Mediation FAQs

– What is mediation?

Mediation is a confidential, voluntary and informal process that supports parties to talk issues through with each other in the presence of an impartial mediator to find a way forward. Mediation can be delivered in-person or online.

The mediator will meet parties individually before facilitating a joint session.

Mediation works because it helps people find practical solutions that feel fair to everyone.

– Is mediation confidential?

Yes. Confidentiality is a key aspect of mediation. Parties will sign up to an agreement not to disclose any information discussed at mediation without the prior express permission of everyone involved. All mediation sessions are bound by this confidentiality. The mediator will not disclose any information discussed during the mediation.

Parties may decide to develop a written agreement during mediation and share this document with a third party. All other hand-written notes made during mediation will be destroyed. The fact that parties attended mediation is not recorded on their personnel file.

– If asked by their organisation, do parties have to attend mediation?

No. Mediation is a voluntary process. If parties are unsure about attending mediation, a member of the team at Consensio is available to speak with them to answer their questions and address any concerns they may have.

– How long will mediation last?

A two-party mediation process is usually facilitated over one full day.

Our online mediation process is facilitated in smaller sessions over a number of days.

Team mediation cases will take longer as there are more parties involved.

– Where will the mediation take place?

Online mediation takes place via a virtual meeting platform such as Zoom or Google Meet.

Mediation will take place in a neutral and private venue, either within the workplace or externally.  We require a minimum of two rooms for a two-party mediation. For team mediation, the number of rooms will depend on the size of the team.

– Who will be present at mediation?

In most cases, only the people in conflict with each other and a mediator are present at mediation. Sometimes there will be two mediators, and everyone will be informed in advance if this is the case.

Consensio believes that the people actually involved in conflict are the best people to resolve it. If the parties want to bring a representative, relative or friend, this is only possible during the individual meeting. If they wish to bring someone to this meeting, they need to inform the mediator in advance.

– Who determines the outcome of mediation?

The parties determine the outcome. The mediator is responsible for shaping the mediation process.

– What happens if the parties do not reach an agreement? 

There is no obligation on the parties to reach an agreement. If they feel that mediation will not resolve their issues, they reserve the right to use other workplace measures or legal procedures. In legal terms, mediation is ‘without prejudice’. Whether they reach an agreement or not, the mediation process will remain confidential. The mediator cannot be called upon to provide evidence at any subsequent proceedings.

– Who are the Consensio mediators?

Our mediation services are delivered by experienced and accredited workplace and employment mediators who adhere to the European Code of Conduct for Mediators.

– How can parties prepare for mediation?

There are a number of ways in which parties can prepare for mediation:

  • A Consensio mediator will contact you before the mediation to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
  • Consensio will send you a pre-mediation questionnaire which asks you to think about what has brought you to mediation and what your goals for mediation are.
  • If you would like to speak with a Consensio mediator at any time prior to your mediation session, please contact us.
  • Click here to read our Mediation factsheet or to Download our research paper, ‘Preparing to Mediate: A guide for first time users’,  for handy hints and advice from past mediation parties, referrers and mediators.

– How much does mediation cost?

Mediation is a cost-effective intervention. Please contact us to discuss our rates.

– How do I book a mediation?

There are several ways to book a mediation:

 

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