Conflict avoidance and dispute resolution in construction
Published April 2012
Effective from April 2012
Reissued August 2024
This practice information summarises what is meant by conflict avoidance and dispute resolution. It identifies the key issues that all surveyors should understand in respect of these distinct substantive areas. It cannot cover every issue or every technique for avoiding disputes, nor can it cover the wide-ranging issues that relate to dispute resolution, the applicable rules or strategies that might be adopted.
Guidance is given in respect of conflict avoidance processes and dispute resolution techniques that are encountered within the industry under the following headings, which follow the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC): General principles (Level 1: Knowing), Practical application (Level 2: Doing), Practical considerations (Level 3: Doing/Advising).
This is part of RICS' Black Book, which is a collection of technical practice documents that covers all processes throughout the construction project life cycle. The documents are essential development tools for junior professionals working through their APC and useful guides to best practice for more experienced professionals.
A project is currently underway to review and update the Black Book content with the aim of producing a comprehensive new edition. Expected to publish in 2025, the new Black Book will comprise an overarching global professional standard, accompanied by practical guidance material.