Alternative dispute resolution

CIMA offers an independent ADR service (provided by IDRS Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators) for members of the public with service related issues involving a CIMA member in practice in the UK.

Service issues usually involve a dispute over contracts and/or levels of service provided by an accountant.

This could include unreasonable delay, supplying inaccurate or incomplete information, failing to respond to telephone calls or correspondence, or not carrying out instructions.

The ADR service has two resolution processes ' conciliation followed by arbitration if conciliation is unsuccessful. If the dispute is not a service issue, it may be more appropriate to make a complaint.

ADR is only available regarding UK CIMA members who are members in practice (that is, offering accounting services to a person who is not their employer) and not over disputes involving members in business or registered students.

Conciliation
Please read the conciliation scheme rules (PDF 45KB) for full details, and complete and return the designated application form (PDF 51KB) to:

IDRS Ltd
24 Angel Gate
City Road
London EC1V 2PT

Arbitration
If conciliation fails, you will be offered arbitration - the chance to present a case without the need for legal representation.

Please see the arbitration scheme rules (PDF 68KB) for full details about this service.