Dispute Board: a clear, impartial guide

What is a Dispute Board?

A Dispute Board or DRB (Dispute Review Board) is a standing group of typically, three independent and impartial persons selected by the contracting parties. The Dispute Board is involved with the project or venture from inception through to completion and has ‘hands on’ knowledge of every aspect of the process. The Dispute Board knows the parties, knows their goals and objectives, and can act efficiently to prevent a dispute from arising or, if one does, to give a decision in some cases.

What is the difference between a standing Dispute Board and an AD Hoc Dispute Board?

A standing Dispute Board is in place for the whole lifecycle of the project and can be called upon if/when a dispute arises. An Ad Hoc Dispute Board is only constituted when a dispute has arisen and deal with a single or set amount of disputes.

How much does a Dispute Board cost?

The cost of a dispute board will depend upon the members chosen by the parties and the fees agreed upon prior to appointment.

What happens in the dispute board process?

A standing Dispute Board will stay up-to-date on the project’s progress and any potential problems through regular site visits and meetings. They will also respond to issues by offering formal guidance and recommendation. If a dispute occurs, the Dispute Board will review the situation and provide a resolution, which could include non-binding advice (Dispute Review Board), binding decisions (Dispute Adjudication Board), or a mix of both.