e-bulletin No. 104 - June 2020

Commission Venue Strategy – Physical and Virtual

COVID-19 prompted the use of virtual venues and informed the decision to conduct some events virtually, even after COVID-19 ceases to be an issue. The Commission currently uses MS Teams as its virtual venue however, it does not replicate the functionality of the Commission’s physical venues.

Pilot and Partnering with the Australian Disputes Centre (ADC)

From 22 June until 21 August 2020, the Commission will pilot the use of the online platform Modron Spaces, to conduct some arbitrations. The Commission is partnering with ADC to deliver the pilot and so, the ADC brand will be displayed throughout.

Importantly, ADC will deliver a concierge service to participants, including pre-event familiarisation, connecting participants and support during the event – this will smooth out the learning curve and maximise participant satisfaction.

Pilot Goals and Test Group

The Commission selected Modron Spaces because it is easy to use, and it closely replicates the physical spaces that are traditionally used when conducting conciliation/arbitrations and mediations.

The pilot is designed to:

• Give participants confidence that help is there when they need it; and
• Allow the Commission to gather feedback from all those who participate in an event conducted on the platform.
• Give participants deep experience with the platform, that is; the arbitrator participant pool will be small with about 13-15 participants - they will be drawn from all levels of technical proficiency.

Setting up for success

Arbitrator participants will attend a training session and they will receive the support provided to all participants in any matter that is conducted on the pilot.

All pilot participants will attend a familiarisation session before each event and receive facilitated connections for their event, together with readily accessible support during the event.

After the Pilot

The Commission will share the results of the pilot, and if it decides to continue with Modron Spaces, it will maintain the status quo while it draws up a transition plan to take the Commission from a temporary pilot to an ongoing program.

Next Steps and Further Communications

Arbitrators will be consulted shortly about their individual participation. Legal representatives and insurers will be consulted if their matters are scheduled to be conducted on Modron Spaces. The Commission is excited by the opportunities presented by the pilot and
if you have any queries, please contact Siobhan Flores-Walsh on 8281 6489 or [email protected]

Judge Gerard Phillips
President