Press release

CIArb awarded a 12 month extension to continue as the provider of the PCA’s arbitration referral service

Following a two year partnership, the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) has been awarded a 12-month extension to continue as sole providers of the PCA’s arbitration referral service.

Following a successful two-year partnership with the Pubs Code Adjudicator the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) has been awarded a 12-month extension to continue as sole providers of the arbitration referral service. CIArb will continue to provide end-to-end management and administration of the arbitration referral service, including being the point of contact for referral queries. CIArb will also continue to recommend alternative arbitrators to the PCA where required. 

Fiona Dickie, Pubs Code Adjudicator said: 

“Over the last two years the CIArb has worked to ensure that arbitration referrals have been managed effectively. I am pleased this contract has been extended. An efficient dispute referral service benefits tied tenants in the exercise of their Pubs Code rights. I will continue to work closely with CIArb and to receive arbitration documents in line with the arbitrator standards, so that I can keep a close watch for non-compliance by the regulated pub companies and give further clarity to the industry on applying the Code. 

Prior to making a formal referral tied tenants should read the PCA’s factsheets on our website and these should answer any questions about their Pubs Code rights.”  

CIArb stated: 

“We are pleased that our high-quality arbitration referral service is performing so well for the Pubs Code Adjudicator (PCA) and are delighted that they have asked us to extend our term for a further year. As well as providing the PCA with a full end-to-end management and administration of the arbitration service, we also ran a successful Ciarb’s Pubs Code Training and assessment for arbitrators which enhanced and diversified our dedicated panel of arbitrators. We look forward to continuing to work with the PCA team and our panel of Pubs Code Arbitrators in 2024.”  

Making a referral

When making an arbitration you will need to complete the referral form and send this to the CIArb Dispute Appointment Service (DAS) team. The form can be emailed to pca@ciarb.org. Full details, including how to pay the referral fee, are available on the CIArb website. 

Tenants can send Pubs Code enquiries to their Code Compliance Officer in the first instance. Enquiries can also be sent to the PCA team at office@pubscodeadjudicator.gov.uk.

Published 19 December 2023