The Problem Resolution Process
​
Our Process begins by taking a brief of the situation before accepting the commission. We can then provide a tailored proposal to the commissioners.
​
As part of this initial brief we need to know who are the parties, and in larger groups who the key players are likely to be. We then hold a briefing meeting with each participant before the mediation.
​
In that meeting we first explain all about the mediation and answer questions about the process. We also ask each participant to sign a confidentiality agreement. After they have signed in, we continue with a confidential conversation so that we can hear their stories.
​
These sessions are really important. We use them to gain the trust and confidence of the people involved and to ensure that we fully understand their position and their legitimate interests.
​
​
​
This will be very important in the mediation itself as we need to make sure that all the key issues are on the table and nothing is left to fester and prevent proper sustainable resolution. We also begin the process of coaching people in how best to put their point across. We ask each party to provide a written brief about their position to share with the other parties prior to the mediation.
​
The mediation itself is usually a two day event. On the first day we start with opening statements, set the agenda and work to get all of the issues out on the table. The process is extremely flexible and sometimes we will work with the whole group in the main room and sometimes with individual parties in separate rooms.
​
We have a large number of tools that we can use depending on what comes up in the room, and are comfortable with dealing with the unexpected, anger and upset. By the end of the first day we aim to have every issue on the table, have started to turn the corner to explore solutions , and have emotions dealt with so that the second day is uplifting and about designing a new future.
​
For day two we often use a technique called 'one text procedure' where we get everyone working on the solution. By the end of the day we aim to have all participants sign a settlement agreement that .will include agreed remedies on what to do if the situation begins to recur. We believe that the two day process is particularly helpful because it creates an intense space where a line can genuinely be drawn under the past and parties can then reach an agreement on how to move forward.
​
​