As many readers know, the Technology and Construction Solicitors’ Association (TeCSA) is a pre-eminent specialist body of solicitors representing those that practice in the construction and energy areas of the law. It has also for the last 20 years been a highly regarded adjudication nominating body (ANB) with a true multi-disciplinary panel of adjudicators.

TeCSA’s Adjudication Rules for construction disputes are a popular choice, for two reasons. First, they are radical about trying to ensure the dispute is actually resolved, notwithstanding the short time limits laid down by the Construction Act. Second, its rules do more than most to ensure the enforceability of adjudication decisions in practice. 

The rules make clear the underlying purpose of the adjudication is to decide disputes as rapidly and economically as is reasonably possible. In terms of making decisions as for enforceable as possible, Rule 12 gives the adjudicator the power to decide his or her own substantive jurisdiction. Without such a provision, which is still fairly unusual, the adjudicator would not be empowered to make a binding decision.

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