The International Institute for Conflict Prevention & Resolution (CPR) has announced its intention to launch an online rating system for arbitrators and mediators. CPR, a New York based non-profit organisation that promotes alternative dispute resolution, maintains an exclusive roster of highly qualified neutrals (arbitrators and mediators). CPR will work with outsourcing company Positively Neutral, which has already introduced such a service. The new rating system, scheduled to be launched in January 2010, will survey lawyers who have used the neutrals listed on CPR's panel. Members will be able to access those reviews via a password-protected website. The reviewers' names will be kept anonymous.

The success of CPR's new service will depend on the co-operation of its panel of neutrals, as the system will be entirely voluntary and they will be bearing the cost.