Mediation can be a real alternative to going to a tribunal or to Court. An independent third party, the mediator, helps people to agree a solution when there is a disagreement. The mediator helps the parties work out what their issues and options are, then uses these options to work out an agreement. Mediation is a flexible process that can be used to settle a wide range of situations. It has a success rate of about 80%!

Mediation is not just for parties in dispute. It is also useful when there is a difference of opinion, a stand-off, a clash of expectations, a misunderstanding, or hurt feelings preventing people from working out a solution.

The 3 Principles of Mediation:

1. Mediation is Voluntary:  It is your choice and there is no pressure to try it. It requires the cooperation and participation of all the parties involved, and if the key people do not wish to take part it is not an option.
2. Mediators are Impartial:  They do not take sides or give their personal opinions. They are not enforcers, they do not have the power to make people do anything.
3. Mediation is Confidential:  This means that information is not shared without the permission of all the parties involved, so if you choose to use mediation you can speak freely to the mediator and will be asked what information you want to share. (The only exception is an obligation to report to appropriate agencies any serious risk of harm.)

​For more information on mediation please see the SMN website:  www.scottishmediation.org.uk