Mediators

What are Mediators. Mediators are professionals who lead any person(s), business, company, charity & organisation who are in dispute with one another to a solution.

The Mediators Ethics

1. They must observe confidentiality.
2. They must be independent.
3. As a third-party neutral they must not take sides, express their opinion or make suggestions.
4. Act as a facilitator. If the mediation is performed under the facilitative model.
5. Not impose a solution like a judge or arbitrator.
6. Abide by the EU Code of Conduct for Mediators of 2004.
7. Have a complaint process.
8. Declare a conflict of interests.
9. Have experience of the subject matter of the dispute.
10. Have professional indemnity insurance.
11. Belong to a professional body.
12. Obtained training from a reputable and accredited mediation training provider. Of at least forty hours, to include role plays and coaching sessions.

A Mediators Education

Does a mediator need to be educated? A mediator should hold a professional degree, although not essential, to instil confidence in the parties a professional who has an education is more likely to get clients. Opposed to a none professional without an education.

Mediator Professions

Mediators come from a variety of professional backgrounds. Most commercial mediators are solicitors, barristers, doctors, accountants, building surveyors, judges, architects, dentists, senior directors and managers. Workplace mediation mediators usually come from a HR related background, complaint handlers, senior managers, trade union representatives and the like. Family mediators are typically family solicitors, social workers, and those who specialise in family related disciplines.

Types Of Disputes Mediators Mediate

This can vary, some mediator services work in one particular field, or just a few, for example contracts, defamation, or professional negligence. Some specialise across the whole spectrum of commercial and or workplace, and or family disputes. It will also depend upon if the mediator has a day job, and mediates on the side. Or is a full time mediator. Or if they work for a mediation service, or mediation company.

Mediator Costs

How long is a piece of string? A simple two employee workplace dispute will cost much less than a multi-million pound commercial, with six parties, spanning across three different jurisdictions.

What Makes A Good Mediator

A very expansive question, however the main characteristics would be an effective communicator. Good listener. Demonstrates confidence, good command of language, patience, able to exercise neutrality, effective IT skills, especially with the increase of online mediation, and digital video calling platforms.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a mediator, ask them these questions, which will steer you towards the best mediator for you.

1. Who are they accredited through?
2. How many years' experience do they have?
3. How long have they been mediating?
4. Do they have any testimonials, which you can verify?
5. Have they mediated the subject matter of your dispute previously, or do they have knowledge on the subject matter?