What is mediation?
Mediation is an effective way of resolving a conflict without the need to go to court. It involves an independent third party - a mediator - who helps both sides come to an agreement.
Mediation is a flexible process that can be used to settle disputes in a whole range of situations such as workplace, neighbouring, friends, family, all sorts of organisations, like charities, schools, public offices etc...:
The role of the mediator is to help parties reach a solution to their problem and to reach an outcome that both parties are happy to accept. Mediators avoid taking sides, making judgements or giving guidances. They are simply responsible for developing effective and non-violent communications and building consensus between the parties. The mediator is a facilitator. The focus of a mediation meeting is to reach a common sense settlement agreeable to both parties.
Mediation is soft: the mediator is also trained to deal with difficult and resentful moods and feelings. The idea is to establish a peaceful and respectful frame to the meetings. Where everyone can feel comfortable and consequently willing to speak in confidence. That is the key to success.
Mediation is confidential
The mediator is always neutral and impartial
Mediation is:
Mediation is a flexible process that can be used to settle disputes in a whole range of situations such as workplace, neighbouring, friends, family, all sorts of organisations, like charities, schools, public offices etc...:
The role of the mediator is to help parties reach a solution to their problem and to reach an outcome that both parties are happy to accept. Mediators avoid taking sides, making judgements or giving guidances. They are simply responsible for developing effective and non-violent communications and building consensus between the parties. The mediator is a facilitator. The focus of a mediation meeting is to reach a common sense settlement agreeable to both parties.
Mediation is soft: the mediator is also trained to deal with difficult and resentful moods and feelings. The idea is to establish a peaceful and respectful frame to the meetings. Where everyone can feel comfortable and consequently willing to speak in confidence. That is the key to success.
Mediation is confidential
The mediator is always neutral and impartial
Mediation is:
- Quick and Cost efficient (only 2 meetings are required)
- Non violent (we use our facilitator training and Non Violent Communication skills)
- Win Win outcome
How DOES MEDIATION WORK?
As a trained and experienced mediator I organise meetings (normally 2 hours) with you and your colleague/neighbour/friend/family member.
I outline the process and principles. And I then follow a very specific protocol. I listen, I reformulate, I facilitate the space for the parties to let off the pressure, I ask questions and progressively I lead you until you get to the emergence of solutions. You both find it and then agree on them.
The mediator is always neutral and impartial
Mediation works!
I outline the process and principles. And I then follow a very specific protocol. I listen, I reformulate, I facilitate the space for the parties to let off the pressure, I ask questions and progressively I lead you until you get to the emergence of solutions. You both find it and then agree on them.
The mediator is always neutral and impartial
Mediation works!
Is mediation confidential?
Yes. Confidentiality is a key aspect of mediation. Parties will sign up to an agreement not to disclose any information discussed at mediation without the prior express permission of everyone involved. All mediation sessions are bound by this confidentiality. The mediator will not disclose any information discussed during the mediation.
Parties may decide to develop a written agreement during mediation and share this document with a third party. All other hand-written notes made during mediation will be destroyed. The fact that parties attended mediation is not recorded on their personnel file.
Mediation is a voluntary process and will only take place if both parties agree. It is confidential: the terms of discussion are not disclosed to any party outside the mediation hearing.
Parties may decide to develop a written agreement during mediation and share this document with a third party. All other hand-written notes made during mediation will be destroyed. The fact that parties attended mediation is not recorded on their personnel file.
Mediation is a voluntary process and will only take place if both parties agree. It is confidential: the terms of discussion are not disclosed to any party outside the mediation hearing.
Where would mediation take place?
Mediation will take place in a neutral and private venue. If the parties feel comfortable, mediation can take place at a neutral and private venue within their workplace. Alternatively, an external venue will be used.
Mediation requires a minimum of two rooms for the duration of mediation. The number of rooms required in team mediation is dependent on the number of parties.
Mediation requires a minimum of two rooms for the duration of mediation. The number of rooms required in team mediation is dependent on the number of parties.
WHY MEDIATION?
mediation is:
- Quick and Cost efficient (only 2 meetings are required)
- Non violent (we use our facilitator training and Non Violent Communication skills)
- Win Win outcome
How can both parties prepare for mediation?
There are a number of ways in which parties can prepare for mediation:
- The mediator will contact you before the mediation to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
- The mediator will send you a pre-mediation questionnaire, which asks you to think about what has brought you to mediation and what your goals for mediation are.
- If you would like to speak with the mediator at any time prior to your mediation session, please contact us.
HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?
Mediation between two people typically lasts a full day or two half-days. This gives the parties time to explore the issues that have brought them to mediation, as well as how they want to move forward with their (working) relationship.
Mediation between three or more parties will take longer. The exact duration will depend on the size of the team.
Mediation between three or more parties will take longer. The exact duration will depend on the size of the team.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THE PARTIES DO NOT REACH AN AGREEMENT?
There is no obligation on the parties to reach an agreement. If they feel that mediation will not resolve their issues, they reserve the right to use other workplace measures or legal procedures. In legal terms, mediation is ‘without prejudice’. Whether they reach an agreement or not, the mediation process will remain confidential. The mediator cannot be called upon to provide evidence at any subsequent proceedings.
WHO DETERMINES THE OUTCOME OF MEDIATION?
The parties determine the outcome. The mediator is responsible for shaping the mediation process.
WHO WILL BE PRESENT AT MEDIATION?
In most cases, only the people in conflict with each other and a mediator are present at mediation. Sometimes there will be two mediators, and everyone will be informed in advance if this is the case.
We believe that the people actually involved in conflict are the best people to resolve it. If the parties want to bring a representative, relative or friend, this is only possible during the individual meeting. If they wish to bring someone to this meeting, they need to inform the mediator in advance.
We believe that the people actually involved in conflict are the best people to resolve it. If the parties want to bring a representative, relative or friend, this is only possible during the individual meeting. If they wish to bring someone to this meeting, they need to inform the mediator in advance.
IF ASKED BY THEIR ORGANIsATION DO PARTIES HAVE TO ATTEND MEDIATION?
No. Mediation is a voluntary process. If parties are unsure about attending mediation, the mediator is happy to speak with them to answer their questions and address any concerns they may have.
