An Overview of Dispute Resolution Option W1 under NEC4 ECS

Dispute resolution under the NEC4 is controlled by the W clauses.  The ECS form contains two options, W1 and W2.  This is different to the main contract, which also includes a third option W3, utilising a Dispute Avoidance Board.

Option W1 is used for contracts which are not caught by the provisions of the Housing Grants Construction and Regeneration Act 1996 (as amended).  It is generally, therefore, used for international contracts or plant and machinery contracts on power, food, drink or similarly excluded sectors.

After completing this course, you should:

1. Understand the different stages of the tiered dispute resolution process
2. Know when and how a dispute should be referred
3. Be familiar with the time periods and limits for referring disputes