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Consumer Code for Online Dispute Resolution launches secure platform

Rear view woman sit at desk learns new videoconference app online review, look at pc screen take part in group video call with corporate staff brainstorm distantly, study, work use modern tech concept
Rear view woman sit at desk learns new videoconference app online review, look at pc screen take part in group video call with corporate staff brainstorm distantly, study, work use modern tech concept Rear view woman sit at desk learns new videoconference app online review, look at pc screen take part in group video call with corporate staff brainstorm distantly, study, work use modern tech concept

WITH face to face mediation, arbitration and adjudication sessions across the UK and Ireland cancelled as a result of the current Covid-19 pandemic, an innovative, purpose-built platform has been launched to enable dispute practitioners to resume working whilst practicing social distancing following respective government guidelines.

Working in partnership with Australian-based developer Modron, the platform launched by the newly-organised Consumer Code for Online Dispute Resolution (CCODR) will include an immediate solution to difficulties caused by social distancing and travel restrictions whilst also enabling dispute practitioners to seek out work beyond their geographical locations, reducing costs, commute times and allowing for parties to participate in ODR sessions remotely following the easing of restrictions.

The platform offers the only online dispute resolution industry-specific technological platform which is partnered with a consumer code.

Unique features include end to end encryption, a full suite of case management tools for alternative dispute practitioners, encrypted uploading and file sharing, and integration of digital billing including invoices, payments and receipts, among other features purpose-built into the platform to facilitate highly secure online dispute resolution sessions.

John Keers a co-founder of the Consumer Code for Online Dispute Resolution (www.ccodr.com), said: “As a direct response to the coronavirus crisis, alternative dispute practitioners have adopted the use of online platforms to continue to practice, for example, mediation.

“The issue with many of these platforms is the lack of end-to-end encryption, known security weaknesses, and the possibility of not complying with GDPR. When dealing with sensitive topics and documents, it is essential that alternative dispute practitioners are utilising a platform that is safe, secure and compliant with all domestic data protection laws.”

Barrister, mediator and arbitrator Michael Bready added: “In addition to providing an immediate solution to the delays in scheduled mediation sessions, the launch of this platform answers an ongoing need to unclog the courts by adapting the use of out-of-court solutions like video conferencing and online dispute resolution software.

“This need was echoed in Lord Justice Gillen’s 2016 Review of Civil and Family Justice in Northern Ireland, and we are confident our platform could also be applied to issues including small claims and family-sensitive issues which can be best resolved outside of court.”

In addition to providing a digital solution to get back to work in a time of incredible uncertainty for alternative dispute practitioners, the CCODR is also encouraging a unification of industry standards.

By subscribing to their platform, dispute practitioners will become part of an industry-leading body, developed to provide a set of unified standards, to provide a stamp of quality for dispute practitioners from varying legal and professional backgrounds and to extend consumer protection.

“Not only will dispute practitioners be part of an industry-leading movement to drive standards under the Consumer Code for Online Dispute Resolution, but they will also become part of a network of collaborative support,” according to Aaron Moore, head of contentious construction, director and adjudicator at Clever Fulton Rankin Solicitors and a director at the CCODR.