Table of Contents
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