Handling Disagreements Between Partners
A simple ladder
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Direct | Working level resolves within an agreed time |
| Named leads | Technical and commercial leads meet |
| Steering group | Decision recorded with rationale |
| Mediation | Neutral third party where the contract allows |
| Contract remedies | The formal processes in the agreement |
Practical advice
- Fix the problem, not the blame, at the first two levels.
- Put the position in writing before escalation.
- Keep the customer out of internal disputes.
Formal remedies are legal matters. Confirm the process in the consortium agreement with advisers.