An ADR service is a provider or scheme offering alternative dispute resolution processes-such as mediation, arbitration, conciliation, adjudication, ombudsman investigations or early neutral evaluation-to help parties resolve disputes without court proceedings.The phrase is descriptive rather than a term of art. In the consumer context, it aligns with defined concepts: in the UK, the Alternative Dispute Resolution for Consumer Disputes Regulations 2015 refer to “ADR entities” and “ADR procedures”; in Ireland, the European Union (Alternative Dispute Resolution for Consumer Disputes) Regulations 2015 contain equivalent definitions. Outside consumer law, usage is broad across civil, commercial and sectoral disputes (for example, the Financial Ombudsman Service, Acas/Labour Relations Agency conciliation, construction adjudication, and arbitral institutions).Key features typically include independence/neutrality, a defined procedure, confidentiality, and outcomes ranging from non-binding (mediation) to binding and enforceable (arbitration awards; certain ombudsman decisions binding on traders). ADR services are often engaged under contracts, pre-action protocols or court directions.Practical significance: courts in England and Wales may stay or direct non-court dispute resolution (see Churchill v Merthyr Tydfil CBC), with adverse costs risks for unreasonable refusal; similar encouragement exists in Scotland and Northern Ireland. In Ireland, the Mediation Act 2017 and court rules promote ADR. Usage is broadly consistent across the four jurisdictions.

The ADR Institute of Canada (ADRIC) published new Arbitration Rules and Arbitrator Appointment Protocol, effective from 1 March 2025. The updated framework eliminates distinctions between domestic and international disputes while introducing menu-based institutional support services. Key changes include enhanced arbitrator appointment procedures, streamlined challenge processes and standardised procedural documents. The rules, developed over two years of consultation, aim to modernise ADRIC's arbitration framework which has served as the primary choice for Canadian businesses since 2002. Requirements for arbitrator appointments now include $1m in errors and omissions insurance and ADRIC membership.

Approved Dosimetry Service

Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line 2 (ITU-T G.992.3 and ITU-T G.992.4). A sequel to the original ITU (International Telecommunication Union) Recommendation. It allows increased line speeds, new power-saving elements, and extends the reach of the original ADSL specification.

Asymmetric digital subscriber line 2 plus (ITU-T G.992.5). This revised version of ADSL2 enables increased speeds by increasing the frequencies used on the copper line.

The Association of Democratic Services Officers (ADSO) and Lawyers in Local Government (LLG) have welcomed the commitment in the King’s Speech to introduce measures aimed at strengthening trust in public service, but expressed disappointment that no specific reforms for local government in England were included, particularly in relation to standards reform and the reintroduction of remote and hybrid council meetings. The organisations noted that the Public Office Accountability Bill had already progressed significantly in Parliament and said the absence of legislative provision reduced the likelihood of reforms being introduced in the near future. ADSO and LLG said that while proposals such as the Hillsborough law and the duty of candour would improve accountability in public office, related measures on accountability, productivity and innovation were limited to the civil service and did not extend to councils. ADSO Chair, Peter Sass, said local government should be empowered to improve accountability and productivity standards, while LLG Director of Policy and Governance, Helen Bennett, said councils in England continued to operate under a meetings framework dating from 1972 and highlighted the lack of progress on sanctions within the local government conduct regime and on enabling remote meetings.

Assistant Emergency Controller

Alternative Emergency Control Centre

AECL is Canada’s premier nuclear science and technology organisation. For over 60 years, AECL has been a world leader in developing peaceful and innovative applications from nuclear technology through its expertise in physics, metallurgy, chemistry, biology and engineering. AECL is no longer the Design Authority for the CANDU reactor design (see CANDU).

CASE HUB ARCHIVED–this archived case hub reflects the position at the date of the decision of 2 September 2013; it is no longer maintained. See further, timeline and related cases. Case facts Outline UK merger investigation into the completed acquisition by AEG of the contract to manage Wembley Arena. Latest developments The CC unconditionally cleared the transaction on 2 September 2013, confirming its provisional findings. Parties AEG Facilities UK (AEG) and Wembley Arena. AEG currently operates three other indoor live entertainment venues in London—the O2 Arena, the Hammersmith Apollo and IndigO2. AEG has also recently been awarded a five-year contract to deliver summer concerts in Hyde Park. Wembley Arena is one of the major live entertainment venues in London and, until AEG took over the contract, was managed by Live Nation. Background AEG

Assessment Finding: ONR findings placed on the party'>Requesting Party during the GDA process.

The Association for Financial Markets in Europe (AFME) has responded to the European Commission's targeted consultation on artificial intelligence (AI) in the financial sector. AFME does not support additional AI-specific regulations as existing regulatory frameworks already encompass AI applications and members have implemented comprehensive governance and controls. AFME recognises the transformative potential of AI for value creation in areas such as service delivery, software development, and operational efficiencies. Regarding the EU AI Act, AFME express a preference for industry-agnostic principles rather than sector-specific guidance, seeking clarity on implementation details applicable across sectors.