MEDIATION PROCESS STEPS

Our Mediation Process
Clear. Confidential. Constructive.

At Midlands Dispute Solutions Ltd, our goal is to make the mediation process simple, fair, and effective for everyone involved.
We guide all parties through each stage with clarity, confidentiality, and professionalism helping them to identify a common ground and reach a practical resolution without the stress or cost of going to court.

🕊️ How Mediation Works

Mediation process can be proposed  or initiated by one or all parties in a dispute.
The mediator is then chosen by mutual agreement acting as an independent, neutral, and impartial professional, much like a jointly appointed expert.
Once both sides agree to mediate, the process follows a clear and structured path to ensure fairness and efficiency.

💼 Our Fixed-Fee Mediation Offer

We offer two flexible, pre-defined packages designed to meet most clients’ needs:

2-4chours mediation model: ideal for straightforward cases.
8-10 hours mediation model – suited for complex or multi-issue disputes.

Additional hours can be arranged if needed, at a fixed hourly rate (subject to availability).
Our mediators bring not only expertise in mediation techniques but also practical experience across various sectors such as Business, Purchasing and Supply, Housing, Commercial Agreements and Employment.

🔟 The 10-Step Mediation Process

1. Pre-Mediation Agreement
All parties agrees to mediate and select the mediator together.

2. Arranging the Mediation
The date, time, and location (or online platform) are confirmed.

3. Agreement to Mediate
An official Agreement to Mediate is issued, signed by all parties, and invoices are sent.

4. Confidential Pre-Mediation  Discussions or Calls
The mediator holds private discussions with each party or their legal representatives to understand the case background.

5. Exchange of Opening or Positioning Statements
Each party provides written statements explaining their view of the dispute and desired outcomes.

6. Meeting the Mediator
A short introduction session to outline the process and confirm the plan for the day.

7. Opening Session
If agreed, both sides meet together with the mediator. Alternatively, separate meetings can be held.

8. Private Discussions
Each party meets privately with the mediator to share information and explore possible solutions confidentially.

9. Exchanging Offers

With parties’ consent, the mediator helps exchange settlement proposals until progress is made.

10. Reaching an Agreement

Once all parties agree, the settlement terms are drafted, reviewed, and signed.
If full resolution isn’t reached on the day, the mediator can continue to assist to finalise an agreement or draft a mutual agreement as a partial settlement.

🧾 Before the Mediation Day
Before mediation begins, the mediator may hold confidential pre-meetings to discuss:
 

• Any outstanding documents or disclosures

• Exchange of updated position statements

• Attendance and accessibility needs

• Final logistics and communication preferences

These early conversations ensure the process runs smoothly and that all parties are fully prepared.

🗂️ Position Statements

Each party may prepare a Position Statement, either:
 

• Open (shared) :sent to both the mediator and the other side, or

• Confidential :for the mediator only.

An open statement usually includes:

• A summary of the dispute background

• The key issues still in disagreement

• A record of any previous offers or counteroffers

This helps everyone understand the starting position before mediation begins.

🪶 During the Mediation
          Opening Session

The mediator will invite both sides to make short opening statements :without interruption and will set the ground rules and manage expectations. This gives each party a chance to explain their perspective and be heard.
Afterwards, the mediator helps the group decide how best to use the available time.

Private Sessions

Each side will have time alone with the mediator to discuss concerns, explore solutions, and clarify points confidentially.
Nothing said in a private session is shared with the other side unless you give explicit permission.
The mediator moves between both parties, helping to refine offers, clarify misunderstandings, and guide discussions constructively.

🖊️ Reaching and Signing an Agreement

When both sides reach an understanding, the mediator will draft the written agreement.
Once reviewed and signed by all parties, it becomes binding and marks the successful end of the process.
If a full settlement isn’t achieved on the day, we often continue to assist remotely to help finalise an agreement shortly afterwards. Over 80% of mediations in the U.K. end in successful settlements during or shortly after the session.

💻 Working with You Remotely

We also offer remote mediation by video conference or telephone, providing all the benefits of in-person meetings without travel or venue costs.

Just like a physical mediation, our online process includes:

A joint room (mediator’s room) for group discussions

Private sessions with each party

Benefits of Online Mediation

• No travel or venue costs

• More flexibility and shorter scheduling times

• Environmentally friendly

• Accessible from anywhere in the UK or Europe

• Video mediation has become increasingly popular and is now a preferred choice for many of our clients.