Special schemes

Special schemes resolve disputes about specific issues.

When should you use a special scheme?

For some disputes, you have to try the special scheme before making a court claim. The process is usually far less formal than involving a court, but each scheme has its own rules and you may not have control over the final decision about your dispute.

Examples of special schemes

ABTA (Association of British Travel Agents)

ABTA offers an arbitration service for resolving disputes about holidays involving travel agents and tour operators who are members of the association.

Acas (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service)

Acas is a statutory body which has to provide a conciliation service (a type of mediation) in most employment tribunal cases. Acas must also offer this service, if asked by the parties in an employment dispute, when it thinks that conciliation has a reasonable chance of resolving the dispute.

MCOL (Money Claim Online)

Money Claim Online is a government service enabling you to bring (or defend) a claim against somebody who owes you money. The service does not provide legal advice, and you may find it useful to see a solicitor before pursuing your claim. You can also use a solicitor to deal with the claim for you if you wish.

Find a Solicitor

OIA (Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education)

The OIA considers complaints from students about higher education institution services and decisions.