In any team or group setting conflict or tension is bound to arise and may lead to frustration, inefficiency, confusion, delays and a general lack of communication. However, it does not need to be detrimental and in fact can be reframed as an opportunity for growth, innovation and improved performance.
We understand that emotive situations can be very overwhelming and daunting.
To help you decide whether Mediation is the right next step for you, we’ve put together a list of our most frequently asked questions.
We are also more than happy to have a call to discuss your situation and how we might be able to help.
The Mediator will meet everyone involved in the conflict separately and assess who needs to meet with who. It can be helpful to get everyone together; however specific issues may need to be addressed between those involved in the first instance.
For multi-party cases of over 6 people, two Mediators will be in attendance.
At the start of the joint meeting, the Mediator(s) will ensure everyone knows what will happen and some expectations will be set together.
Each person will have some allocated time to say what their main concerns are and what they hope to gain from the Mediation. The Mediator will help individuals decide what issues they will focus on during the Mediation.
Individuals will then speak directly to each other and talk through each area with the aim of finding a way forward together.
The Mediator will assist when required to ensure a constructive and productive conversation. If necessary, breaks and side meetings with everyone may be had.
At the end of the meeting any agreement points will be revisited and refined so that parties may clarify what happens next. This may be written up on an ‘agreement form’ so it can be referred to or shared with others.
In a word, No.
Mediation is self-determined, meaning those involved in the dispute make the decisions. Any agreement is made in good faith, and it is individuals’ responsibility to hold themselves accountable for achieving outcomes.
During the Mediation participants will discuss how to handle things if the outcomes are not met or are drifting away from what was agreed. A contingency plan will be agreed, and individuals will follow this. This may include a further meeting with the Mediator.
Where the contingency plan breaks down, alternative options should be discussed with the appropriate person at your organisation.
We will follow up at 6 weeks post Mediation to see how you are getting on.
A consolidation meeting may be agreed prior to or at the time of the Mediation which can enable further collaboration based on progress over an agreed amount of time, usually 6 – 8 weeks.
It is rare that individuals are unable to reach a consensus once they get to the joint meeting.
The Mediator will use techniques and strategies to assist individuals to move through the conversation, however it may be that they are unable to reach an agreement if they are not ready or something arises that acts as a barrier to progression or productivity.
The Mediator will discuss with the individuals, what they will do next and what they would like the referrer (if there is one) to know. All parties will leave with clarity on their next steps and if needed the Mediator will meet with people individually to discuss this further.
The focus of Mediation is on those involved in the conflict having a direct conversation in confidence so that they may reach a mutually agreeable outcome.
Other people being in attendance may impact on individuals being open and honest and thus hinder the process.
If felt necessary, a third party (not involved in the conflict) may attend the individual sessions but will not be permitted to attend the joint meeting.
Admittance of an additional person will only be considered where individuals require specific adjustments which necessitate the services of another, such as an interpreter.
The format and timescale will be agreed with the referrer at the time of booking, taking into consideration any additional needs. We aim to progress the Mediation as quickly and effectively as possible.
As a guide; For multi-party cases of up to 6 people, the Mediation will take place over two consecutive days wherever possible. Individual meetings will be 1.5 hours long. The joint meeting may be half a day.
For multi-party cases between 6 and 10 people, the Mediation will take place over three days. Individual meetings will be 1 hour long, and the joint meeting will be scheduled over a full day.
The person who referred you will arrange a room somewhere neutral and confidential. Ideally this should be away from your usual working or communal space and allow for privacy. Access to refreshments and facilities should be available to make the experience more comfortable.
We recognise this is not always achievable and will work with the referring organisation where needed. As a minimum the location must ensure confidentiality.
Additional rooms should be available for private meetings, should the Mediator need to speak to people separately.
Yes, Mediation may be carried out online, in person or as a combination of both. For example, individual meetings may be completed online and the joint meeting attended in person.
For multi-party Mediations we recommend a face-to-face joint meeting, for groups larger than three.