Complex construction and engineering projects can generate equally complex disputes: from delay and disruption to design liability and final account reconciliation. These issues are often technical, document‑heavy and can involve several teams and assets. In this environment, arbitration gives project organisations a private and trusted way to reach outcomes, whilst aiming to preserve commercial relationships and safeguard sensitive information.
Why construction teams choose arbitration
- Privacy & discretion: Hearings and filings are not in the public domain, which helps protect pricing, programme data and supply‑chain dynamics - a major benefit when reputations and frameworks matter.
- Specialist expertise: Parties can appoint arbitrators with construction expertise, such as professionals who understand CPM programmes, disruption analysis and quantum, and can weigh expert evidence efficiently.
- Global relevance: On international projects, FIDIC contract frameworks commonly refer disputes to arbitration, giving parties a forum that adapts to multi‑tier dispute clauses.
- Proven usage at scale: Construction/engineering is consistently among the largest sectors in institutional arbitration. For example, The ICC reported hundreds of new cases in 2024 with a record overall caseload value, evidencing further confidence in arbitration for high‑value, complex matters.
Why skilled experts are in demand for arbitration
Disputes are technically complex
Some of these complex cases need specialists who can explain critical changes and potential dispute causes grounded in project data.
Tribunals rely on expert evidence
In arbitration, expert understanding is often central to the award. Leading practice guides on construction arbitration underline that tribunals look for concise, decision‑oriented expert reports built on accepted techniques and project data. Without them, complex technical disputes may become hard to resolve confidently.
Arbitration is the end point of multi‑tier contracts
On international projects (especially under FIDIC), unresolved issues typically escalate to final resolution by arbitration. That pathway increases demand for experts who understand the contractual framework and can translate DAAB/DAB decisions, engineer determinations, and project records into arbitration‑ready analysis.
High and growing caseloads in the sector
Institutions report that construction and engineering consistently rank among the largest shares of arbitration filings worldwide. The ICC’s 2024 statistics recorded hundreds of new cases and a record total caseload value, reinforcing that complex, high‑value construction disputes routinely reach arbitration, and routinely require specialist expertise to resolve.
Add another string to your bow: the RICS Diploma in Arbitration (UK & International)
The RICS Diploma in Arbitration is designed to turn sector knowledge into skills, so you can influence strategy, manage procedure, understand evidence submitted by the parties, and (where appropriate) draft awards. The programme blends legal foundations with hands‑on arbitration practice (procedure, evidence, hearings, and award writing) and aligns to CIArb membership progression for those seeking further credentials.
After the foundational Module 1: Law of Obligations, the two Diplomas diverge to reflect different frameworks. The UK Diploma follows the practice, procedure and award‑writing approach established under the UK Arbitration Act. The International Diploma, meanwhile, develops the same skills but through the lens of UNCITRAL‑based arbitration.
What alumni say
“The quality of the tutors chosen for the different modules was what made this course stand out… a university professor of law took us through Law of Obligations and a practicing arbitrator taught Award Writing. This gave a real insight into the different aspects of the arbitral process.”
- Liam Melly, Forensic Delay Analyst, Assured CE Ltd
“A great eye opener to the basics of Contract and Tort through to the intricacies of an arbitration. I got a lot out of each assessment - in my submissions and in my professional life.”
- Richard McConn, Director, D G Jones & Partners
“Online learning balanced with in‑the‑room tutorials worked well… an adaptable programme, accessible and flexible in terms of time.”
- Robert Burke, Director, Lambert Smith Hampton
Why upskill in Arbitration?
- Arbitration offers a structured and respected route for a range of disputes, providing an in-demand route for you to develop skills and expand your services.
- Confidential proceedings, specialist tribunals and streamlined procedures help organisations contain cost and reputational risk while delivering decisive outcomes.
- Arbitration skills complement commercial leadership, dispute strategy, and coordination, adding a credential that is recognised across regions and sectors.
Enrol today
Enrol in the Diploma in Arbitration and build skills grounded in the realities of construction disputes:
UK: https://www.rics.org/training-events/training-courses/diploma-in-arbitration
International: https://www.rics.org/training-events/training-courses/diploma-in-international-arbitration-mena