REFERRAL GUIDELINES

Mediation is a voluntary process in which an impartial third party helps disputing parties work out an agreement. Our service is confidential, impartial and non-judgemental.
Mediators work in pairs and help people to listen to each other, communicate concerns and work towards a solution acceptable to both parties.
Ideally, mediators try to encourage all parties to attend a face-to-face meeting.
The parties (not the mediators) decide the terms of an agreement. This agreement (which may be verbal or written) is not legally binding, but forms a contract to which all parties have consented.

Types of disputes suitable for referral to mediation (this list is not exhaustive):

Circumstances most favourable to mediation are:

Parties cannot find a solution themselves but do want to settle a dispute or make things better.
The parties have stopped (or never even started) communicating but are prepared to do so with the help of an independent third party – the mediator.
A better way forward is important to all sides.
There is no great difference in the balance of power between the parties involved.
Other options have been considered but are less desirable than mediation.
The issues are fairly specific e.g. noise, parking, boundaries, pets, children, etc.
Early referral – not as a last option.
Where a referring agency does not force participation.
Where a referring agency do not tell parties ‘you don’t have to be in the same room as them’

Circumstances least favourable to mediation are:

West Sussex Mediation Service
Working for Agreement