Consensus Mediation

Mediation

Mediation is one of the most efficient and cost effective remedies for problem solving around an escalated dispute or disagreement between two of more people. It is a discreet and confidential process which will ultimately save time, money and stress for everyone involved.

In mediation, an independent third party is invited to facilitate two or more people in a dispute to reach an agreement or solution that satisfies the needs of all those involved. Participation in mediation is voluntary and you can end the process at any time.

What mediation is not

Mediation is not arbitration. The mediator does not make decisions or recommendations, rather facilitates participants to come to their own solutions to the dispute.

Mediation is the preferred tool for resolution of bullying and harassment disputes in the anti-bullying charters and policies currently being implemented in many organisations and businesses in Ireland.

Why choose mediation?

Mediation is faster and more cost effective, both in financial and human terms than more formal procedures such as investigation or litigation. Mediation puts the responsibility for the solution back on those involved so they are much more likely to implement the agreement long-term.
It minimizes the stress and anxiety that conflict can cause and thus the long-term damage to workplace relationships both for those in dispute and for the wider team. Mediation offers organisations and businesses a respectful, empowering and non-adversarial process for resolving disputes arising amongst their employees, giving a win-win situation for all involved.
It is an extremely low risk option with a high rate of success so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by engaging in a mediation process

What happens in a mediation?

The Mediator meets with the parties beforehand to explain the process, assess the appropriateness of mediation to the situation and ensure that the parties are willing and able to participate. During the process, the participants get the opportunity to have their experience heard and to hear others. The mediator then assists the parties to identify key issues as well as their own underlying needs and interests. They also get the participants to brainstorm around options and explore the respective advantages and disadvantages of each option. Finally, with the help of the mediator, the parties draft an agreement which is generally written up and signed by all those involved.

Is mediation confidential?

Mediation is a confidential process and usually all participants sign a confidentiality agreement at the outset of the process. Any information or material disclosed in the mediation cannot be used afterwards in any other process such as litigation or investigation. As part of the final agreement, all parties usually agree on what outcome will be fed back to Human Resources or managers.

How long does a mediation take?

The length of a mediation process depends on many factors – complexity of issues and relationships, the number of participants as well as their readiness to move towards resolution. Some mediations can be completed in a couple of hours whereas other situations may require sessions over a couple of days.

What sort of issues can be mediated?

Most conflicts in the workplace ranging from interpersonal clashes to bullying and harassment disputes can be mediated as long as the parties are willing to engage in the process. Ability to engage and follow through on an agreement are also important. Mediation is not suitable where there is a significant power imbalance or where one party feels physically threatened or in fear of the other.