Mediation
Are you dealing with a difficult conflict in the workplace, at home, or in your community? Our professional mediation service is here to help you find common ground and resolve conflicts with ease. With the guidance of our mediators, you can achieve lasting resolutions that rebuild trust and improve relationships moving forward.
Professional conflict resolutions
Our mediation service is designed to resolve conflicts efficiently and fairly, whether in the workplace, at home, or within the community. Our skilled mediators work to guide both parties toward a mutually beneficial solution, helping to restore communication and resolve disputes while fostering better relationships for the future.
Fostering mutual understandings
Mediation is a voluntary, confidential process where a neutral third party mediator facilitates open communication between individuals or groups in conflict. Unlike formal legal proceedings, which can be time-consuming and adversarial, professional intervention encourages collaboration and focuses on finding common ground.
The mediator’s role is to manage the emotions of the participants, keep discussions on track, and assist in clarifying misunderstandings. They will ensure all voices are heard and guide both sides towards a fair and mutually beneficial solution that meets their unique needs.
Flexible and adaptable, mediation can address a wide range of conflicts, whether in professional, family, or community settings. The goal is to reach an agreement that satisfies both parties, allowing everyone involved to move forward with clarity and peaceful understanding.
Embrace a fresh perspective
We offer mediation services tailored to a wide range of conflicts, ensuring effective resolutions while maintaining relationships:
- Workplace mediation: Addresses employee disputes, team tensions, and management challenges. Our workplace mediation fosters open communication to resolve issues and improve collaboration within your organisation
- Family mediation: Resolves sensitive family conflicts, such as divorce, custody, or inheritance disputes. Our mediators create a neutral space to help families reach amicable agreements and preserve relationships, reducing emotional stress
Our mediation process is simple, confidential, and effective, guiding all parties smoothly toward resolution:
- Initial consultation: We begin with an in-depth consultation to understand the nature of the conflict and assess whether mediation is the best approach
- Mediation session: A trained mediator leads a structured session where each party can openly express their concerns. The mediator facilitates discussions to help both sides work toward a fair and mutually beneficial solution
- Resolution: Once both parties reach an agreement, the mediator helps formalise the outcome. If needed, this resolution can be documented to ensure commitment from all parties moving forward
What you can expect from our mediation process:
- Neutral and impartial mediation: Our mediators remain objective, ensuring that all parties feel heard and respected throughout the process
- Confidential process: The mediation remains private, protecting sensitive information and keeping it out of the public domain
- Cost-effective: Mediation is often significantly less expensive than legal action, saving both time and money
- Flexible and tailored solutions: We customise our mediation services to meet the unique needs and dynamics of each case
- Focus on relationships: Our goal is to resolve conflicts while preserving and improving relationships, whether in a professional or personal context
Journey to a lasting solution
Mediation offers several advantages over traditional conflict resolution methods like litigation or arbitration. It is faster, more affordable, and less stressful, providing a voluntary and confidential environment where both parties actively participate. Sensitive issues can be discussed privately, making mediation ideal for personal and professional disputes alike.
More importantly, mediation enhances your capacity to build stronger relationships by encouraging open communication and deeper mutual understanding. Through collaborative effort, both parties are able to craft a resolution that directly addresses their needs and concerns. This approach not only resolves the immediate conflict but also lays the foundation for healthier, more resilient relationships that continue to grow and thrive long after the issue is settled.
FAQ
How does mediation work?
During mediation, the mediator facilitates discussions between the parties involved, helping them to express their concerns, identify issues, and explore potential solutions. The mediator does not take sides or make decisions but supports the parties in finding a resolution themselves.
What is the role of the mediator?
The mediator’s role is to remain neutral and impartial, guiding the conversation, ensuring both parties are heard, and helping them work towards a resolution. The mediator does not impose solutions but assists the parties in reaching an agreement that works for everyone involved.
What is the difference between mediation and advocacy?
Mediation is a process focused on resolving disputes through mutual agreement, with the mediator acting as a neutral facilitator. Advocacy, on the other hand, involves actively supporting and representing one party’s interests, ensuring they are fairly treated and their rights are upheld.
When should I consider using mediation?
Mediation is ideal for situations where there is a dispute or conflict that both parties are willing to resolve without going to court. It’s often used in family disputes, neighbour disagreements, workplace conflicts, and commercial disputes. Mediation can save time, reduce costs, and maintain relationships compared to formal legal proceedings.
When might I need an advocate?
You might need an advocate if you’re facing a situation where you feel unable to represent yourself effectively, such as in legal matters, dealing with authorities, or navigating complex health and social care systems. An advocate can help ensure your rights are respected, your voice is heard, and your best interests are represented.
Is mediation legally binding?
The outcome of mediation is not automatically legally binding. However, if the parties reach an agreement, they can choose to make it legally binding by drafting a formal agreement or consent order, which can then be approved by a court.
How long does the mediation process take?
The length of the mediation process varies depending on the complexity of the dispute and the willingness of the parties to reach an agreement. Mediation can take a few hours, a day, or several sessions spread over weeks. However, it is generally quicker than going through the court system.
Do I have to pay for mediation or advocacy services?
The cost of mediation varies depending on the mediator, the complexity of the case, and whether the mediation is private or court-referred. Some mediation services may be offered for free through your organisation. Advocacy services may be free, especially if provided by charities or funded organisations, but private advocacy will incur a fee.
Is mediation confidential?
Yes, mediation is confidential. What is discussed during mediation cannot be disclosed outside the session unless both parties agree, or there is a legal obligation to do so, such as in cases involving serious harm or criminal activity.
What qualifications do mediators and advocates have?
Mediators typically undergo specialised training in conflict resolution and mediation techniques. Many are accredited by professional bodies like the Civil Mediation Council or the Family Mediation Council. Advocates may have backgrounds in law, social work, or health care and are trained to represent and support individuals in complex situations.
Can mediation be used in legal disputes?
Yes, mediation is commonly used in legal disputes as an alternative to court proceedings. It’s often encouraged or even required by courts before proceeding with litigation, particularly in family law, civil disputes, and employment cases.
Can I use both mediation and advocacy services together?
Yes, in some cases, you might benefit from using both services. For example, an advocate can support you during a mediation process by helping you articulate your needs and ensuring that your rights are upheld. However, the advocate will not take over the mediator’s role of facilitating the discussion.
