New Dispute Resolution Scheme expected to be up and running by end of 2020

Our new Dispute Resolution Scheme, which we are required to establish under the Fire and Emergency Act 2017, is anticipated to be up and running by the end of 2020.

Currently we are in the process of seeking an independent supplier or suppliers to provide administration and dispute resolution practitioner services.

As part of our commitment to ensuring there is an independent, fair, and appropriate procurement process for our new Scheme, we have appointed an external chair to the evaluation panel, Maria Austen, a Wellington barrister with expertise in workplace disciplinary issues and investigations. We have also appointed an independent assurance firm, McHale Group, to oversee the integrity of the procurement process and advise us if there are any concerns.

Having consulted earlier in the year on the proposed set of Rules for the Scheme, the final Dispute Resolution Scheme Rules are now on the Fire and Emergency website along with a summary of the submissions. The Scheme Rules outline in detail how the scheme will operate, who can use it and why, how an application can be made, and how the Scheme will be administered. Read the Dispute Resolution Scheme Rules(external link) and the Summary Response to the Submissions. (external link) 

In the meantime, until the new Scheme is operational, volunteers and the public can access our interim dispute resolution process. Support is available at any at any stage, including prior to lodging a complaint and is managed by an external provider. This allows our volunteers to talk to someone that is separate from the issue / complaint and to discuss possible options for a resolution. Find out more about the interim dispute resolution process(external link)

 

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