Arbitration and Mediation Services Equality Bill

This bill would require arbitration and mediation services to follow equality laws. Arbitration is when disputes are settled by an independent person instead of going to court. Mediation is when someone helps two sides reach an agreement. The bill would make these services treat all people fairly regardless of their protected characteristics like race, gender, disability, or religion. Services would need to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people. The bill would also set up a system for people to complain if they face discrimination. It would apply to both private arbitration companies and court-connected mediation services. The government says this will ensure equal access to dispute resolution for everyone.

• 1Requires arbitration and mediation services to follow equality laws
• 2Services must not discriminate based on race, gender, disability, religion or other protected characteristics
• 3Services must make reasonable adjustments for disabled people
• 4Creates a complaints system for people who face discrimination
• 5Applies to both private services and court-connected services