office building

Dispute Resolution Programme for Advisers and Party Representatives

13 Hours Formal CPD

Online

From £325 + VAT

Overview 

Gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to act as a dispute adviser and party representative. This structured learning programme equips professionals with the expertise required to advise clients and represent parties effectively across various dispute resolution processes. 

Delivered through three modules, this programme provides a practical understanding of dispute resolution procedures, the role and responsibilities of an adviser and a party representative, preparing you for real-world practice. 

What is the role of an adviser or party representative? 

A dispute adviser provides strategic guidance to clients involved in disputes, ensuring they understand their rights, obligations, and the dispute resolution processes available. 

A party representative takes a more active role by managing and advocating for their client’s case, from initial advice through to presenting their position in formal dispute resolution settings. 

This programme prepares professionals to act in both capacities, ensuring they can navigate disputes effectively and support their clients throughout the resolution process. 

Who is this course for?

The RICS Dispute Resolution Programme for Advisers and Party Representatives is designed for professionals who advise or represent clients in disputes within the built environment.

This course is suitable for professionals working in a variety of sectors including:

  • Construction and engineering
  • Valuation
  • Legal and consultancy services
  • Contract and project management
  • Rural and environmental
  • Real estate and property management

Common professional backgrounds include:

  • Chartered Surveyors
  • Quantity Surveyors
  • Construction and Commercial Managers
  • Claims Consultants
  • Legal professionals with a focus on dispute resolution

Our faculty consists of experienced construction and valuation specialists who will tailor the programme to meet the specific needs of each delegate group.

This programme is also valuable for experienced practitioners looking to offer advisory or party representation services. 

Why choose RICS as your training provider?

The RICS Dispute Resolution Programme for Advisers and Party Representatives is a qualification that equips professionals with the skills to advise clients and manage disputes effectively.

Completing this programme allows you to:

  • Develop specialist skills in dispute resolution.
  • Gain practical, real-world expertise delivered by experienced dispute resolution professionals.
  • Develop your ability to advise and represent clients in a range of dispute resolution processes.
  • Progress towards RICS Accredited Dispute Adviser and Party Representative status by completing all three modules.

RICS training is built on industry-leading standards, ensuring you gain knowledge and skills aligned with professional best practices.

Dispute resolution service logo

What does the course cover?

The programme is delivered in three modules, covering:

Module 1: Introduction to Dispute Resolution and Advisory Roles (5 weeks – 13 CPD hours)

  • Overview of dispute resolution methods – adjudication, arbitration, mediation, and litigation
  • The role of advisers and party representatives in different dispute resolution processes
  • Judicial rules and professional standards – including evidence, procedure, and conflicts of interest
  • RICS Professional Statement and Guidance on dispute resolution

Module 2: Early-Stage Dispute Resolution and Case Preparation (10 weeks – 20 CPD hours)

  • Advising clients from the early stages of a dispute
  • Strategies for dispute avoidance, management, and resolution
  • Client preparation for formal dispute resolution procedures
  • Scenario-based group exercises with live feedback

Module 3: Party Representation and Case Management (10 weeks – 28 CPD hours)

  • Acting as a professional representative or case manager in formal dispute resolution settings
  • Managing case administration, timetabling, and procedure
  • Introduction to advocacy in dispute resolution
  • Final assessment: Written submission and viva-style interview discussion

Course format

The programme is a structured, online learning experience designed for practical engagement.

Participants will engage in:

  • Live interactive webinars, covering key dispute resolution principles and case studies.
  • Pre-recorded lectures
  • Scenario-based group exercises with feedback from experienced practitioners.
  • Written assignments and assessments to evaluate knowledge and application.

To help you plan effectively, you’ll need to allocate time for:

  • Course reading/materials – reviewing key dispute resolution principles and legal frameworks.
  • Case preparation exercises – applying knowledge to dispute scenarios collaborating with your course peers.
  • Final assessment preparation – written submission and viva-style interview.

What do you receive after completing the course?

Completing the RICS Dispute Resolution Programme for Advisers and Party Representatives demonstrates your expertise in advising and representing parties in dispute resolution.

Here’s what you gain:

  • Module Completion Certificate - following a multiple choice test in Module 1.
  • RICS Completion Certificate – after completing Modules 2 and 3, recognising your achievement in the full programme.
  • Pathway to Accreditation – successful completion of all three modules allows you to progress towards RICS Accredited Dispute Adviser and Party Representative status. Note: You may need to complete a short professionalism module before achieving this status.

Please be aware that to retain Accredited status, you will need to go through reassessment every 5 years. A fee will apply for this reassessment. 

Assessment format

The assessment process ensures participants develop the practical skills and theoretical knowledge required to advise and represent clients effectively.

What to Expect

  • Module 1: Multiple-choice test covering key dispute resolution principles.
  • Module 2: Participation in scenario-based group exercises.
  • Module 3: Written assignment and viva-style interview discussion. 

To successfully complete the full programme, participants must pass all module assessments.

Resitting assessments

If you’re unsuccessful in an assessment, you can resit with the next cohort. Resits will incur a fee to be determined. 

This robust assessment process ensures you develop the necessary competencies and meet RICS’s high professional standards.

Course schedule

Meet the trainers
 

See what previous attendees say

“A good overview of dispute resolution methods and procedures and related legal method. Laid firm foundations for more detailed training in DR advisory and party representation roles.”

Wendy Coggan

Wendy Coggan

Director, Coggan Associates

“ thought the overall content was really interesting, and the lecturers engaging and able to give good insights into the practicalities of working in the dispute resolution environment with excellent examples of real life cases they had been involved in.”

Anonymous

Course pricing

Modules can be purchased individually at the following prices.

Module

RICS Member

Non-RICS Member

Module 1

Starts TBC

£ 325 +VAT

£ 350 +VAT

Module 2

Starts TBC

£ 525 +VAT

£ 575 +VAT

Module 3

Starts TBC

£ 795 +VAT

£ 825 +VAT

For your business

Equip your team with specialist dispute resolution skills. Our RICS Dispute Resolution Programme for Advisers and Party Representatives provides structured training tailored to professionals advising and representing clients in disputes. 

Group Discounts 

Book three or more places on the same module and receive a 5% discount. 

Contact Us 

To discuss training options for your employees or to take advantage of group discounts, contact our dedicated training support team: 

  • Call: +44 (0) 2476868584 

Next cohort

RICS Members (Module 1)

GBP £325 + VAT

Non-Member (Module 1)

GBP £350 + VAT

Notify me about upcoming courses

Register your interest in a future course, and one of our team will be in touch to assist you.

Register your interest 

Frequently asked questions