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Exploring ways to increase the use of technology-enabled dispute resolution
Law Society Gazette:
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has been awarded £119,691 from the latest round of the government’s ‘Regulators Pioneer Fund’ to explore ways to increase the use of technology-enabled dispute resolution. It will work with the Access to Justice Foundation and the Law Society on the project, which is to start in September 2023.
SRA news release:
The project will work with consumers and public representative groups to explore the potential barriers and benefits to using dispute resolution, in particular via digital and online platforms. This will include sharing and developing best practice which demonstrates how dispute resolution can deliver outcomes just as fairly and positively as any matter that goes to court.
https://www.sra.org.uk/dispute-resolution-approaches
More info from gov.uk:
Project name: Making Alternative Dispute Resolution work better for individuals and businesses
Project overview: The prompt resolution of legal disputes is critical to the lives and well-being of individuals seeking justice as well as the effective conduct of business. Greater use of alternative methods of Dispute Resolution (DR) ,especially through the use of technology, could reduce both the workload of the courts and the backlog of cases that has been compounded by the pandemic.
We see an opportunity to carry out further research with partner organisations, experts and others interested in better understanding the use of DR as a mechanism for resolving disputes. We believe there is an opportunity to look at creating technological pathways that help individuals and businesses resolve disputes or reach agreement on an issue that might otherwise be contentious. We know the Civil Justice Council (CJC) and other government departments are keen to explore the new, interesting and cost effective ways of using technology that might help remove barriers to the uptake of DR, improve the user experience, reduce bureaucracy and costs. Ultimately the outcome of our project should provide consumers and businesses with accessible and affordable alternatives to court proceedings.