Construction Industry Model Arbitration Rules CIMAR
Arbitration is a private, contractual form of dispute resolution. It provides for the determination of disputes by a third party arbitrator or arbitration panel, selected by the parties to the dispute.
The Construction Industry Model Arbitration Rules (CIMAR) were produced by the Society of Construction Arbitrators and introduced following the 1996 Arbitration Act. The rules have no statutory status and depend upon voluntary incorporation into contracts. They have been widely used for dispute resolution in the industry since being adopted as the standard by the Joint Contracts Tribunal (JCT).
According to CIMAR: 'The objective of the rules is to provide for the fair, impartial, speedy, cost-effective and binding resolution of construction disputes, with each party having a reasonable opportunity to put his case and to deal with that of his opponent.'
Once the arbitrator has been appointed under these rules, the parties may not, without the arbitrator's agreement, amend the rules or impose procedures in conflict with them. The rules apply where:
- A single arbitrator is to be appointed.
- The seat of the arbitration is in England, Wales or Northern Ireland.
The rules deal with the following areas:
- Beginning and appointment.
- Joinder.
- Particular powers.
- Procedure and evidence.
- Form of procedure and directions.
- Short hearing.
- Documents only.
- Full procedure.
- Provisional relief.
- Default powers and sanctions.
- Awards and remedies.
- Costs.
[edit] Find out more
Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki:
- Alternative dispute resolution.
- Arbitration.
- Arbitration Act.
- Causes of construction disputes.
- Dispute resolution boards.
- JCT.
- Joinder.
- NEC3.
- NEC contract change management systems.
- NEC early contractor involvement.
- Pendulum arbitration.
- Provisional relief.
- Target cost.
[edit] External references
Featured articles and news
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).
Ebenezer Howard: inventor of the garden city. Book review.
The Grenfell Tower fire, eight years on
A time to pause and reflect as Dubai tower block fire reported just before anniversary.
Airtightness Topic Guide BSRIA TG 27/2025
Explaining the basics of airtightness, what it is, why it's important, when it's required and how it's carried out.
Construction contract awards hit lowest point of 2025
Plummeting for second consecutive month, intensifying concerns for housing and infrastructure goals.
Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025
Examining the state of mental health in construction, shedding light on levels of stress, anxiety and depression.