Frequently Asked Questions:

Workplace Mediation FAQ'S Click HERE

Neighbourhood Mediation FAQ'S Click HERE

Workplace Mediation

How long does workplace mediation take?	Back to Top
Workplace mediation tends to last for one to two full days

Who are the mediators?	Back to Top

Each Midland Mediation Network (MMN) mediator is trained, certified and experienced. Each mediator works within MMN’s practice standards and the Professional Mediator’s Association practice standards

Do mediators tell people what to do?	Back to Top

Mediators do not tell people what to do, they do not judge who is right or wrong nor do they impose a settlement or solution. However, mediators may ask all parties challenging and difficult questions during mediation.

Is workplace mediation confidential?	Back to Top

Workplace mediation is confidential. We will not disclose anything that has been said during workplace mediation without both parties express permission. We ask all parties (and their representatives if present) to sign a confidentiality agreement at the first meeting. Of course, we provide a copy of the final agreement to the person who requested workplace mediation in order that they are able to continue to manage the situation. In some cases, where parties are happy for us to do so, we can provide feedback to managers or supervisors as appropriate.

Where does workplace mediation happen?	Back to Top

Workplace mediation will happen in a neutral place. We do not mediate in people’s offices and we ask for a room away from the main workplace whenever possible. The room needs to be quiet and pleasant. We also ask for a second room to allow us to do small break out work if required plus a quiet waiting area.

Can I have someone with me during workplace mediation?	Back to Top

Whilst we recognize that people may wish to have someone with them, the mediators will try to create an environment where parties do not need to bring anyone else. If parties do wish to bring someone with them, we ask that this is to the first initial workplace mediation meeting only and we ask that that person signs the confidentiality agreement. We do not encourage anyone other than the parties to be involved during the later stages of workplace mediation.

What happens at the end of workplace mediation?	Back to Top

At the end of mediation, you will hopefully have reached a resolution to your dispute and have agreed on a number of points of agreement. We will type these up and ask you to sign the agreement. This agreement is binding although most mediation agreements are not legally binding. We offer ongoing support to all parties after workplace mediation is concluded and will undertake a formal evaluation after one month.

I thought mediation was about us meeting each other, why do we have to meet the mediator separately first?	Back to Top

Having separate meetings with the mediator prior to the joint meeting gives all parties the chance to talk about the conflict from their point of view. The mediator will listen to what all parties have to say and will explore how parties feel, what their concerns are and what their underlying needs are. The mediator, having listened to all sides will then propose an agenda for the joint meeting.

Neighbourhood Mediation

How is mediation used in neighbour disputes?	Back to Top

When neighbours are experiencing conflict with each other‚ a mediator can help them to communicate with each other about their problems. The mediator can help them to work out their own way of resolving the issues that have caused the conflict. Mediation provides a safe‚ structured and focused way of talking about problems and to explore reality based and achievable solutions.  Mediation allows all parties to have their say and the process can be completed relatively quickly.
 

What does mediation involve?	Back to Top

The mediation process has several stages, the first involves individual meetings with all parties when detailed information is given about shuttle (indirect) mediation and face to face (direct) mediation.  If the parties agree to engage in either type of mediation then further meetings are arranged for all of the issues to be discussed with the mediator.  When all parties feel that they are ready and prepared, shuttle or face to face meetings are arranged.  Face to face meetings are always held in neutral venues.

Who decides on the outcome?	Back to Top

The parties themselves‚ not the mediator‚ discuss and agree between them what is entered in their agreement.

Do people have to meet with their neighbours?	Back to Top

The best way to resolve issues between neighbours is when they meet together in a neutral venue under the direction of an unbiased third party (the mediator).  However, in some circumstances individuals feel that they cannot meet directly with the other party and it is possible for indirect (shuttle) mediation to be undertaken.  The mediator goes from one party to the other in turn passing information to both parties and helping them to formulate an agreement that they are both satisfied with and are willing to participate in.

Do people have to use mediation?	Back to Top

Mediation is a voluntary process and no-one can be made to engage in it or should be pressured into taking part.  Mediation is successful because no-one tells anyone what they should do, all solutions come from the parties in conflict who voluntarily agree to enter into an agreement about how things change between them.
 

What if one neighbour is very aggressive?	Back to Top

The mediator meets with all parties individually before the mediation process begins.  If the mediator feels that there is any possibility of aggressive behaviour then a face to face meeting will not be offered.  All parties are made aware of the requirement for courteous and polite behaviour at any meeting that takes place. If any unexpected aggressive behaviour does develop, the mediator can take a decision to end the meeting and close the case.

What if one person is in the wrong?	Back to Top

Mediation does not seek to prove that one party is right and the other is wrong.  It does allow both sides in a dispute to express their issues one with the other and to describe the effect that the other’s behaviour has upon them and their lifestyle. If it becomes apparent during the course of the mediation process that one party is in the wrong, it is up to them and the other party to decide what action they are willing to take to make things change for the better.  This is achieved by entering into an agreement together.

What if previous attempts to reason with one party have failed?	Back to Top

Mediation can help in cases where alternative possible solutions have previously failed.  Mediation allows each party to speak about their issues without being challenged or interrupted by the other disputant (personal uninterrupted time).  This is probably the first time that they will have been allowed to speak about their problems without interruption.  It also ensures that the other party has to listen to what is being said before they can challenge,  answer back or put forward their own issues. 
 

Does it work?	Back to Top

Mediation can be very effective when both parties are willing to work together to make changes happen.  If there are alterior motives, for instance if a neighbour wants to move and is using neighbour nuisance as a reason to do so, then it will not work.  Both parties need to speak in an open and honest way about their issues and to work together to make lasting changes.  Neighbours usually want a practical and lasting solution to their issues as they will be living in close proximity to each other for a long period of time.
 

Is Mediation Confidential?	Back to Top

Mediation is totally confidential and no information will be passed to anyone outside of the mediation meetings except in exceptional circumstances.  Individual services have their own confidentiality policy forms with any exclusions described in full for all parties to read prior to entering into the mediation process.

How much does Mediation Cost?	Back to Top

Each individual mediation service gives information on the service they offer and any charges that they may make.  Some but not all services are free so please visit the information available on our information pages to verify if there is a charge for services or not.

Do you have a question that is not answered here?	Back to Top

You can e-mail us with your query at: talk2us@midlandmediationnetwork.co.uk

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