Dispute Resolution
Mediation Services.
(Alternative) Dispute Resolution is a fast growing part of Civil Commercial and Workplace complaints and litigation. It is a cost effective way to resolve issues in a much less formal atmosphere.
Mediation is negotiation facilitated by a trusted neutral person.
The role of the neutral — the mediator — is to help those involved sort out their issues and arrive at a consensus. That might involve helping parties to finalise an agreement, resolve a dispute, develop effective communications, build or improve relationships, or all these things. Mediators do not take sides. Mediators are impartial.
Mediation is a confidential process where what was discussed or agreed in private is not disclosed to others without everyone’s agreement. Where mediation is used to try to avoid or resolve a dispute, and if the mediation does not result in an agreement, the parties can still go to court. Details about what went on at the mediation will not be disclosed or used at a court hearing. Mediators uphold confidentiality.
We have fully accredited Mediators who are bound by professional codes of conduct.
Mediation is fast becoming an integral part of the dispute resolution process and positive alternative to court and formal proceedings.
The strict confidentiality of the mediation process allows participants to be frank and open about their respective positions. The process will be a much less formal atmosphere than court sessions and is all about looking forward to find an amicable solution for all participants. The Mediator’s role is to act as a facilitator, encouraging a forward thinking conversation with the goal of achieving a resolution to the issues. This of course might not always be possible but the mediation process tries to drill down into the real issues to see if there can be some common ground. A typical mediation might require half a days preparation with a day where the parties meet both together in open sessions and in separate private sessions to discuss the major issues. The mediator is not there to judge, give advice or suggest solutions but act as a fully neutral and independent person who manages the process.
All these sessions are confidential and also Without Prejudice and as such cannot be used at a later date in court. This allows participants to be fully open and honest on their hopes fears and expectations.
The process is a positive one focussed on trying to resolve the issues
Why Mediation
Benefits of mediation
cheaper and faster than other forms of dispute resolution, such as litigation
helps to preserve and improve relationships between parties
shows respect and value for the people involved in a conflict
helps people get to and resolve the core of a problem
can transform situations for the better
produces agreements that parties want to uphold