WHAT IS 'MEDIATION'?

"Mediation is a process in which the parties to a dispute, with the assistance of a dispute resolution practitioner (the mediator), identify the disputed issues, develop options, consider alternatives and endeavour to reach an agreement. The mediator has no advisory or determinative 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 whereby resolution is attempted."

National Alternative Dispute Resolution Advisory Council (NADRAC)

Benefits

Mediation helps open and improve communication assisting the flow of information between the participants.  It also assists in rebuilding trust in order to continue the working relationship between those involved.  Mediation may also highlight assumptions and help clear up misunderstandings.

Mediators are impartial who guide the parties through a process which gives each party the opportunity to be heard by the other and to assist the parties in arriving at possible options and evaluating the available alternatives.

Further Information

The following links provide further information on mediation:

LEADR website - http://www.leadr.com.au/adr.htm

IAMA website - http://www.iama.org.au/mediation.htm

AMA website - http://www.ama.asn.au/mediationexpl.html

Access the UWA Mediation Service