WHAT IS MEDIATION?
Mediation is when an impartial third party – a mediator – helps two people or more resolve their difficulties in a way, which respects their individual rights and needs.
Mediation is a way of resolving disputes in which the people involved (the parties) – not the mediator – seek to find mutually agreed solutions leading to the fair resolution of a problem. It is a confidential, neutral and voluntary process which can help to improve communication between the parties and re-build broken relationships, narrow the issues, clear up misunderstandings and focus on finding mutually acceptable agreements. It provides a structured yet flexible way for parties who are in conflict to work together and it allows solutions to be created rather than imposed. The parties who agree to take part in mediation have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Mediation can be a quick way of resolving conflicts and thus reducing levels of stress and unhappiness.
Mediation saves the considerable cost and disruption which absences can cause.
Resolving a conflict can help a team work much more effectively.
At the end of mediation you should feel that there has been no ‘winner’ or ‘loser’ but that together you have arrived at sensible, workable arrangements.
WHO IS THE MEDIATOR?
The independent mediator is a fully qualified, experienced and accredited member of the UK College of Mediators.
WHAT DOES A MEDIATOR DO?
A mediator is a non-judgemental person, who will facilitate people who wish to resolve their differences. They do not take sides; tell you what to do; advise or make decisions for you. They will help all parties to communicate and work towards an amicable solution to their problems.
HOW LONG DOES MEDIATION TAKE?
The mediator will make an assessment as to the appropriateness of mediation during individual meetings with each party. This meeting will take approximately one hour. If appropriate, the parties will be offered a meeting where mediation will take place. This meeting will last between one and three hours.
Subsequent meetings may be necessary.
WHAT BENEFITS CAN BE DERIVED FROM MEDIATION?
Mediation focuses on improving understanding and facilitating communication between parties in conflict. It can help those involved gain a better understanding of the issues resulting in improved relationships between parties. A constructive and common sense approach is used which produces practical, workable solutions, mitigating the need for possible sick leave, financial loss or legal action.
Mediation can be a quick way of resolving conflicts and thus reducing a lot of stress and unhappiness.
Mediation saves considerable cost and disruption which absence causes.
Mediation, with a resolution of conflict can help a team to work much more effectively.
IS MY CASE SUITABLE FOR MEDIATION?
If you agree with any of the following statements, your situation will be suitable for mediation.
I would prefer to reach an agreement rather than litigation.
I may want to continue in business in the future with the other party.
The other party is my colleague
Confidentiality is important
I want an end to this situation as soon as possible
I would prefer an informal process.
CAN I HAVE A WRITTEN AGREEMENT?
With mutual consent, an agreement can be written into an ‘Outcome Statement’ and a signed copy given to all parties involved in the mediation process. This is not a legal document.
CONFIDENTIALITY
The service offers a confidential and safe environment where people can meet and are encouraged to be open and honest with each other.
Confidentiality will not be breeched unless: anyone says anything which suggest serious risk of harm to any other person, in particular a child, or is indicative of any criminal act.
If such a disclosure is made you will be involved in any decisions made as to the best way forward.
WHERE DOES THE MEDIATION TAKE PLACE?
The Focus Centre