Mediation for Conflict Management

WHAT IS MEDIATION?

Mediation is a method of resolving disputes in a positive, co-operative and
productive way.  It is fast, efficient and has a proven track record. Mediation
should be carried out by trained, accredited, independent and impartial mediators and it is a confidential process.

 

WHY USE MEDIATION?

Mediation aims to achieve a mutually beneficial outcome for everyone
involved. Instead of taking the matter out of the hands of those affected, it places them at the centre of the process, advocating self-responsibility and giving them control over the terms of any agreement reached. Because it is a voluntary process, participants are well motivated to work towards an acceptable agreement.

Over 90% of mediations end in an agreement. (Scottish Mediation Network 2012)

 

WHO USES MEDIATION?

Mediation is used successfully by small businesses, large companies, public organisations and professional services. It is already well-established in the areas of community, neighbour and family disputes. In all of these sectors it has proven to be a highly effective method of resolving disputes.

 

THE MEDIATION PROCESS

Once a case has been identified, the mediators will talk to the people involved individually and privately, to gain an understanding of their views and what they would want to achieve from a mediation agreement. Providing everyone is willing, the mediators will then arrange a suitable date, time and location for the mediation to take place. The mediators will then work through the mediation process until such time as a settlement agreeable to both parties is reached.  We ensure that the referrer is kept fully updated on progress throughout the mediation process.

 

Depending on the nature of the conflict and the positions of the parties prior
to the mediation, this can often be achieved in one session.

 

If those involved in the dispute do agree to meet with each other to mediate, the success rate in achieving agreement is extremely high - in our experience over 90%. However, if parties are unwilling to meet in person the mediators can still try and facilitate an agreement through the process of shuttle mediation.


As the name suggests this involves shuttling back and forth between parties
until an agreement that everyone is willing to sign up to is reached.
  
The parties involved still retain their right to resort to litigation should it prove impossible to reach an agreement through mediation.