How Conciliation Works

We have a high settlement rate at DCS. This is because meetings take place when everyone is prepared and fully briefed. We work intensively with the Complainant and Respondent in preparation for a meeting, ensuring that everyone understands the process and the significance of the DDA.

Each case is allocated to a Conciliation Coordinator who manages the case from referral through to follow up. Over a period of several weeks, the Coordinator works with both parties to prepare for a conciliation meeting. It is important that people are knowledgeable and comfortable with how the DCS works. We make sure that everyone is appropriately briefed, including any supporters and communications support professionals.

Woman with her hearing dog having coffee in a cafe Picture Courtesy of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People

Once the parties are ready, the case is passed to one of our team of conciliators. The DCS have a small team of expert conciliators through England, Scotland and Wales. The Conciliator is not an arbitrator. They are not a decision-maker. Their role is to focus and manage the meeting and to make sure that everyone takes into account what the DDA says when trying to reach workable agreeable solutions.

DCS staff cannot give legal advice. However, where we suggest that attendees might benefit from further information before attending a meeting, we will do our best to signpost them in the right direction.