Improving conflict management — A toolkit

The toolkit provides practical guidance to help organisations embed a systematic and effective approach to Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) across their operations. It focuses on the structures, processes and behaviours that support the consistent and strategic use of ADR, enabling organisations to manage disputes more efficiently, control costs and preserve business relationships.

The toolkit covers the following key areas:

• Conducting an ADR audit of current usage of ADR - examine the types and frequency of disputes, current costs, the capability of the in-house legal team, and the approach of external lawyers.
• Designating an ADR Lead - organisations that achieve the greatest success in embedding the use of ADR are likely to have a designated senior in-house counsel to lead the organisation's efforts.  
• Implementing Early Case Assessment systems - consider embedding processes to analyse disputes in a systematic way at an early stage to help make informed decisions about the appropriate dispute resolution strategy.  
• Training and education - ADR-specific training for in-house counsel and case handlers is vital to promote and encourage the use of ADR.
• ADR metrics - how to generate useful metrics on external legal cost savings, management time saved, the stage at which disputes settle, and the impact of ADR on business relationships.
• ADR clauses in contracts – different ways of embedding ADR into contracts, with practical guidance and drafting tips.  
• Engaging stakeholders - a senior management ADR sponsor can be a game-changer. Targeted guidance on working with stakeholder groups, overcoming objections and aligning external lawyers with internal ADR objectives.

Access the full toolkit here