HomeNeutral rolesDispute Board
TN/ROLE/08
Edition 2027 · effective 1 January 2027
Build · Dispute Board
Who keeps a major project moving when issues arise?
A panel of one or three independent professionals appointed at the start of a construction or infrastructure project. It visits regularly, knows the project, gives informal opinions early and, when asked, makes recommendations or decisions on disputes as they arise.
§ 01At a glance
Dispute Board, in five facts.
- Who decides
- The board recommends or decides, as the contract sets.
- Outcome
- Site-visit reports, informal opinions, recommendations or interim-binding decisions.
- Effect
- As the contract sets: recommendation or interim-binding decision
- Typical time
- For the life of the project
- Formality
- ●●●○○
§ 02When it fits
Use it when… and not when…
A good fit
Who keeps a major project moving when issues arise?
- Large, long or complex projects
- Many interfaces and subcontractors
- Public money and public scrutiny
- Cash flow must not stop while issues are argued
Choose another route
Use the least burdensome process that can do the job.
- Short, low-value works where the cost is out of proportion
- When the parties will not fund regular visits
§ 03Where it is used
2 situations where Dispute Board is part of the route.
§ 04How appointment works
From first call to signed mandate.
A Neutral is shortlisted only after confirming availability and submitting conflict information. Nothing is called conflict-cleared until that disclosure has been reviewed.
§ 05Services and instruments
How TheNeutralsORG™ delivers it.
Services
Dispute Board · Project Neutral System
Delivered by qualified Neutrals, designed to work under the draft Neutral Practice Standard™.
Model instrument
Dispute Board Protocol
Draft it with the clause tool, then have it reviewed by your own lawyer.
§ 06Neighbouring roles
Often confused with…
| Dispute Board | Neutral Chairing | Expert Determination | |
|---|---|---|---|
| The question | Who keeps a major project moving when issues arise? | Who runs this meeting fairly? | Who settles this defined question, quickly and finally? |
| Who decides | The board recommends or decides, as the contract sets. | The body decides. The chair keeps the process fair. | The expert decides the defined question. |
| Outcome | As the contract sets: recommendation or interim-binding decision | No substantive authority | Binding by contract |
| Typical time | For the life of the project | A single meeting or a standing term | Typically four to eight weeks |