This is a method of conflict resolution that leaves the decision making to a third party arbitrator who has no personal stakes in the dispute at hand. Instead, evidence is provided and both sides have an opportunity to present their own argument, understanding that whatever decision is made by the arbitrator is final. After all information has been assessed, the arbitrator will make a final judgement.

There are many incidences by which arbitration may be used to solve a dispute, especially when other methods like mediation have failed to work. Some of the most common examples being:

• Employers & Unions

• Fraud

• Breach of Contract

• Negligence

There are three different types of arbitration that are used, depending on the circumstances. These types are:

• Judicial Arbitration: this is prior to court proceedings, where a judge orders that arbitration must be attempted before the case goes to trial.

• Contractual Arbitration: when parties are contractually bound to an agreement whereby any disputes must be resolved by arbitration (or at least attempted to) before going to trial in court.

• Stipulation: when parties have agreed to resolve a dispute by arbitration after the fact.

To cause minimal disruption, minimise the damage for all parties involved, and make sure that a resolution is found swiftly, arbitration can usually take up to 45 days. However, there will be unique circumstances that may mean this process may take more or less time.

The timescale can be unique to the dispute and is usually set by the parties involved in the preliminary stages of any conversations.