procedure has often proved a faster, more ~~cost-effective method that can be to the satisfaction~~ of ~~all parties involved. Furthermore, because it is a process conducted in private, the parties do not have to worry about any adverse public relations that might otherwise ensue~~.	+	For more information see: Causes of disputes.

−	~~As a result, construction contracts usually include provisions for~~ the ~~resolution of disputes by agreed alternative dispute resolution (ADR) procedures involving mediation~~, ~~adjudication and arbitration. These are typically less formal than court proceedings and should~~ be ~~faster~~, ~~less expensive~~ and ~~less time consuming, allowing the parties to maintain a good relationship~~.	+	Circumstances such as those listed above might historically have been resolved in the courts. However, this can be a long, complex, adversarial, public and potentially costly process for all involved.

−	~~= Dispute~~ resolution ~~board procedure =~~	+	As a result, construction contracts usually include provisions for the resolution of disputes by agreed alternative dispute resolution (ADR) procedures typically involving mediation, adjudication and arbitration. These are generally less formal than court proceedings and should be faster, less expensive and less time consuming, allowing the parties to maintain a good relationship.

−	~~=== Setting up the DRB ===~~	+	For more information see: Alternative dispute resolution.

−	* Construction contracts usually call for the setting up of a dispute resolution ~~board (DRB) in the early stages of a project. The DRB comprises three members – two technical and~~ one ~~legal – and the aim is to ensure~~ that ~~it can fully understand any dispute without recourse to external advice. Essentially, the DRB~~ can be ~~likened to a project management tool that is~~ used to ~~ensure that the project remains on track, influencing the parties to the project to carry out their contractual obligations properly~~.	+	Dispute resolution boards offer one procedure that can be used to resolve disputes.

−	=~~== Familiarisation with the site ==~~=	+	= Dispute resolution boards =

−	* Once the ~~members~~ of the DRB ~~have been appointed,~~ the ~~procedure should allow for regular visits~~ to ~~site~~, ~~including time~~ to ~~deal with any differences~~ that ~~have arisen. This should also allow for less formal ‘opinions’~~ to ~~be given by~~ the ~~DRB in respect of what could develop into potential disputes~~.	+	Construction contracts may call for the setting up of a dispute resolution board (DRB) in the early stages of a project. The DRB typically comprises three members – two technical and one legal – and the aim is to ensure that it can fully understand any dispute without recourse to external advice. Essentially, the DRB can be likened to a project management tool that is used to ensure that the project remains on track, influencing the parties to the project to carry out their contractual obligations properly.

−	~~=== Informal discussions~~ to ~~avoid~~ potential disputes ~~===~~	+	Once the members of the DRB have been appointed, the procedure should allow for regular visits to site, including time to deal with any differences that have arisen. This should also allow for less formal ‘opinions’ to be given by the DRB in respect of what could develop into potential disputes.

−	* The use of the DRB for informal discussions between the parties (together or separately), with or without the engineer should be encouraged. Where an opinion has been sought, the DRB may respond in writing (or orally if followed up in writing), and by that informal process the potential dispute may be avoided.	+	Where an opinion has been sought, the DRB may respond in writing (or orally if followed up in writing), and by that informal process the potential dispute may be avoided.

−	~~===~~ Embarking on the formal dispute procedure ~~===~~	+	Embarking on the formal dispute procedure:

−	* If a potential dispute cannot be avoided by informal discussions, ~~the~~ formal dispute procedure will begin, requiring a written recommendation by the DRB~~, or a written, reasoned decision by the dispute adjudication board (DAB)~~.	+	* If a potential dispute cannot be avoided by informal discussions, a formal dispute procedure will begin, requiring a written recommendation by the DRB.
	* The formal procedure usually involves the dissatisfied party issuing a written notice containing details of the dispute to the other party and to the DRB. That notice may be dependent on timing should the contract so indicate. For example, FIDIC [1] only allows 28 days after the engineer’s decision in which to issue a notice.		* The formal procedure usually involves the dissatisfied party issuing a written notice containing details of the dispute to the other party and to the DRB. That notice may be dependent on timing should the contract so indicate. For example, FIDIC [1] only allows 28 days after the engineer’s decision in which to issue a notice.

