Mediation
There are a number of forms of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) aimed at parties avoiding needing to take their differences to court. Mediation is one form of ADR with qualities which makes it particularly appropriate for rural, family and business disputes. We can offer Mediation services in North Yorkshire, Northumberland, County Durham and Cumbria.
Mediation is a party led process in which the mediator assists the parties to find their own solution to their own problems. Most alternatives to mediation impose a judgement/solution on the parties however there is scope for a much more imaginative agreement than that which the courts or adjudication might impose. Because the solution is generated by the parties themselves, they are able to determine what suits their own circumstances and are likely to be more accepting of the solution than they might be of one which is imposed.
In addition, because the solution belongs to the parties, the chances of it being adhered to are much greater and thus the prospects of maintaining a beneficial working relationship are strong where an agreement is reached.
Mediation can be structured to provide a confidential arena within which negotiations can be conducted without prejudice to any other actions which the parties might wish to pursue in the event that mediation fails.
The mediation itself would typically take no more than a day and for small disputes, can be time limited to manage costs. Mediation will be conducted through a series of open joint sessions and private caucuses with the mediator moving between the parties to try and find a compromise which they are prepared to accept.
Mediation is no panacea and parties have to be willing to reach a settlement for the exercise to be successful however if the parties are of this frame of mind, mediation can offer a swift and cost effective means of resolving disputes whilst maintaining a relationship between the parties.
The RICS Dispute Resolution Service now accredits its own mediators. Calum Gillhespy is one of the first three rural practice surveyors in the country to receive this accreditation and as such is at the forefront of promoting mediation as a means of resolving disputes in small communities or between family members and businesses.
For more information on Mediation services in North Yorkshire, Northumberland, County Durham and Cumbria generally, or the services which Gray’s can offer please feel free to contact Calum Gillhespy.
Contact:
Calum Gillhespy
T: 01748 829 211