Schlichtungsstelle BGG – Germany's Conciliation Body for Disputes
The Schlichtungsstelle BGG is the independent conciliation body for people with disabilities who feel disadvantaged by a German federal public body. Its legal mandate stems from Section 16 of the Disability Equality Act (Behindertengleichstellungsgesetz, BGG). It helps settle conflicts out of court, without red tape, and free of charge for the applicant.
The body is located at the office of the Federal Government Commissioner for Matters relating to Persons with Disabilities in Berlin. A central area of responsibility is accessibility in the information technology of federal public bodies – that is, compliance with the BITV, making it an important instrument of digital accessibility.
Important for companies: the Schlichtungsstelle BGG concerns the federal public sector only. Private providers fall under the German Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG), which implements the European Accessibility Act (EAA), and under market surveillance – a distinction this entry sets out clearly.
Schlichtungsstelle BGG at a Glance
- Legal basis: Section 16 of the Disability Equality Act (BGG)
- Located at: the Federal Government Commissioner for Matters relating to Persons with Disabilities
- Cost: free of charge for the applicant
- Responsible for: federal public bodies – not private companies
- Goal: amicable settlement instead of court proceedings
What Is the Schlichtungsstelle BGG?
The Schlichtungsstelle BGG was created to give people with disabilities a low-threshold way to enforce their rights without having to go straight to court. The conciliation itself is carried out by independent conciliators who are not bound by instructions. They must be qualified to hold judicial office and are appointed by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs for four years.
The procedure aims at an amicable settlement between the person concerned and the public body involved. It is thus an instrument of out-of-court dispute resolution – comparable to mediation, but with a legally defined process.
What Is It Responsible For?
Responsibility is deliberately narrow and concerns the federal level only. An application is possible in particular in these cases:
- Discrimination: when a federal public body breaches the BGG's prohibition of discrimination.
- Digital accessibility: when the information technology of a federal body is not accessible (a breach of the BITV).
- Assistance dog: when access with an assistance dog to facilities open to the public is denied.
The body is not responsible for disputes with private companies or with authorities of the federal states and municipalities. State authorities have their own conciliation bodies in each federal state.
How Does a Conciliation Procedure Work?
The procedure is usually conducted in writing and follows a clear sequence:
- Application: the person concerned files a conciliation request informally or online.
- Review: the conciliator checks jurisdiction and asks the public body to respond within one month.
- Discussion: if needed, the conciliator invites the parties to a conciliation meeting to work out a solution.
- Outcome: if no agreement is reached, this is certified – only then is the way open for an association's legal action.
Schlichtungsstelle BGG vs. BFSG: The Key Difference
Companies in particular often confuse the responsibilities. The BGG and, with it, the Schlichtungsstelle govern the accessibility of federal public bodies. The German Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG), by contrast, has obliged private providers to offer accessible products and services since 28 June 2025.
For breaches of the BFSG by private companies, the Schlichtungsstelle BGG is not responsible – the market surveillance authorities of the federal states are. A company securing its website or shop therefore operates under the BFSG, not within the remit of the conciliation body. Both systems pursue the same goal: inclusion and equal participation.
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Discover easyMonitoring →Frequently Asked Questions about the Schlichtungsstelle BGG
Who can file a conciliation request?
People with disabilities who feel disadvantaged by a federal public body. In certain cases, recognised associations of people with disabilities can also file a request.
Is the outcome of conciliation binding?
The aim is a voluntary, amicable settlement between the parties. If no agreement is reached, this is certified and the path to a possible association's legal action opens up.
How long does a procedure take?
The conciliation body works towards swift processing. Due to high application volumes, however, it can in practice take time until a procedure is concluded.
Do I need a lawyer to apply?
No. The procedure is deliberately low-threshold, so those affected can file a request without legal representation. No procedural costs arise.
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