Mediation
What is Mediation?
Mediation is a form of dispute resolution where communication between the parties to a dispute is supported by a third party, the mediator, with a view to helping the parties reach an agreement to resolve their differences.
How does it work?
Many disputes arise because people make assumptions about what someone else is thinking or why they are behaving in a certain way. Mediation enables both parties to explain their experience of the dispute to each other is a safe and supported environment. Mediation enables all parties to feel heard and the Mediator will help the parties to find their own solutions to the dispute.
What is the Process?
At Mediation Hertfordshire, once we receive a referral form and we have confirmed that we have funding to help you, we will contact both parties and seek to arrange initial and individual meetings. In the unlikely event that there is no funding available we will contact you to advise of our fixed fee mediation service. At least 95% of cases that we undertake are fully funded.
Our mediators will then come and visit you in your own home or at agreed venue for the individual and initial meeting. You will have the opportunity to privately explain your experience of the dispute to the mediator and the mediator will be able to advise you about the mediation process and respond to any queries or concerns that you may have about attending a joint meeting.
If following these initial meetings both parties wish to have a joint mediation meeting then one will be arranged at a time and date to suit both parties and the mediator. Usually mediation meetings take place at a neutral venue that is convenient to both parties and accessible by public transport.
At the joint mediation meeting both parties will have the opportunity to explain their experience of the dispute and hear what the other person has to say. Both parties will be able to respond to what they have heard and possible solutions to the dispute will be explored.
If you do not wish to be in the same room as the other party at a joint mediation meeting, we may be able to offer you a shuttle mediation service which is where the parties sit in separate rooms and the mediator shuttles between the parties to facilitate the mediation.
85% of joint mediation meetings result in a written or verbal agreement that records how the parties wish to resolve their dispute.
Why does it succeed?
Both parties to a mediation are there voluntarily so they have a shared objective which is to resolve the dispute.
Often disputes arise because of a lack of communication and the mediator will help facilitate better communication.
One reason for the success of mediation is that the parties are able to find their own solutions to the dispute and as such the solution is more likely to hold.
Why is it better than other forms of dispute resolution?
Mediation can take place very quickly and which results in reduced stress and costs when compared to legal proceedings.
In legal proceedings a Judge will impose an outcome whereas in mediation, the parties can find an innovative solution that works for them.
How can I access mediation with Mediation Hertfordshire?
Please use the appropriate form ; Form 1 if you are making a self-referral to our Service or Form 2 if you are referring to our Service on behalf of a third party (with their consent).
Is mediation confidential?
Yes, unless there is risk of harm to individuals, any information shared with the mediator is confidential and will not be shared with the referrer (if applicable) or with the other party.
What if mediation is not for me or if the other party does not want to mediate?
Then we may be able to offer you our conflict coaching service.
What our clients say
“ We found the friendly competence and professionalism of the mediators extremely helpful.”
“ I wish we had gone to mediation four years ago. The process has totally changed our lives for the better.”
“ I felt heard and now really enjoy my job again.”
“I decided not to block the texts from my neighbour but to choose a different appropriate response such as replying ‘thanks for letting me know’. Having experienced Conflict Coaching, I realised that I could choose and control my own reactions.”
“ I am looking forward to mediating at school as it will help people to chill out, calm down and feel like they can trust you.”
“Well presented course. Easy to follow and well paced. Will be of tremendous help with my HR hat on!”