Organisational Framework and Mediator Guidelines

 

Our purpose

 

We strive to create a world free from disputes and assists clients through education, coaching, empowerment, and innovative dispute resolution. At the heart of our approach is trauma-informed mediation (TIM), which provides a dignified framework for conflict resolution while recognising and addressing the impacts of trauma.

 

Core values

 

  • Dignity and respect: Fostering environments where every individual’s worth is recognized and honoured
  • Empathy: Understanding and acknowledging the experiences and perspectives of others
  • Empowerment: Equipping individuals with knowledge and tools to advocate for positive change
  • Safety: Creating secure spaces for open dialogue and healing
  • Inclusivity: Ensuring our services are accessible and responsive to diverse communities

 

Services

 

We deliver targeted trauma-informed mediation the following fields and also provide bespoke training  programs for organisations:

 

  • Family mediation
  • Commercial mediation
  • Workplace mediation
  • Community mediation

 

 

Mediator Code of Professional Conduct

 

■ 1. Appointment and qualification

 

  • Mediators must disclose their qualifications before beginning
  • Adherence to this code of conduct is mandatory
  • Mediators may only accept appointments where they feel competent to serve

 

2. Core responsibilities

 

Independence and impartiality

 

  • Maintain unbiased conduct and treat all parties with fairness
  • Disclose any circumstances that might affect independence
  • Withdraw if unable to maintain impartiality
  • Avoid conflicts of interest, including:
    • Financial interests in the outcome
    • Personal or professional relationships with parties
    • Any other potential sources of bias

 

Confidentiality

 

  • Discuss and obtain consent regarding confidentiality practices
  • Maintain strict confidentiality except when:
    • Required by law
    • Necessary to prevent serious harm
    • Released by parties
    • Information is in the public domain
  • Disclose prior mediations involving the same parties without revealing case details

 

Process Integrity

 

  • Ensure parties understand the mediation process
  • Obtain informed and voluntary consent
  • Provide equal opportunities for all parties to be heard
  • Allow parties to seek legal counsel before finalizing agreements
  • Prevent misconduct that could invalidate agreements
  • Respect parties’ right to withdraw
  • Terminate mediation if negotiations become unconscionable or illegal

 

3. Professional standards

 

Competence

  • Maintain necessary skills and knowledge
  • Pursue continuing education and training
  • Commit to ongoing professional development

 

Cultural awareness

  • Respect and acknowledge cultural differences
  • Address cultural dynamics affecting mediation

 

Self-determination

  • Support parties in making independent decisions
  • Provide information without giving advice
  • Facilitate solution generation by parties

 

4. Administrative requirements

 

Fees and documentation

  • Clearly communicate fee structure before beginning
  • Maintain appropriate documentation
  • Obtain written agreement to mediation terms when practical

 

Feedback and accountability

  • Welcome participant feedback
  • Address complaints professionally
  • Take responsibility for professional conduct

 

5. Client rights and protections

  • Right to withdraw from mediation without justification
  • Equal opportunity to raise issues in pre-mediation communications
  • Access to legal counsel during the process
  • Right to file complaints regarding mediator conduct
  • Protection of confidential information

Updated: 07 November 2024

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