They are presided over by a judicial figure or neutral adviser, and involve the abbreviated presentation of evidence by representatives of the parties who have authority to settle the dispute. Ombudsmen deal with complaints about a range of services in both the public and private sectors. Private ombudsmen cover a number of service industries, such as insurance, building societies, banking and estate agency. The ombudsmen have wide powers of investigation, and their recommendations need not be limited to what is strictly permitted as a matter of law. Complainants are not prevented by an ombudsman's decision from subsequently taking proceedings in the courts.
Mediation is offered by a number of private and voluntary organisations.
Unlike other forms of ADR it does not result in a determinative adjudication, but is perhaps best described as a form of facilitated negotiation where a neutral third party guides the parties to their own solution. Mediation can be used in a wide range of disputes, and in many cases produces an outcome which would not have been possible through the strict application of the law. Developments overseas 12. The interest in ADR is worldwide. In common law systems, in particular, ADR schemes are being established and innovative experimentation is taking place.