What does Mediation Do?

Mediation is a way of dealing with conflict, where the people involved discuss their difficulties and reach a solution that meets each person’s needs. Independent mediators listen to, support and guide each party towards a resolution.

Mediation does not judge or blame people. The process allows people to talk and hear about all the issues involved in a disagreement. It may be that your neighbours do not know there is a problem. You may not know that your neighbours have their own concerns.

Mediation means disagreements and disputes can be sorted out quickly, confidentially and without the need for expensive legal proceedings.

Mediation Hertfordshire’s service is free to all residents of Dacorum and St Albans. Housing Association(s), with properties in Hertfordshire are able to access Mediation Hertfordshire’s services on behalf of their tenants.

How does Mediation Work?

Two volunteer mediators visit both parties in their own homes, to find out what has been happening for each of them and how it is affecting them.

The mediators’ role is to listen and discuss what options might be available. They are not there to give advice, decide who is right or wrong or make a ruling in favour of one side or the other.

After these first meetings, if both parties agree, a joint meeting will be arranged where the disagreement can be discussed face to face in a safe and neutral place. At this meeting the mediators will manage the discussion and ensure that both parties feel safe and supported.

The face to face meeting is an opportunity for both parties to express their feelings, listen to their neighbours and be listened to in return. The mediators will ensure that this is a positive way for both parties to talk about difficult situations and come up with options for making their relationship better in the future. The aim of the meeting is to end with an agreement that suits everyone’s needs. This will normally be written down (though it will not be legally binding) and copies made available for both parties.

Mediation is a confidential process. There are exceptions to this which the mediators explain during the initial visit.

The Benefits of Mediation

• The service is impartial, confidential, independent and run by local people.
• It is free to residents of Dacorum and St Albans.
• The parties to the dispute are in control – nothing is done by Mediation Hertfordshire without everyone’s full agreement.
• Quality of life is improved – for those in dispute and often for others in the immediate neighbourhood.
• Positive outcomes are achieved, even when complete agreement hasn’t been reached.
• Those involved learn constructive ways of dealing with conflict for the future.
• Trained volunteer mediators are an asset to their own community, having learned key life skills and in particular communication skills.

A CLS quality assured service