Mediation is the process whereby an independent third party, that is, the mediator, acts as a facilitator between two or more parties who are involved in a dispute. Mediation is confidential, impartial and voluntary.
People involved in a dispute may have to continue to live together, live near to each other, work together or just to see each other in their day-to-day lives. It is important that they can face each other without the risk of further difficulty.
Often the problem seems worse than it actually is. It may be possible to solve it if the people involved are able to talk about it with mediator assistance. The role of the mediator is to create a safe, neutral environment where disputants can discuss relevant issues and know that what they say will be listened to and that they will be assisted in trying to find a mutual, positive and constructive way forward for the future.
Mediation can often make a huge contribution at any stage of a dispute and those who have tried it have been pleasantly surprised at how effective it can be. Mediation can be used to resolve most complaints between neighbours and to help reduce misery and distress.
Mediation offers:
- Trained mediators
- Confidentiality
- Impartiality
- Rapid response
- Professionalism
- Relaxed but structured mediation sessions
We feel that mediation can be very useful at resolving difficulties and therefore we have a partnership with South Ribble KEY who provide a mediation service on our behalf. All their mediators are independent of New Progress Housing Association and are fully trained. Where appropriate we have made mediation the first stage of our process to resolve disputes.
The mediator will visit both parties and will try to establish some common ground whereby an agreement can be reached. If you would like to discuss mediation, please contact our Customer Services team on 01772 450600.
