TABLE OF CONTENTS

“Getting Started: A Guide for New Chairpersons and Members of Boards of Referees” is available in PDF format - the file can be opened with the freely available Acrobat Reader.

Foreword

Roles and Responsibilities

Role of the Board of Referees
Obligations of the Board of Referees
Board of Referees Service Pledge Commitment
Powers of the Board of Referees
The Role of the Chairperson of the Board of Referees
The Role of the Board of Referees Assistant

Preparation for the Hearing

Your Duties
Preparation Tips: Know the Issues and Read the Law
Preparation Tips: Information from the Docket

The Principles of Natural Justice

The Place of Administrative Tribunals in Government Structure
Definition of Natural Justice
The Right to Know the Case Against You
The Right to Meet the Case Against You (to be heard)
The Right to an Impartial and Unbiased Decision Maker
The Person Who Hears the Case Must Decide the Case
The Right to a Decision Once the Case has been Heard

The Hearing and Deliberations

Opening the Hearing
Collegial Work Environment
Diversity
Deciding Whether to Adjourn
During the Hearing
The Deliberation Phase

Legislation and Jurisprudence

Decision Writing

Decision Writing Template
Background

Parties
Issues
Information From The Docket
Evidence At The Hearing
Findings Of Fact, Application Of Law
Decision

Plain Language
Unnecessary Statements
Minority Decision

Appeals to the Umpire

Opportunity to Present Their Case
Jurisdiction

Some Useful Checklists And Resources

The Do's List for Boards of Referees
The Don'ts List for Boards of Referees
Board of Referees Hearing
Notes on Questioning Skills
Decision Essentials Checklist
Natural Justice: Review Questions and Answers