Mediation and Facilitated Conversations provide an opportunity for participants to come together to resolve a conflict or dispute themselves, by making informed decisions that are authentically accepted by all.
Mediation is a process in which the participants, with the support of the mediator, identify issues, develop options, consider alternatives and make decisions about future actions and outcomes. The mediator acts as a third party to support participants to reach their own decisions.
The intentions of mediation are to:
- Support each person to feel heard and acknowledged in relation to the presenting issue
- Collectively work towards a way forward that enables the participants to achieve a common goal or outcome; and
- Meet everyone's needs as best as possible, with a focus on the future.
The role of the Mediator
The mediator is impartial, provides an evidence-based process and ensures that all participants are well heard. Mediators do not advise upon, evaluate or determine disputes. They assist in managing the process of dispute and conflict resolution whereby the participants agree upon the outcomes, when appropriate.
A mediation service involves:
1. The mediator will prepare by gaining an understanding of the issues and background.
2. The mediator will then meet with each participant separately, to thoroughly understand their perspective and goals, and share the mediation process.
3. Following these sessions, the mediator will facilitate a joint meeting which will begin with an explanation of the process, the rules of engagement, and their own role.
4. The mediator facilitates all parties reviewing and agreeing on the goal, identifying options, gaining consensus and establishing commitment from each participant.
5. After the meeting, the mediator will develop and supply a written agreement to each participant to support those commitments.
Have two parties who would benefit from mediation and facilitated conversations?
Contact us to discuss your observations of the dispute or conflict, your organisations' needs to move forward proactively with this issue to support both parties, and to obtain a tailored quotation.