Fees & Funding Statement

1. Purpose

This statement explains how ProMediate (UK) Limited funds its Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) services and how fees are charged.

It is intended to provide transparency for consumers, traders and other users of our ADR schemes.

2. Our Independence

ProMediate is committed to providing ADR services that are independent, impartial and fair.

The way in which our services are funded does not affect the independence of our ADR Officials or the outcome of any dispute.

ADR Officials are required to determine disputes solely on the evidence and applicable scheme rules.

3. Consumer Fees

Unless expressly stated otherwise within a particular ADR Scheme, there is no charge to consumers for referring an eligible complaint to ProMediate.

Where any consumer contribution is required under a particular scheme, this will be clearly explained before the ADR process begins.

No consumer will incur any fee without being informed in advance.

4. Trader Fees

Participating traders normally pay for the ADR service under:

• an annual subscription;
• a service agreement;
• a fee per dispute;
• or another agreed commercial arrangement.

The commercial arrangements between ProMediate and participating traders are confidential unless publication is required by law or regulation.

The existence of any commercial arrangement does not influence the outcome of any dispute.

5. Additional Costs

Each party is responsible for its own costs of participating in ADR.

For example, parties remain responsible for:

• obtaining legal advice;
• obtaining expert evidence;
• translation services;
• copying or printing documents;
• travel costs (where applicable).

Unless expressly agreed, ProMediate does not reimburse such costs.

6. Settlement

Where parties reach a voluntary settlement during mediation, each party will normally bear its own costs unless they agree otherwise.

Any settlement reached remains confidential unless the parties agree otherwise or disclosure is required by law.

7. No Effect on Independence

The payment of fees by participating traders does not:

• give a trader any influence over an ADR Official;
• affect the conduct of the ADR process;
• affect the outcome of any dispute;
• create any obligation on an ADR Official to favour either party.

All ADR Officials are subject to ProMediate’s Independence and Conflicts of Interest Policy.

8. Transparency

Before commencing ADR, parties will normally be informed of:

• whether the dispute falls within an ADR scheme;
• whether any fees apply;
• the nature of the ADR process;
• whether any proposed outcome is binding;
• the anticipated timescales.

9. Changes to Fees

ProMediate may amend its commercial charging structure from time to time.

Any revised charges will apply only to future referrals or in accordance with the relevant agreement with the participating trader.

Changes to commercial arrangements will not affect the independence of ADR Officials.

10. Questions

If you have any questions regarding fees or funding arrangements, please contact:

Version History

This statement is reviewed at least annually.