What is Community Mediation and who is it for?
Community disputes are generally considered to be those disputes that involve non-related parties, neighbours or individuals with an organisation. The mediators within the group are trained and experienced in the delivery of mediation in all types of situations. The mediators appointed to deal with any situation will be decided when the outline of the issue to be mediated is known and how many parties are involved.
Our mediators have a wide range of experience and expertise to draw from, dealing with small to large groups, so we are confident in providing mediators who understand the issues and can deal with the complexity of situations that arise.
What are the benefits of using mediation in community disputes?
Mediated agreements are usually reached within one day or where this is not possible, further actions needed to facilitate agreement are identified.
It empowers individuals to specifically identify the issues from their perspective and to be active is seeking solutions or resolutions.
It encourages joint decision making: all parties working together to reach agreements that are mutual, fair and workable.
Mediation can be less costly, more time efficient and produce long-term solutions.
Mediators always work in a confidential manner and will not discuss anything that is said during the process with anyone else. Of course issues of risk to any party may require action.
The mediator’s role is to facilitate conversations that steer people towards mutually acceptable solutions and agreements. They do not tell parties what to do, make decisions or pass judgements.
Mediation works. More than 90% of cases end in a full or partial agreement. We offer a cost efficient and value for money service especially when compared to alternatives such as a court or legal dispute. Mediation can also be completed in less time.
Who can use this service?
We are happy to consider all cases and will only agree to take a case if we feel that we have the skills to improve the situation. Referrers can be private individuals, statutory authorities or community organisations.
Mediation works. More than 90% of cases end in a full or partial agreement. We offer a cost efficient and value for money service especially when compared to alternatives such as a court or legal dispute. Mediation can also be completed in less time.
The Community Mediation Process
Following an initial telephone discussion and a verbal acceptance of our quote of costs, letters are sent to all the parties involved to obtain their voluntary agreement to the process. Once all parties have given consent and stated their availability, a joint meeting is arranged.
On the appointed day, the mediator(s) will meet with each party separately to begin with. These meetings generally take about half an hour each.
After the individual meeting a joint meeting will take place to identify the issues, agree the agenda and discuss the rules and limits of the mediation.
How the meeting progresses from here will depend on what is being discussed. Typically, there may be breaks, small group meetings, one to one meetings with the mediator or the whole session may be conducted as a group.
Whatever form the mediation takes, there will be a concluding meeting to recap on progress made and any agreements reached or being considered for further action.
Sometimes a follow-up session is agreed at an appropriate time interval.
Mediation works. More than 90% of cases end in a full or partial agreement. We offer a cost efficient and value for money service especially when compared to alternatives such as a court or legal dispute. Mediation can also be completed in less time.