DFA MEDIATION
Mediation
Services
What is Mediation?
Mediation is a structured process that involves parties in conflict coming together in a non-threatening environment to discuss their issues and disagreements to resolve the conflict in a sustainable way.
This discussion is facilitated by a qualified Mediator who is an independent and neutral person who is there to use their skills to ensure that parties are able to freely understand each other’s points of view and may explore potential solutions to reach an agreement.
Mediation is not an arbitration or legal (court) process, where a decision is made by a third party. Any solution will have been reached and agreed by the parties themselves. This is the crucial element in any solution being sustainable in the long term.
Mediation works because all parties gain from the process - a ‘win-win’ situation. Other conflict resolution methods such as arbitration and Court processes mean that someone loses, and the chance of agreement has been lost in the process.
Landlord & Tenant Mediation
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DFA Mediation uses experienced Mediators to carry out successful mediations between landlords and their tenants (private, Housing Association or Local Authority), where a tenant and landlord may have reached a point where relations have broken down, and communication has become difficult.
These may be misunderstandings that could easily be clarified by the use of an independent Mediator - we can help you through a seemingly impossible situation.
Landlord & Tenant Mediation
Neighbourhood Mediation
DFA Mediation can help
enhance your performance in
dealing with neighbour disputes through the use of independent Mediators. This method of resolving disputes can save your organisation time and money.
Mediations can be carried out at a neutral venue, with our service
taking responsibility for organising dates, times and venues* (this is known as a ‘conference’ mediation).
*DFA Mediation may need to discuss venue arrangements with the client organisation
Online Referral Form Before submitting a referral please read our Terms and Conditions.
Alternatively, should neighbours not wish to meet (at what may be a tentative stage for pursuing more positive neighbour relations), then we can organise what is known as a ‘shuttle’ mediation where our Mediator will call out on a particular day and time workingwith both parties by making alternative visits to parties’ homes to assist them in moving towards resolution. Please note that we are also able to deal with private neighbour disputes between tenants or owner-occupiers.
Client organisations may be informed if agreement is reached or not as a result of the mediation, although it should be remembered that due to party confidentiality it is up to the parties to decide if they wish to share more detailed information (such as an agreement) with their landlord.
Neighbourhood Mediation
Workplace Mediation
Workplace conflict can be the cause of team underperformance and individual stress, leading to absenteeism and costly disciplinary action.Mediation in the workplace is one possible solution to resolving workplace conflict in that the process is entirely confidential, with outcomes being agreed by parties aloneThis means that an open and frank discussion can take place on all the issues without parties fearing the consequences of notes taken, or evidence gathered.Outcomes can mean such things as action plans agreed, agreements to work in a future focused way, positive framing of issues, and reduction of conflict in the working environment.
Workplace
Mediation
Taking part in Mediation?
Here are ten things you should know:
Mediators are independent of any referring agency, so you can
be confident that they are neutral to your dispute and will assist all parties to reach their OWN resolution
Mediators will ensure that all those present are agreed on
respecting each other and they will assist you in keeping the
conversation on track towards resolution
Mediation is an opportunity to be heard in a quiet environment
and this allows you to focus on the issues important to YOU
Mediation is a voluntary process. The parties themselves decide
what is included in any agreement.
Mediation is an informal (non-legal) way of resolving difficulties
between parties
The parties themselves are in control of what they want to
discuss at the mediation
You can ask for a break in proceedings at any point if required
If you are meeting at a neutral venue, this will be a comfortable
and safe zone with refreshments and WC facilities
CONFERENCE MEDIATION is where parties meet at a neutral
venue, and this may involve the Mediator meeting with each
party on the day, prior to the full conference meeting taking
place. This method is often the preferred option where parties
feel able to meet as each party hears the other first hand
SHUTTLE MEDIATION may be preferred by parties, and this is
only usually carried out in Neighbour Mediation This is where the
Mediator visits parties in their homes on one particular day and
time and ‘shuttles’ between the parties homes to help them
achieve resolution to their dispute
The Mediation Process
The mediation process follows a basic pattern. Remember, mediators are not there to judge you, blame anyone or take sides and they will not tell you what to do
. Opening Statement
Uninterrupted time for parties to
speak
Exchange of views
Setting the agenda
Exploring the options and
building an agreement
Writing any agreement
Closing statement
The mediator will ensure that a balanced discussion takes place and that the focus remains on the issues at the centre of the conflict along with future focused solutions.
Accessing the Service
DFA Mediation is committed to anti-discriminatory practice in recruitment of Associates or staff
and delivery of services.
We commit to abide by the principles laid down in the equalities policy of any referring authority. DFA Mediation shall provide equal opportunity of access to the service to all eligible individuals regardless of race, religion, culture, disability or sexual orientation and shall ensure that in delivering contract mediations we operate in partnership with any referring authority to ensure access to Language Line, interpreters or any other such critical support mechanism (eg Support Workers).