Dispute Avoidance and Resolution within Teams
Bridge Mediation provides dispute avoidance and resolution services to enable teams to work more effectively together.
Contact us today to find out how we can help you and your teams manage conflict effectively.
FAQ
Mediation is a confidential process in which the participants to a dispute, with the assistance of an ADR practitioner (mediator), identify the disputed issues, develop options, consider alternatives, and endeavour to reach an agreement about their conflict. The mediator has no advisory role in regard to the content of the dispute or the outcome of its resolution, but may advise on or determine the process of mediation to be used in order to attempt to resolve the issues.
Mediation may be undertaken either voluntarily by the parties, under a Court order, or subject to an existing contractual agreement
All negotiations during mediation are non-binding and confidential.
Parties agree to negotiate in good faith and work towards a mutually acceptable agreement
Any party including the mediator may withdraw from the mediation at any time.
Any settlement reached as a result of the mediation is written down by the parties and an agreement signed by each side in order to complete the mediation process. Once signed this agreement is as binding and enforceable as any other contract.
Mediation is usually a voluntary negotiation process focused on resolving the problem rather than debating a legal issue.
Mediation is both quicker and less expensive than litigation without the stress.
The mediation process is more flexible and not bound by Court procedures and protocols.
Mediation allows each party to achieve what they want when formulating a solution to the dispute.
The parties play an active role in the process. They are able to express their frustrations, feelings and interests and hear those of the opposing parties. This enables the parties to address all the issues and reach solutions that would not be possible via litigation.
The parties find their own solution to the dispute, and are therefore more likely to be satisfied with the outcome.
The mediation process is not adversarial, and therefore helps to maintain and even restore relationships for the future.
Yes. The mediation is held in private sessions and is not open to the public.
All parties involved in mediation are subject to a confidentiality agreement. Unless otherwise required by law, the details and discussions from the mediation cannot be given later as evidence in any ensuing Court proceeding.
Private discussions held with the mediator by one of the parties during the mediation are also confidential.
Apart from any actual agreement reached during mediation, no details of the mediation are recorded for the future.
The mediator’s role is to manage and facilitate the communication, negotiation, and the decision making processes between the parties.
The mediator aims to be neutral and impartial, he or she does not establish the facts or decide which of the parties is right or wrong.
The mediator defines some courtesy ground rules: respect for everyone present and allowing each person to speak without interruption during the mediation.
The mediator uses his or her skills to assist the parties to explore the issues in depth and reach the best possible outcome for the given circumstances.
The mediator assists the parties communicate effectively with each other and maintain and build a good relationship through the process rather than allow the conflict to deteriorate further.
Yes. All Bridge Mediation mediators are trained, accredited mediators with relevant skills and experience.
Bridge Mediation mediators have to comply with the National Mediation Accreditation System (NMAS) Practice Standards and also adhere to the Ethical Standards of their member organisations.
They must also attend seminars regularly and continually update their skills by attending a minimum number of hours of professional development each year.
Only Registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners may issue 60i certificates. These certificates are required for all new parenting disputes in family law cases, prior to filing for Court.
The cost of the mediation is normally shared equally between all the parties.
Each party usually pays its share of the expected cost of the mediation prior to the start of the mediation process.
Each party pays for all their own costs associated with participating in the mediation.
At the conclusion of the mediation, Bridge Mediation will either invoice the parties for any shortfall or refund them any excess payment.
