Why choose a mediator to resolve your workplace dispute?
One of the benefits of workplace mediation is the complete independence of the mediator. I work with many great HR Mangers. Some could try and…
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Work place mediation improves communication
Do you have a work colleague who constantly winds you up? Someone who picks on you and undermines your work? A team member who is…
Is mediation voluntary, or will I be forced to reach an agreement?
Anxious you will be forced to agree to something you don’t want? Concerned about being pressured into an agreement? The law in this area has…
Does mediation work and how will it help me?
Concerned about wasting time and money on mediation? Do you think the issues in your dispute are too challenging? You are not alone. Most people…
What is the difference between mediation and arbitration?
Mediation and arbitration are alternative forms of dispute resolution, known in short as “ADR”. They both provide alternatives to going to court. Just as there…
How much do I tell a mediator?
Can you trust the mediator to protect your best interests? This is the question many ask at mediation. It is helpful to share what is…
Can I work and mediate at the same time?
Yes, you potentially could work and mediate at the same time. But it comes at a price. You can hold a mobile phone and drive…
Do I need a solicitor with me at a mediation?
The cost of mediation increases when a solicitor attends. However, there are good reasons for having a legal representative present which could help you reach…
What questions will a mediator ask me?
Firstly, there are no trick questions. You are not being cross examined. You are not being judged. The mediator’s role is to facilitate the mediation…
How do I settle my dispute at mediation?
Have you heard the saying about not being able to see the wood for the trees? This can certainly be the case when trying to…
The Settlement Agreement Stage at Mediation
Offers to settle at mediation are not enforceable until committed to a Settlement Agreement signed by all parties. Reaching this stage is a critical step…
How to support a friend at mediation
Those old enough to recall the TV programme Minder may remember the main character, Arthur Daley, changing the saying “A friend in need is a…
How do people make decisions at mediation?
Decision making is something that I have been curious about so much so that my NLP Masters final project involved modelling the decision-making process of…
Handling Disputes: One Step at a Time
Have you ever been caught up in an argument when the other person’s response has upset you more than the actual dispute? They reacted badly,…
Do I settle at mediation or go to court?
There is no certainty when a case goes to court. Even what appear to be the most certain of cases are unlikely to secure a…
Will I have to see my opponent during the mediation process?
If you are concerned about meeting the other party to your dispute at mediation, be assured that it is not essential, and a mediator would…
Can neighbour disputes be settled at mediation?
Neighbour disputes relating to boundaries and access are some of the most hotly contested litigation cases in the court system and, putting it mildly, the…
How to manage your mental health and wellbeing during a mediation
At best a dispute is a distraction and at worst it has an overwhelming and debilitating impact upon physical and mental wellbeing. Most people find…
Differences of Opinion and Personality
When you are in dispute, it is often not just the issues that cause a clash; personalities also play a big part in disputes and…
Is reaching an Agreement wishful thinking?
Most mediations begin with neither party understanding each other. A way forward seems like wishful thinking and yet time after time the mediation process delivers…
Should a company director decide to litigate or mediate?
Disputes distract. Be it with a supplier, contractor, customer or even at Board level, disputes draw attention away from management and leadership of a business,…
What is a pre-mediation call?
Before each mediation I contact both parties separately. It is a good opportunity to speak about any concerns, finalise administrative tasks and clarify the mediation…
What is a mediation agreement?
The Mediation Agreement is what it says : your agreement to mediate. It is the contract or mediation terms upon which everyone taking part in…
What is a Mediation Opening Statement?
Your mediator will discuss with you whether or not there will be a joint meeting at the outset of your mediation. If there is, it…
Weighing up your options to mediate or litigate?
If faced with the decision to litigation or mediate, it is therefore worthwhile considering what you want to achieve and your negotiation strategy as well…
Will I be forced to reach an agreement at mediation?
Absolutely not. Any agreement reached at mediation will be because you have reached a decision as to how the dispute can be settled. The mediator…
Top tips when preparing for a mediation
Whilst every mediation is different there is a general structure that draws the process together. The following tips align with this structure and are based…
Top tips for taking part in a mediation joint meeting
Many people want to run away from a joint meeting and avoid the face to face confrontation with their opponent. Yet it can make all…
What types of disputes can be mediated?
Worldwide news reports have recently covered the use of mediation in several high profile disputes; the Ryan Air Irish pilot dispute over pay, civil claims…
Getting a party to mediation – dispelling the myths
With success rates at mediation of over 70%, it may be surprising that there is still some reluctance to mediate. The benefits are widely known;…
What happens at mediation?
Whilst being a flexible process with no set format, mediation has several key stages. Mediation will usually take place with the parties at the same…
Top 10 things to know about Mediation
1. It’s confidential – the process Everything that takes place at mediation is confidential or, in legal terms, “without prejudice”. If the case doesn’t settle,…
Disputes: Same facts, different perspective – through the lens of another
I love photography and the ability to capture moments of time. The photographs on my website are almost all courtesy of talented photographer, Rob Friel.…