(1) A judge or master may, with the consent of the parties, at any time during the hearing of any proceedings, convene a conference of the parties for the purpose of negotiating for a settlement of the proceedings or of any issue in those proceedings.
(2) A judge or master who convenes a conference under paragraph (1) may not assist in the negotiations, but must arrange for another judge or master to do so unless —
(a) the parties agree that the judge or master should assist in the negotiations and continue to preside at the hearing; and
(b) the judge or master is satisfied that there are no circumstances that would make it inappropriate for the judge or master to do so.