what is mediation?

Mediation is a process where an independent third party (the mediator) helps people in conflict (the parties) address their issues and concerns and work out what they want to do.

what happens in mediation?

The people involved in the dispute (the parties) meet separately with mediators to talk about the situation as they see it, exploring how they are thinking and feeling about it and seeing if mediation can help.

If everyone agrees, there will be a joint meeting which brings all the parties together with the mediators. The mediators will be there to help the parties work out how they want to talk to each other and to support them as they work out what they want to do about their situation. 

the framework for mediation

confidentiality: everything that happens in the mediation process is confidential. The exceptions to this are where we have to comply with a court order or if information is shared that suggests someone is in immediate physical danger. 

 without-prejudice: this means that any information shared within the mediation process cannot be used elsewhere (e.g. in court action) and that mediators cannot be called to give evidence. 

 voluntary: it is up to the parties whether or not they want to use mediation and that they are free to stop their involvement at any time even during a meeting. Mediation is also non-binding; the parties are responsible for keeping to any agreements they make. 

 independent: mediators are independent with no prior knowledge of the dispute. The service is also independent from any other agency or authority and has no vested interest in getting a particular outcome to a case. The responsibility for the outcome rests with the parties themselves.

 non-judgemental: mediators do not make judgements about the situation or tell the parties what to do, but provide support to the parties to help them decide what they want to do.

 specialist: mediators are trained to set standards and are only present to mediate.