−	~~===~~ Preparing claimant and defendant position statements ~~===~~	+	Preparing claimant and defendant position statements:

−	* Having issued the notice, the claimant ~~has to prepare~~ a position statement in which they set out their legal and factual arguments, supported by evidence. On receipt, the defendant will prepare their position statement responding to the claimant’s narrative, setting out their arguments and the evidence relied upon.	+	* Having issued the notice, the claimant prepares a position statement in which they set out their legal and factual arguments, supported by evidence. On receipt, the defendant will prepare their position statement responding to the claimant’s narrative, setting out their arguments and the evidence relied upon.

−	~~===~~ Consideration of position statements ~~===~~	+	Consideration of position statements:

	* Having received the two position statements, the DRB will consider the matters raised. If necessary, the members of the DRB will meet before the hearing to discuss procedural or substantive matters.		* Having received the two position statements, the DRB will consider the matters raised. If necessary, the members of the DRB will meet before the hearing to discuss procedural or substantive matters.

−	~~===~~ Preparing for the hearing ~~===~~	+	Preparing for the hearing:

	* The DRB will prepare a list of questions or further documents required so that the hearing will be able to deal fully with all matters arising. The hearing will normally be held within 30 days (15 days in the ICC rules) of the defence being served, usually at or near the project. The duration of the hearing depends on the complexity of the matters before the DRB, but it is very unlikely to exceed one week. In fact, most hearings do not exceed two or three days.		* The DRB will prepare a list of questions or further documents required so that the hearing will be able to deal fully with all matters arising. The hearing will normally be held within 30 days (15 days in the ICC rules) of the defence being served, usually at or near the project. The duration of the hearing depends on the complexity of the matters before the DRB, but it is very unlikely to exceed one week. In fact, most hearings do not exceed two or three days.

−	~~===~~ The hearing ~~===~~	+	The hearing:

−	* The hearing follows the usual course: a submission by the claimant, a submission by way of reply from the defendant, with perhaps questions and points of clarification raised by the DRB~~. If necessary, the engineer will be allowed to make submissions or answer questions~~.	+	* The hearing follows the usual course: a submission by the claimant, a submission by way of reply from the defendant, with perhaps questions and points of clarification raised by the DRB.

−	~~===~~ After the hearing ~~===~~	+	After the hearing:

−	* After the hearing is brought to a close, the DRB will continue with its deliberations and a draft recommendation or adjudication decision will be prepared. This is necessary, as the three-~~man~~ board will thereafter ~~return home to~~ prepare their individual reports for later discussion and to finalise their recommendation or adjudication decision.	+	* After the hearing is brought to a close, the DRB will continue with its deliberations and a draft recommendation or adjudication decision will be prepared. This is necessary, as the three-person board will thereafter prepare their individual reports for later discussion and to finalise their recommendation or adjudication decision.
−	* Time is always critical in making a recommendation or decision, as the parties will be continuing with the works, and the decision needs to be known as soon as possible. In any event, the rules should ~~have~~ a time limit for the board to make its decision, subject to the claimant being able to grant the DRB a limited extension to that time if special circumstances arise which prevent a recommendation or decision being made in the prescribed time. The recommendation or decision will be produced by way of a written report.	+	* Time is always critical in making a recommendation or decision, as the parties will be continuing with the works, and the decision needs to be known as soon as possible. In any event, the rules should place a time limit for the board to make its decision, subject to the claimant being able to grant the DRB a limited extension to that time if special circumstances arise which prevent a recommendation or decision being made in the prescribed time. The recommendation or decision will be produced by way of a written report.

−	~~===~~ The DRB’s decision ~~===~~	+	The DRB’s decision:

	* Where the board provides recommendations, these can be without sanction or a time limit. To provide certainty, a time limit can be prescribed for any written objection to be made by either party. If no objection is raised, then the recommendation can become binding on the parties. In any event, the recommendation or decision should be stated in the contract to be acted upon immediately it is published.		* Where the board provides recommendations, these can be without sanction or a time limit. To provide certainty, a time limit can be prescribed for any written objection to be made by either party. If no objection is raised, then the recommendation can become binding on the parties. In any event, the recommendation or decision should be stated in the contract to be acted upon immediately it is published.
		+
		+	For more information see: Dispute resolution board.

	[1] FIDIC: ‘Fédération Internationale des Ingénieurs-Conseils’ or ‘the International Federation of Consulting Engineers’) was founded in 1913. It is a membership organisation, with members comprising national associations of consulting engineers from 97 countries.		[1] FIDIC: ‘Fédération Internationale des Ingénieurs-Conseils’ or ‘the International Federation of Consulting Engineers’) was founded in 1913. It is a membership organisation, with members comprising national associations of consulting engineers from 97 countries.

