(1) A judge or master may, at any time before the hearing of any proceedings, convene a conference of the parties in chambers for the purpose of negotiating for a settlement of the proceedings or of any issue in those proceedings, and may assist in those negotiations.
(2) A judge or master who presides at a conference under paragraph (1) may not preside at or take any further part in any proceedings relating to the case unless —
(a) all parties taking part in the conference consent; and
(b) the judge or master is satisfied there are no circumstances that would make it inappropriate for the judge or master to do so.