What is mediation?

Mediation is a voluntary, confidential process in which a neutral third-party mediator assists disputing parties in reaching a mutually acceptable agreement. Unlike litigation, which involves a court process where a magistrate or a judge makes a binding decision, mediation empowers the parties to actively participate in crafting their own resolution. The mediator facilitates communication, encourages understanding, and helps identify common interests, but does not impose a solution.

How mediation benefits you

Family Disputes

■ Less Adversarial: Mediation promotes cooperative problem-solving and helps preserve relationships, which is crucial in family matters involving children or ongoing interactions.
■ Privacy: Family matters remain confidential, unlike court cases that are public records.
■ Cost-Effective: Mediation is generally less expensive than litigation, reducing financial strain during already stressful times.
■ Speed: Mediation can be scheduled quickly and concluded faster than court proceedings.

Commercial Disputes

■ Business Continuity: Mediation helps maintain business relationships by fostering a collaborative rather than adversarial approach.

■ Custom Solutions: Parties can craft creative solutions tailored to their specific needs, which a court may not be able to provide.

■ Confidentiality: Mediation keeps sensitive business information private, whereas litigation is public.

■ Flexibility: Mediation sessions can be scheduled around business needs, unlike court dates which are fixed.

Labour/Workplace Disputes

■ Improved Morale: Mediation can resolve conflicts amicably, boosting employee morale and workplace harmony.
■ Cost and Time Efficiency: Avoids the high costs and lengthy processes associated with formal grievance procedures and litigation.
■ Voluntary Participation: Employees are more likely to buy into and comply with a resolution they helped create.
■ Focus on Future: Mediation looks forward and helps prevent future conflicts, unlike litigation which focuses on past issues.
■ Improved employee productivity: mediation restores relationships and helps to promote improved employee productivity.

Medical Negligence Disputes

■ Sensitive Handling: Mediation provides a respectful and empathetic environment for addressing emotionally charged issues.
■ Confidentiality: Protects the privacy of both patients and healthcare providers.
■ Tailored Solutions: Parties can agree on compensation, corrective actions, and other remedies that a court might not order.
■ Preservation of Reputation: Helps avoid the public exposure of sensitive cases, which can be damaging to reputations.

Harassment Disputes

■ Safe Environment: Mediation provides a neutral space where victims can voice their concerns without fear of retaliation.
■ Empowerment: Allows parties to develop mutually agreeable solutions, fostering a sense of empowerment for the victim.
■ Confidentiality: Ensures that sensitive issues are handled privately, protecting the parties involved.
■ Restorative Approach: Focuses on healing and preventing future harassment rather than punitive measures alone.

Neighbour Disputes

■ Community Harmony: Mediation helps maintain peaceful co-existence by resolving disputes amicably.
■ Quick Resolution: Faster than court proceedings, reducing prolonged tension and stress.
■ Cost-Effective: Cheaper than litigation, saving both parties money that can be better spent elsewhere.
■ Sustainable Solutions: Parties can agree on practical solutions that work for both, enhancing long-term neighbourly relations.

Mediation is an effective, flexible, and efficient alternative to litigation for resolving a wide variety of disputes. By prioritising cooperation and mutual satisfaction, mediation not only addresses the immediate issues but also lays the groundwork for better relationships in the future. To read more about what to expect during a mediation session and how it works, click here ■