How to select a mediator...
On 2 October 2017, the Mediation Act 2017 was signed into law. This Act now provides a legislative basis for the practice of mediation and the regulation of the mediation profession in Ireland. Parties availing of mediation must ensure their mediator of choice is registered with an accredited body such as the NRM Network. Mediators are legally required to be accredited with a professional body and to have undergone specialised mediation training. The NRM advises users of mediation services to ensure that the mediator they choose is professionally trained and accredited to practice by a professional body such as the NRM Network ((Ireland) or the internationally recognised IMI (International Mediation Institute, The Hague NL).
A mediator is obliged to inform mediation parties of the mediation process before they agree to participate. Parties must be also be fully informed and have a clear understanding of the principles of mediation, be a willing participant and must consent to any agreed outcomes in the process. Mediators are required to comply with the Code of Conduct published under the act. A mediator has a duty to disclose any actual or potential conflict of interest they may have to the parties.
Checklist of items to consider before hiring a mediator:
· Has the mediator received professional mediation training from a recognised course provider?
· Is the mediator a member of an accredited professional body e.g. NRM Network (NRM), Ireland or the International Mediation Institute (IMI), the Hague?
· Is the mediator experienced in the practice area of your dispute, e.g. family, workplace, commercial, community, eldercare etc.?
· Have you considered the style of mediation you would like to engage in e.g. facilitative, transformative? A competent mediator can explain the various styles and which style is most suited to your dispute and the reasons for adopting a particular style.
· If your case involves complex multiple party disputes, is your mediator experienced in dealing with multi-party mediations?
· Do you need a mediator skilled in intercultural competency?
· Do you require a multi-lingual mediator or co-mediators where communications need translation?
· Can the mediator travel to your area location? Clarify where the mediation will take place.
· Has the mediator signed up to a best practice code of professional conduct e.g. the NRM or IMI codes of conduct? Ask to see a copy.
The NRM mediator profile listing is a good start in your search for a mediator. The NRM membership profiles list mediators from a diverse range of professional backgrounds. The NRM has no financial stake in the decision, neither the mediator nor any provider body pay a case fee to the NRM. The NRM only lists professionally trained and accredited mediators within its member profiles. Study various mediator profiles and compare them. Once you have identified a suitable mediator, consider discussing this with the other party to ensure they are happy to proceed with the selection. Please feel free to contact a shortlist of NRM mediators to find the best fit for you and your situation.
On 2 October 2017, the Mediation Act 2017 was signed into law. This Act now provides a legislative basis for the practice of mediation and the regulation of the mediation profession in Ireland. Parties availing of mediation must ensure their mediator of choice is registered with an accredited body such as the NRM Network. Mediators are legally required to be accredited with a professional body and to have undergone specialised mediation training. The NRM advises users of mediation services to ensure that the mediator they choose is professionally trained and accredited to practice by a professional body such as the NRM Network ((Ireland) or the internationally recognised IMI (International Mediation Institute, The Hague NL).
A mediator is obliged to inform mediation parties of the mediation process before they agree to participate. Parties must be also be fully informed and have a clear understanding of the principles of mediation, be a willing participant and must consent to any agreed outcomes in the process. Mediators are required to comply with the Code of Conduct published under the act. A mediator has a duty to disclose any actual or potential conflict of interest they may have to the parties.
Checklist of items to consider before hiring a mediator:
· Has the mediator received professional mediation training from a recognised course provider?
· Is the mediator a member of an accredited professional body e.g. NRM Network (NRM), Ireland or the International Mediation Institute (IMI), the Hague?
· Is the mediator experienced in the practice area of your dispute, e.g. family, workplace, commercial, community, eldercare etc.?
· Have you considered the style of mediation you would like to engage in e.g. facilitative, transformative? A competent mediator can explain the various styles and which style is most suited to your dispute and the reasons for adopting a particular style.
· If your case involves complex multiple party disputes, is your mediator experienced in dealing with multi-party mediations?
· Do you need a mediator skilled in intercultural competency?
· Do you require a multi-lingual mediator or co-mediators where communications need translation?
· Can the mediator travel to your area location? Clarify where the mediation will take place.
· Has the mediator signed up to a best practice code of professional conduct e.g. the NRM or IMI codes of conduct? Ask to see a copy.
The NRM mediator profile listing is a good start in your search for a mediator. The NRM membership profiles list mediators from a diverse range of professional backgrounds. The NRM has no financial stake in the decision, neither the mediator nor any provider body pay a case fee to the NRM. The NRM only lists professionally trained and accredited mediators within its member profiles. Study various mediator profiles and compare them. Once you have identified a suitable mediator, consider discussing this with the other party to ensure they are happy to proceed with the selection. Please feel free to contact a shortlist of NRM mediators to find the best fit for you and your situation.