Mediation

Disputes and disagreements arise in all walks of life. The court process is expensive, time-consuming and generally draining for all parties. In mediation the people involved discuss their grievances and disagreements in a safe space with the assistance of a mediator whose role is to find common ground and areas for compromise. Sometimes mediation does not resolve the matter and court becomes inevitable, but a judge will usually want to see that all other avenues have been considered, and this includes mediation.

In our experience most people can find ways to compromise with the help of an impartial mediator, and the kinds of disputes suitable for mediation are employment settings, family and divorce issues, matters of intellectual property and partnership working between organisations. Our specialism is the third sector but we are skilled in moderating discussion and seeking resolution across a wide range of issues.

The mediator brings patience, impartiality, and common sense. They do not have the power to impose a solution, and it is not their role to give legal advice. The key to the process is to draw out an understanding of each party’s perspective and find the places where compromise and closure are possible. At the end, if agreement is reached, a resolution will be drawn up by the mediator for the parties to sign. It is not a legally binding document and the mediator has no power to enforce it. Mediation is a setting where people get to choose the outcome by working together, listening, and feeling their point of view has been heard. It offers an empowering alternative to the win / lose outcome of a court environment.

If you find yourself in a situation where mediation may be a solution to a problem you are facing, please contact us.