A Scott Schedule is a table that lists the issues and records the parties’ positions against each issue. The format takes it name from the judge who first used one and although Scott Schedules are generally associated with formal construction disputes, there is no reason why parties should not use them during discussions or negotiations before a dispute has arisen.
A Scott Schedule has no prescribed layout: it should be prepared to suit the circumstances. Most Scott Schedules will state (or summarise) the parties’ views against a list of issues, so they are particularly useful if there is a long list of separate issues.
A Scott Schedule may contain
- A unique delay reference
- Description of delaying Event
- Reference to the relevant contract terms
- Reference to key documentation such as instructions or key correspondence
- Quantification of the delay; and
- The effect on the completion date.
Typically a Scott Schedule would be compiled by the party making the claim and issued to the other side for their views to be incorporated. By tabulating the parties’ positions on each issue it makes it easier to identify, and hopefully resolve, the differences.