Editor at 17:29, 11 June 2019

2019-06-11T17:29:45Z

Editor at 17:28, 11 June 2019

2019-06-11T17:28:20Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:28, 11 June 2019
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	* The role of the mediator.		* The role of the mediator.
	* The Scheme for Construction Contracts.		* The Scheme for Construction Contracts.
		+
		+	[[Category:Client_procedures]] [[Category:Construction_management]] [[Category:Contracts_/_payment]] [[Category:Procurement]]

Editor: Created page with "= Introduction = In construction as in many other fields, disputes will arise during the course of a project. This is understandable given the usually long duration of construct..."

2019-06-11T17:27:12Z

Created page with "= Introduction = In construction as in many other fields, disputes will arise during the course of a project. This is understandable given the usually long duration of construct..."

New page

= Introduction =

In construction as in many other fields, disputes will arise during the course of a project. This is understandable given the usually long duration of construction projects, the complexity, uncertainty and the many parties involved, whether contractors, sub-contractors, suppliers, consultants or clients.

The way these disputes are handled and resolved is critical if minimal adverse impact in terms of cost, delay and disruption is to be inflicted on the project. That is why having effective dispute resolution procedures is an effective way of minimising the impacts of such disputes as usually they cannot be resolved by discussion alone.

= What can go wrong? =

Construction contracts can generate a plethora of disputes but typically they may include:

* The contractor claiming against the client due to a change to the scope of works previously agreed;
* The client claiming against the contractor for poor workmanship (defective works);
* A consultant claiming against the client for non-payment of fees, and
* The client claiming against a consultant for a lack of site supervision or for design deficiencies.

Circumstances such as those listed above would traditionally have been resolved in the courts. However, this is often a long, complex, adversarial and potentially costly process for all involved. Adopting a dispute resolution procedure has often proved a faster, more cost-effective method that can be to the satisfaction of all parties involved. Furthermore, because it is a process conducted in private, the parties do not have to worry about any adverse public relations that might otherwise ensue.

As a result, construction contracts usually include provisions for the resolution of disputes by agreed alternative dispute resolution (ADR) procedures involving mediation, adjudication and arbitration. These are typically less formal than court proceedings and should be faster, less expensive and less time consuming, allowing the parties to maintain a good relationship.

= Dispute resolution board procedure =

Setting up the DRB

* Construction contracts usually call for the setting up of a dispute resolution board (DRB) in the early stages of a project. The DRB comprises three members – two technical and one legal – and the aim is to ensure that it can fully understand any dispute without recourse to external advice. Essentially, the DRB can be likened to a project management tool that is used to ensure that the project remains on track, influencing the parties to the project to carry out their contractual obligations properly.

Familiarisation with the site

* Once the members of the DRB have been appointed, the procedure should allow for regular visits to site, including time to deal with any differences that have arisen. This should also allow for less formal ‘opinions’ to be given by the DRB in respect of what could develop into potential disputes.

Informal discussions to avoid potential disputes

* The use of the DRB for informal discussions between the parties (together or separately), with or without the engineer should be encouraged. Where an opinion has been sought, the DRB may respond in writing (or orally if followed up in writing), and by that informal process the potential dispute may be avoided.

Embarking on the formal dispute procedure

* If a potential dispute cannot be avoided by informal discussions, the formal dispute procedure will begin, requiring a written recommendation by the DRB, or a written, reasoned decision by the dispute adjudication board (DAB).
* The formal procedure usually involves the dissatisfied party issuing a written notice containing details of the dispute to the other party and to the DRB. That notice may be dependent on timing should the contract so indicate. For example, FIDIC [1] only allows 28 days after the engineer’s decision in which to issue a notice.

Preparing claimant and defendant position statements

* Having issued the notice, the claimant has to prepare a position statement in which they set out their legal and factual arguments, supported by evidence. On receipt, the defendant will prepare their position statement responding to the claimant’s narrative, setting out their arguments and the evidence relied upon.

Consideration of position statements

* Having received the two position statements, the DRB will consider the matters raised. If necessary, the members of the DRB will meet before the hearing to discuss procedural or substantive matters.

Preparing for the hearing

* The DRB will prepare a list of questions or further documents required so that the hearing will be able to deal fully with all matters arising. The hearing will normally be held within 30 days (15 days in the ICC rules) of the defence being served, usually at or near the project. The duration of the hearing depends on the complexity of the matters before the DRB, but it is very unlikely to exceed one week. In fact, most hearings do not exceed two or three days.

