Mediation and facilitation leave every decision with the parties. Evaluation and chairing add an independent view or a fair process. Determination and dispute boards decide defined questions. Arbitration, in orange, gives a final, enforceable award. Use the least burdensome process that can do the job.

Select a role to open it.

§ 03Compare

The ten roles side by side.

Role	The question	Who decides	Outcome	Typical time
Neutral Evaluation	What does an independent professional think of this question?	You decide. The evaluator advises.	Advisory	Days to a few weeks
Mediation	Can we reach an agreement we both choose?	The parties decide. The mediator never imposes.	Binding only if the parties sign an agreement	One to three days of sessions, often within weeks
Facilitation	How does a group move forward together?	The group decides. The facilitator owns the process.	Consensual	A single session to a programme over months
Neutral Chairing	Who runs this meeting fairly?	The body decides. The chair keeps the process fair.	No substantive authority	A single meeting or a standing term
Expert Determination	Who settles this defined question, quickly and finally?	The expert decides the defined question.	Binding by contract	Typically four to eight weeks
Standing Neutral	Who is there before the problem becomes a dispute?	The parties decide. The Standing Neutral is available, informed and activated by rule.	Depends on the activated role	For the life of the relationship
Ombuds	Where can someone raise a concern safely and informally?	The person decides what to do. The Ombuds helps them see the options.	Informal	Ongoing channel
Dispute Board	Who keeps a major project moving when issues arise?	The board recommends or decides, as the contract sets.	As the contract sets: recommendation or interim-binding decision	For the life of the project
Conciliation	Can an independent professional propose terms we might accept?	The parties decide whether to accept the proposal.	Binding only if accepted	Weeks
Arbitration	Who gives a final, enforceable decision?	The tribunal decides.	Final and binding	Months to years