Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR) meaning

The Centre for Effective dispute resolution (CEDR) is an independent, non-profit ADR provider widely used by legal practitioners to resolve disputes outside court, especially through mediation. The term is not defined in legislation or case law; it is a descriptive reference to the organisation and its services. CEDR administers and conducts mediations and other ADR processes (including early neutral evaluation and conciliation), maintains a panel of accredited mediators and neutrals, and can act as the appointing body where a contract, pre-action protocol or court order provides for appointment by CEDR. It also trains and accredits mediators. CEDR publishes widely used model procedures and documents, including the CEDR Model Mediation Procedure, the Model Mediation Agreement, and the CEDR Model Project Mediation Protocol and Agreement. These are frequently referenced in dispute resolution clauses and project documentation to support efficient settlement. Usage and recognition are broadly consistent across England & Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland. Parties often specify CEDR procedures or CEDR appointment in commercial, construction and project disputes to facilitate early, cost-effective resolution.