The hearing

* The hearing follows the usual course: a submission by the claimant, a submission by way of reply from the defendant, with perhaps questions and points of clarification raised by the DRB. If necessary, the engineer will be allowed to make submissions or answer questions.

After the hearing

* After the hearing is brought to a close, the DRB will continue with its deliberations and a draft recommendation or adjudication decision will be prepared. This is necessary, as the three-man board will thereafter return home to prepare their individual reports for later discussion and to finalise their recommendation or adjudication decision.
* Time is always critical in making a recommendation or decision, as the parties will be continuing with the works, and the decision needs to be known as soon as possible. In any event, the rules should have a time limit for the board to make its decision, subject to the claimant being able to grant the DRB a limited extension to that time if special circumstances arise which prevent a recommendation or decision being made in the prescribed time. The recommendation or decision will be produced by way of a written report.

The DRB’s decision

* Where the board provides recommendations, these can be without sanction or a time limit. To provide certainty, a time limit can be prescribed for any written objection to be made by either party. If no objection is raised, then the recommendation can become binding on the parties. In any event, the recommendation or decision should be stated in the contract to be acted upon immediately it is published.

[1] FIDIC: ‘Fédération Internationale des Ingénieurs-Conseils’ or ‘the International Federation of Consulting Engineers’) was founded in 1913. It is a membership organisation, with members comprising national associations of consulting engineers from 97 countries.

= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

* Adjudicators and bias.
* Alternative dispute resolution.
* Alternative Dispute Resolution legislation.
* Arbitration.
* Arbitration v Adjudication.
* Breach of contract.
* Causes of construction disputes.
* Conciliation
* Contract claims.
* Contract conditions.
* Dispute resolution.
* Dispute resolution board.
* Expert determination.
* FIDIC
* How does arbitration work?
* Joinder.
* Pay now argue later.
* Pendulum arbitration.
* Mediation.
* PFIs and adjudication.
* The role of the mediator.
* The Scheme for Construction Contracts.

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:29, 11 June 2019
Line 20:		Line 20:
	= Dispute resolution board procedure =		= Dispute resolution board procedure =

−	Setting up the DRB	+	=== Setting up the DRB ===

	* Construction contracts usually call for the setting up of a dispute resolution board (DRB) in the early stages of a project. The DRB comprises three members – two technical and one legal – and the aim is to ensure that it can fully understand any dispute without recourse to external advice. Essentially, the DRB can be likened to a project management tool that is used to ensure that the project remains on track, influencing the parties to the project to carry out their contractual obligations properly.		* Construction contracts usually call for the setting up of a dispute resolution board (DRB) in the early stages of a project. The DRB comprises three members – two technical and one legal – and the aim is to ensure that it can fully understand any dispute without recourse to external advice. Essentially, the DRB can be likened to a project management tool that is used to ensure that the project remains on track, influencing the parties to the project to carry out their contractual obligations properly.

−	Familiarisation with the site	+	=== Familiarisation with the site ===

	* Once the members of the DRB have been appointed, the procedure should allow for regular visits to site, including time to deal with any differences that have arisen. This should also allow for less formal ‘opinions’ to be given by the DRB in respect of what could develop into potential disputes.		* Once the members of the DRB have been appointed, the procedure should allow for regular visits to site, including time to deal with any differences that have arisen. This should also allow for less formal ‘opinions’ to be given by the DRB in respect of what could develop into potential disputes.

−	Informal discussions to avoid potential disputes	+	=== Informal discussions to avoid potential disputes ===

	* The use of the DRB for informal discussions between the parties (together or separately), with or without the engineer should be encouraged. Where an opinion has been sought, the DRB may respond in writing (or orally if followed up in writing), and by that informal process the potential dispute may be avoided.		* The use of the DRB for informal discussions between the parties (together or separately), with or without the engineer should be encouraged. Where an opinion has been sought, the DRB may respond in writing (or orally if followed up in writing), and by that informal process the potential dispute may be avoided.

−	Embarking on the formal dispute procedure	+	=== Embarking on the formal dispute procedure ===

	* If a potential dispute cannot be avoided by informal discussions, the formal dispute procedure will begin, requiring a written recommendation by the DRB, or a written, reasoned decision by the dispute adjudication board (DAB).		* If a potential dispute cannot be avoided by informal discussions, the formal dispute procedure will begin, requiring a written recommendation by the DRB, or a written, reasoned decision by the dispute adjudication board (DAB).
	* The formal procedure usually involves the dissatisfied party issuing a written notice containing details of the dispute to the other party and to the DRB. That notice may be dependent on timing should the contract so indicate. For example, FIDIC [1] only allows 28 days after the engineer’s decision in which to issue a notice.		* The formal procedure usually involves the dissatisfied party issuing a written notice containing details of the dispute to the other party and to the DRB. That notice may be dependent on timing should the contract so indicate. For example, FIDIC [1] only allows 28 days after the engineer’s decision in which to issue a notice.

