DRAFT SECTION ON DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Voluntary and community organisations and statutory agencies in Bristol generally work well together. The diversity of these partnerships is clearly a strength. This said, there will inevitably be occasional tensions between these bodies. It is how we deal with these tensions or conflicts that is important. The principles used to resolve disputes that may arise will be to:

• Promote good practice in conflict resolution and seek to use processes, which find real resolutions to the issues, in accordance with the Alternative Dispute Resolution process and bodies in Bristol.

• Recognise and support the independence of the voluntary and community sector, including the right within the law to campaign, to comment on statutory agency policy and to challenge that policy, irrespective of any funding arrangement that might exist and to determine and manage its own affairs.
• Develop a willingness to work collaboratively recognising that compromise may be necessary at times.
• Develop a clear view of the roles and responsibilities of elected members.