Frequently Asked Questions
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I don't know anything about mediation. What are the basics?
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The purpose of mediation is to sensitively but effectively facilitate the discussions you need to have to come to agreement about where to from here. It is not about resolving the past, which is not to say that the past may not be discussed; it is about clarifying the issues as they stand, generating options and testing those options so you can make informed decisions about the best path forward.
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The role of the mediators is to be neutral. Mediators will not judge, advise or take sides. Mediators do not make decisions for you; rather they support you through a process. The mediators take control of the process so that you can focus on the content in a safe and supported environment.
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Because the mediators are neutral, it does not matter which person first contacts a mediator. Everyone will be treated equally, each of you will be given time to raise the issues important to you during the mediation. Mediation is a process that supports you to have the conversations you need to have.
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The process is confidential, with some exceptions that we we will explain to you if you take part. If at any point after mediation either person decides to pursue a legal process, the information arising from the mediation is not admissible in court.
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The first stage in the mediation process involves the mediator meeting with each person separately. The mediator will ask you questions about the issues and what you would like to achieve. This may be done over the phone or in person. It is also a time to give you more information about the process and to prepare you for the joint session.
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The second stage is a joint mediation session, which can be done in a number of ways; usually it is face to face, but it can be in separate rooms, via the telephone or using other technology and in some circumstances it may involve having your solicitors present. The process that is most suited to you will be discussed in the first step and the planning stage of the joint session. It usually takes 3-4 hours. Many people can sort all their issues in one session; depending on the complexities of the issues it may take longer.
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The process is voluntary, this means you are free to leave at any time and you choose what you contribute to the process. What we find is that most people appreciate the opportunity to have the discussions in a supported space but if it is not working for you, let us know. We will work with you to see what we can do to improve the process for you.
I work in Human Resources, we have a situation we need help with but I am not sure if mediation is the right process?
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We know that human resource professionals and managers regularly support the management of dispute and conflict within organisations; dispute is a normal part of any change within the organisation.
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Where we may able to assist is where dispute has escalated to the point of complaint, where dispute has become entrenched or where independence and confidentiality will increase the speed and ease with which the dispute can be resolved.
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If you are working with a complaint or a conflict situation and are not sure whether the situation is amenable to mediation please let us help you with an initial conversation.
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We understand the importance of organisational energy being refocused on primary organisational goals in a timely fashion and work with you to achieve this.
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We tailor our process to the individuals and circumstances surrounding the dispute. Our process will provide you with confidence that the interests, needs and fears of those involved can be expressed in a safe space; allowing creative problem solving, and progression to resolution.
Should I involve my kids in our family mediation?
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This will depend on your children's age, capacity and your situation. We know keeping children's needs at the centre of all discussions is key to finding a way forward in the family setting. We also know that some parents find it hard to separate out their needs from their children's needs, or have very different views about what their children's needs are. We can help you manage these issues in a number of ways. We find working with Child Consultants to support a neutral voice for the children in the process is very successful. Please talk to us about what is most likely to be successful in your circumstances.
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A family member has early dementia and no-one can agree what to do to keep them safe. There are lots of family members who want to have a say, could we all come to mediation?
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This sounds pretty stressful, and yes we can have as many people as are needed along to make sure any agreement is successful. So get in contact with us and let us help you sort things out.
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