Independent Appeals and Arbitration
Independent Appeals
The Agency provides a service to facilitate a range of independent appeals (mainly grievance, bullying / harassment and discipline). The appeal service includes education, libraries, local government, voluntary organisations, and other public services and bodies in accordance with procedures agreed between employers and trade unions.
In education appeals include teaching and non teaching staff in schools, education and library board staff, lecturers, and non teaching staff in further education.
Arbitration
If both parties to an industrial dispute agree the Agency can appoint an individual, or a panel, to act as independent arbitrator/s to decide how the dispute is to be settled. The parties to the dispute agree, usually with Agency assistance, joint terms of reference and the Agency appoint an arbitrator from its list of suitable independent persons. The arbitrator (acting alone or chairing a panel) considers the written and oral submissions of the parties, makes a decision, and where appropriate, an award which the parties agree to accept and implement. Participation in arbitration is entirely voluntary and the Agency has no power to compel an unwilling party to participate.
Before arranging for arbitration the Agency will take into account the use that has been made of any agreed procedures, and whether conciliation might be a possible alternative.
For further information please contact the Arbitration Secretary at the Agency.
See also Agency mediation services
Details on appointed Arbitrator/Independent Appeal Chairpersons
