Independence and governance

Last updated: 5 May 2026

AR-ADR is structured so that no party — consumer, trader or funder — can influence the outcome of a case. This page explains how.

Independence

Adjudicators are appointed for fixed terms and are not employees of any participating trader.
Adjudicators are paid a fixed fee per case. Fees are not contingent on the outcome.
Trader funding is paid into the scheme as a whole. No trader funds the case in which they are a party.
Senior management and the Board of AR-ADR have no role in deciding individual cases.

Governance

AR-ADR Limited is governed by a Board with a majority of independent non-executive directors. The Board oversees:

Scheme rules and procedures.
Appointment, training and performance of adjudicators.
Quality assurance and audit.
Annual transparency reporting.

Conflicts of interest policy

We identify and manage three types of conflict:

Actual conflicts

Where a person has a direct interest in the outcome — for example a personal or financial relationship with a party.

Potential conflicts

Where circumstances could give rise to an interest in the outcome — for example past professional dealings with a party that have ended but remain recent.

Perceived conflicts

Where a reasonable observer, knowing the relevant facts, might fairly question the impartiality of the decision-maker — even if there is no actual interest.

How conflicts are managed

Disclosure. All adjudicators and case officers must declare any actual, potential or perceived conflict at the earliest opportunity.
Recusal. Where a conflict is identified, the individual recuses themselves from the case.
Replacement. Another adjudicator from the panel is appointed.
Transfer. Where no replacement is available within AR-ADR, we will offer to transfer the case to another approved ADR provider where possible.
Right to object. If no replacement or transfer is available, the parties have the right to object and to withdraw without prejudice to their court rights.

Quality and audit

We carry out periodic case file audits to check decisions are reasoned, consistent and free from improper influence. Findings inform adjudicator training and procedural updates.