Code of Ethics for Arbitrators: Ensuring Integrity at BIArb

1. Appointment
   1. A prospective arbitrator shall accept an appointment only if he is fully satisfied that he is able to discharge his duties without bias, he has an adequate knowledge of the language of the arbitration, and he is able to give to the arbitration the time and attention which the parties are reasonably entitled to expect.
2. Disclosure
   1. A prospective arbitrator shall disclose all facts or circumstances that may give rise to justifiable doubts as to his impartiality or independence, such duty to continue throughout the arbitral proceedings with regard to new facts and circumstances.
   2. A prospective arbitrator shall disclose to the Registrar and any party who approaches him for a possible appointment:

      (a) any past or present close personal relationship or business relationship, whether direct or indirect, with any party to the dispute, or any representative of a party, or any person known to be a potentially important witness in the arbitration;
      (b) the extent of any prior knowledge he may have of the dispute.

3. Bias
   1. The criteria for assessing questions relating to bias are impartiality and independence. Partiality arises when an arbitrator favours one of the parties or where he is prejudiced in relation to the subject matter of the dispute. Dependence arises from relationships between an arbitrator and one of the parties, or with someone closely connected with one of the parties.
   2. Any close personal relationship or current direct or indirect business relationship between an arbitrator and a party, or any representative of a party, or with a person who is known to be a potentially important witness, will normally give rise to justifiable doubts as to a prospective arbitrator’s impartiality or independence. Past business relationships will only give rise to justifiable doubts if they are of such magnitude or nature as to be likely to affect a prospective arbitrator’s judgement. He should decline to accept an appointment in such circumstances unless the parties agree in writing that he may proceed.
4. Communications
   1. Before accepting an appointment, an arbitrator may only enquire as to the general nature of the dispute, the names of the parties and the expected time period required for the arbitration.
   2. No arbitrator shall confer with any of the parties or their counsel until after the Registrar gives notice of the formation of the Tribunal to the parties.
   3. Throughout the arbitral proceedings, an arbitrator shall avoid any unilateral communications regarding the case with any party, or its representatives.
5. Fees
   1. In accepting an appointment, an arbitrator agrees to the remuneration as settled by the BIArb, and he shall make no unilateral arrangements with any of the parties or their counsel for any additional fees or expenses, except with the express agreement of the Registrar.
6. Conduct
   1. Once the arbitration proceedings commence, the arbitrator shall acquaint himself with all the facts and arguments presented and all discussions relative to the proceedings so that he may properly understand the dispute.
7. Confidentiality
   1. The arbitration proceedings shall remain confidential. An arbitrator is in a relationship of trust to the parties and should not, at any time, use confidential information acquired during the course of the proceedings to gain personal advantage or advantage for others, or to affect adversely the interest of another.
   2. This Code is not intended to provide grounds for the setting aside of any award.