PLANNING FOR THE MEDIATION
In order to ensure that logistics of the mediation run as smoothly as possible, below are the basic requirements to prepare for the mediation:-
Ensuring Employees Are Aware
Please ensure that each party has verbally agreed to the mediation, and they are expecting to hear from us, as we will make contact with them once we have received this form and our signed terms.
Room Requirements (for in-person mediations only)
Please arrange suitable rooms for the mediation dates. As far as possible, the following should apply:-
2-party mediation – two rooms minimum (three if available)
3-party (or more) mediation – three rooms minimum (four if available)
All rooms should be booked and available for the full duration of the mediation.
One of the rooms should be large enough to comfortably seat the full number of people attending, including the mediator. This room should also have projection facilities if at all possible.
Rooms for the parties should not be directly together (unless heavily soundproofed and checked). A room for the mediator inbetween is fine. Please also give consideration to the practicalities of the mediator moving between rooms, eg several flights of stairs or long distances will detract from the time available with parties.
Rooms should not be situated where either party could be made to feel uncomfortable (consider if they get upset, and any ‘gossip’ which may be created by people seeing them sat in rooms and the mediator going between them).
Where possible, rooms should contain the following equipment:-
Table and chairs (a round table is perfect but not essential)
Flipchart and flipchart pens
Tissues
Water and glasses
Notepaper and pens
Projection capability (one room only)
Contacting you if required
As the client, it's useful if you or a deputy can be ‘on call’ if possible via your mobile should the mediator need to contact you during the mediation.