Regulation 4 The overriding objectiveI1
England and Wales
The overriding objective of these Regulations is to enable the President, and the tribunal panel, to deal with appeals and claims fairly and justly.
Dealing with a case fairly and justly includes—
dealing with the appeal or the claim in ways which are proportionate to the importance of the case and the complexity of the issues,
avoiding, as far as the President or the tribunal panel considers appropriate, unnecessary formality in the proceedings under these Regulations,
ensuring, so far as is practicable, that the parties are on an equal footing procedurally and are able to participate fully in the proceedings, including facilitating any party to present any appeal or claim without advocating the course the party should take,
using the special expertise of the President, or the tribunal panel effectively, and
avoiding delay, so far as that is compatible with proper consideration of the issues.
The President, or the tribunal panel, must seek to give effect to the overriding objective of these Regulations when under these Regulations they—
exercise any function, or
interpret any regulation.
The President or the tribunal panel must manage appeals and claims actively in accordance with the overriding objective of these Regulations.