Mediation
Mediation is:
- an informal but structured way of dealing with differences or disputes
- impartial, as Mediators do not take sides or make judgements
- independent, as Mediators do not have allegiances to other bodies
- voluntary, as individuals may choose to use or withdraw from the Mediation process at any time
- confidential, as everything discussed is handled in strictest confidence
Mediators:
- facilitate communication between people with disagreements or who are in dispute with each other, so that they can focus on future behaviours that will help resolve differences and enhance their lives and environments
- follow a process which usually involves visiting people in their own homes or meeting them at their business premises or at the PMS Office, and then bringing them together at managed, structured meetings
- listen and assist individuals to find ways forward for themselves
Participants in Mediation should be:
- prepared to talk about their views, concerns and wishes
- prepared to listen to the other person’s views, concerns and wishes
- keen to find a way forward, acceptable to all those directly involved
- receptive to the prospect of developing verbal or written agreements with the other person
- respectful of the Mediators who are not decision-makers but are there to assist the people involved in finding a way forward
Contact the Portsmouth Mediation Service (PMS) for more information or explanation.