The same-day mediation service is based on a proven seven-stage  model. 

While every situation and client is unique, it’s possible to get a feel for the mediation process, so here (briefly) is how I approach my role.

I will meet each of you individually (in person or on Zoom), to listen and learn more about you and your situation, hopes, concerns and expectations.  

If as a result of our initial meeting we agree that a joint mediation session might be helpful, here is how the process works:

• All parties will receive a copy of the Agreement to Mediate.  This commits us to engage with one another in good faith and includes undertakings from everyone to help the process run with minimal distractions. Please see FAQ for more information about this.
• If the joint session is to be online all parties will have received an invitation to a Zoom Meeting at a mutually agreed time. This will include  a list of suggested measures to help maintain a safe supportive space with proper provision for “time out” again to minimise distractions and make it as easy as possible to engage online.

My concerns for the joint session will be to:

• Welcome all parties and invite everyone to listen and take turns in sharing what matters to them most; speaking firstly to me, and hopefully then to each other. 
• I commit to maintaining a safe supportive space in which all parties can do this important work together.
• I may ask questions for practical purposes and to check that your meaning and intentions are being both heard and understood.
• I will organise the information you provide and keep track of the needs concerns and values expressed by all parties.
• All progress notes taken during the course of the mediation will be destroyed at the end of the process.

The Last Three Stages

Stage Five carries forward and seeks to integrate all recorded needs concerns values and into a prioritised joint agenda.

After jointly creating a shared agenda comes Stage Six, the drafting of a written agreement that everyone can commit to. 

To design and build such an agreement that will recognise needs and values which sometimes align and sometimes don’t is a challenge; but the prize is an agreement that all can accept.

I am here to support all parties in trusting the process. (See FAQ).

I can assist in seeing that it is realistic and sustainable (so far as it addresses the needs of all parties) and includes a “fall back” clause that addresses what to do if tensions should recur. 

Finally we will discuss how to implement and monitor the agreement  including the offer of a follow- up review after a period of six weeks.