How Does Mediation Work?

What is Mediation?

Mediation is a method of conflict resolution that enables people involved in conflict to reach a mutually acceptable agreement with the help of a neutral third party mediator. Mediators help people identify their needs, clarify issues, explore solutions and negotiate agreement. Mediation empowers people to take ownership of their issues and helps them reach acceptable and positive resolution for the future.

The principles of mediation can be applied to a variety of contexts and by using mediation many types of disputes can be settled in a prompt, confidential and inexpensive manner without going to court.

There are four core principles to mediation:
• it is a consent led process involving voluntary participation
• it is an independent service
• mediators will always remain impartial and neutral
• all that is discussed remains confidential

There are four steps to mediation and a CIVILresolution of the dispute:-:

Step 1: Getting Mediation Started

You can contact Cwmpas directly, or speak to your housing association or Council to find out if they have a referral agreement with Cwmpas. When you speak to us our staff will help you work out whether the situation is suitable for mediation. If it is, an initial appointment will be made for you to speak to a mediator and talk about the problem in more detail.

Step 2: Pre-Mediation Discussion

This is an opportunity for each party to discuss, privately and confidentially with impartial mediators, issues that are causing conflict. The decision to proceed to the next stage rests with the disputants. However, even if disputants decide not to continue to a shuttle or face-to-face mediation, there is often much benefit from assessment since all stages are important and valuable to the disputant.

Step 3: Mediation

This is a meeting where all sides have the chance to speak about their issues and discuss problems in a safe confidential environment. Mediators present ensure everyone’s views are heard and respected.
The impact this has is important to the outcome as resolutions can then be put forward as points on the written agreement.

Step 4: Mutual Agreement

The agreement is a powerful document as everyone has been involved in sorting out a solution that will work for them. Thus the agreement is self-enforcing and it is the responsibility of all parties to make the agreement work rather than an imposed legal document.