−	Preparing claimant and defendant position statements	+	=== Preparing claimant and defendant position statements ===

	* Having issued the notice, the claimant has to prepare a position statement in which they set out their legal and factual arguments, supported by evidence. On receipt, the defendant will prepare their position statement responding to the claimant’s narrative, setting out their arguments and the evidence relied upon.		* Having issued the notice, the claimant has to prepare a position statement in which they set out their legal and factual arguments, supported by evidence. On receipt, the defendant will prepare their position statement responding to the claimant’s narrative, setting out their arguments and the evidence relied upon.

−	Consideration of position statements	+	=== Consideration of position statements ===

	* Having received the two position statements, the DRB will consider the matters raised. If necessary, the members of the DRB will meet before the hearing to discuss procedural or substantive matters.		* Having received the two position statements, the DRB will consider the matters raised. If necessary, the members of the DRB will meet before the hearing to discuss procedural or substantive matters.

−	Preparing for the hearing	+	=== Preparing for the hearing ===

	* The DRB will prepare a list of questions or further documents required so that the hearing will be able to deal fully with all matters arising. The hearing will normally be held within 30 days (15 days in the ICC rules) of the defence being served, usually at or near the project. The duration of the hearing depends on the complexity of the matters before the DRB, but it is very unlikely to exceed one week. In fact, most hearings do not exceed two or three days.		* The DRB will prepare a list of questions or further documents required so that the hearing will be able to deal fully with all matters arising. The hearing will normally be held within 30 days (15 days in the ICC rules) of the defence being served, usually at or near the project. The duration of the hearing depends on the complexity of the matters before the DRB, but it is very unlikely to exceed one week. In fact, most hearings do not exceed two or three days.

−	The hearing	+	=== The hearing ===

	* The hearing follows the usual course: a submission by the claimant, a submission by way of reply from the defendant, with perhaps questions and points of clarification raised by the DRB. If necessary, the engineer will be allowed to make submissions or answer questions.		* The hearing follows the usual course: a submission by the claimant, a submission by way of reply from the defendant, with perhaps questions and points of clarification raised by the DRB. If necessary, the engineer will be allowed to make submissions or answer questions.

−	After the hearing	+	=== After the hearing ===

	* After the hearing is brought to a close, the DRB will continue with its deliberations and a draft recommendation or adjudication decision will be prepared. This is necessary, as the three-man board will thereafter return home to prepare their individual reports for later discussion and to finalise their recommendation or adjudication decision.		* After the hearing is brought to a close, the DRB will continue with its deliberations and a draft recommendation or adjudication decision will be prepared. This is necessary, as the three-man board will thereafter return home to prepare their individual reports for later discussion and to finalise their recommendation or adjudication decision.
	* Time is always critical in making a recommendation or decision, as the parties will be continuing with the works, and the decision needs to be known as soon as possible. In any event, the rules should have a time limit for the board to make its decision, subject to the claimant being able to grant the DRB a limited extension to that time if special circumstances arise which prevent a recommendation or decision being made in the prescribed time. The recommendation or decision will be produced by way of a written report.		* Time is always critical in making a recommendation or decision, as the parties will be continuing with the works, and the decision needs to be known as soon as possible. In any event, the rules should have a time limit for the board to make its decision, subject to the claimant being able to grant the DRB a limited extension to that time if special circumstances arise which prevent a recommendation or decision being made in the prescribed time. The recommendation or decision will be produced by way of a written report.

−	The DRB’s decision	+	=== The DRB’s decision ===

	* Where the board provides recommendations, these can be without sanction or a time limit. To provide certainty, a time limit can be prescribed for any written objection to be made by either party. If no objection is raised, then the recommendation can become binding on the parties. In any event, the recommendation or decision should be stated in the contract to be acted upon immediately it is published.		* Where the board provides recommendations, these can be without sanction or a time limit. To provide certainty, a time limit can be prescribed for any written objection to be made by either party. If no objection is raised, then the recommendation can become binding on the parties. In any event, the recommendation or decision should be stated in the contract to be acted upon immediately it is published.