The Mediation Process

The first stage in the process will be for the mediator to arrange separate meetings with the parties to be involved. These meetings are designed to ensure that the parties: 

• Understand and have confidence in the mediation process and mediator. 
• Understand the issues. 
• Begin to look for positives about the party with whom they are in dispute. 
• Are tasked to think about key issues identified by the mediator at the initial meeting so that they are better prepared for the joint meeting. 

After the initial meetings the parties will be invited to a joint face to face meeting where, with the support of the mediator(s) acting as facilitator(s), they will work towards reaching a mutually satisfactory outcome. 

At the end of the discussion the mediator will assist the parties to draw up an agreement, if one has been reached. This agreement is confidential to the parties unless agreed by both of them.

During the process the following principles will be adhered to: 

• All meetings are confidential. The only exception to this rule is where there is evidence of a serious breach of Statutory/Company rules or policy or where there is evidence of serious risk to health and safety.
• All parties have the right to withdraw from the process at any time. 
• There may be circumstances where mediation will not be recommended, for example where disciplinary action has been instigated.