The Telecommunications Forum (TCF) has appointed Barry Jordan as the first chair of the revamped Telecommunications Dispute Resolution (TDR) board. This move comes as part of an 18-month transformation project that followed a Commerce Commission review, which led to a comprehensive overhaul of the TDR scheme.

“Barry comes to us with excellent credentials both in terms of dispute resolution and also the establishment of new boards. His experience as a commercial mediator means he brings a special understanding of the role of disputes resolution providers and positions him well as we establish the new board,” says TCF CEO Paul Brislen.

TDR serves as a lifeline for consumers, offering a free and independent platform for resolving complaints within the telecommunications sector. The overhaul includes the introduction of a customer care code, an updated constitution and terms of reference, as well as a restructuring of the board which will now govern and oversee the dispute resolution process.

Barry Jordan expressed enthusiasm about his new role. He states, “I am delighted to join the Telecommunications Dispute Resolution Board and to lead an important evolutionary change as how it operates. The speedy and impartial resolution of all disputes is a critical component of the telecommunications industry - a sector where products and services are changing and developing rapidly. Our job, as the new Board, is to keep up with this rapid change and to ensure Telecommunications Dispute Resolution Limited operates independently and effectively for the industry, our members and their customers.”

The updated TDR board will take charge from July 1, with the aim of streamlining the resolution process to keep pace with the rapidly evolving telecommunications industry, while ensuring the impartiality and independence of the TDR scheme.