Why Fast-track ?

More and more people are looking for a quick, inexpensive way of resolving their dispute. Because Conciliation is a  voluntary process it depends on the goodwill of the parties to take part in an effective and timely manner. Fast-track conciliation seeks to incentivise the parties:
A 28-day conciliation period.
Standard fixed fees.
Conciliation can be ended where parties do not co-operate or delay.
Conciliator will provide a written statement as to the reason for ending the conciliation. 

The Agreement
  • The conciliator's fee is a non-returnable. fixed fee based on the amount of the claim and the length of the process.
  • The parties agree to make submissions and responses in accordance with a programme and other objectives to be set by the Conciliator. and to comply with his instructions.  
  • The parties commit with each other to try to reach an agreement, failing which the parties jointly may ask the Conciliator to issue a non-binding recommendation on how to resolve the dispute.
  • If the conciliator considers that one or both of the parties has refused/neglected to comply with the programme or his reasonable instructions he may terminate the conciliation.
  • In the event that he terminates the conciliation  the conciliator gives to the parties a statement as to the circumstances of the termination. The statement is not privileged & may be relied upon in proceedings.

28 day Timetable
  • MEDIATION STAGE
  • Day 1 - Preliminary meeting or teleconference. Date and venue for conciliation meeting is agreed.
  • Day 2 - Conciliator issues a procedural programme
  • Day 5 - Claimant provides a statement of claim. If there is a counterclaim the respondent provides this. Statements of claim and counterclaim usually should not be  more than 2,000 words
  • Day 10 - The respondent provides a statement of reply. The claimant provides a statement of reply to the counterclaim. Statements of reply usually should  not be  more than 2,000 words
  • Day 11 - 17 The conciliator may hold private meetings with each party.
  • Day 18 - Conciliation meeting (if necessary).

  • IF NO AGREEMENT REACHED THE EVALUATIVE STAGE COMMENCES.
  • Day 22 - Further and better particulars of claim and counterclaim if required. The parties documents should not exceed one lever arch file.
  • Day 25 - Further and better particulars of reply to claim and counterclaim if required. The parties documents should not exceed one lever arch file..
  • Day 26- 28 Such further action as conciliator considers appropriate.​
  • Next business day - Issue of conciliators recommendation


Read more about the 28 Day scheme....
Read Agreement to Conciliate