ADR and Mediation

Mediation is a process in which a neutral third-party assists in resolving a dispute between two or more other parties. It is a non-adversarial approach to conflict resolution.

The role of the mediator is to facilitate communication between the parties, assist them in focusing on the real issues of the dispute, and generate options that meet the interests or needs of all relevant parties in an effort to resolve the conflict.

Unlike arbitration, litigation or adjudication where someone listens to the arguments of both sides and makes a decision, a mediator assists the parties to develop a solution themselves. Although mediators sometimes provide ideas, suggestions, or even formal proposals for settlement, the mediator is primarily a "process person," helping the parties define the agenda, identify and reframe the issues, communicate more effectively, find areas of common ground, negotiate fairly, and hopefully, reach an agreement.

Mediation is widely used in all sorts of disputes, including those which have not been capable of settlement through direct negotiation. It has a high success rate in either achieving a settlement or narrowing the issues in dispute.

To discuss how we can assist you please email  Richard Millard or call him on 01908 692769.