FURTHER SUPPLEMENTARY MEMORANDUM FROM
THE DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT
LEA INTERVENTION—DISPUTE RESOLUTION (Q.198)
Our aim is to ensure that potential disputes
are settled amicably and quickly by ensuring that communication
channels are effective and that there are regular opportunities
to discuss emerging issues. However, contracts will include specific
dispute resolution procedures to ensure that wherever a difference
of opinion occurs, disruption to, amongst other things, the education
of pupils within the authority, is minismised.
In the Hackney contract for example, where a
dispute or difference between parties arises, other than on an
issue for which the decision of the Secretary of State is final.
It shall, subject to the approval of the Secretary of State, and
after 14 days written notice by one party to the other parties,
be referred to a single arbitrator agreed for the purpose. If
such agreement does not exist an arbitrator will be appointed
at the request of either party by the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.
The Islington contract contains similar dispute
resolution procedures. The contract provides specifically for
partnership working and for a partnership board as a forum for
communication and as a mechanism for discussion of matters relating
to the contract. This is intended as a means of avoiding disputes
or settling them without the need to invoke the more formal dispute
resolution procedure.
DfEE
January 2000
| 
