A key aspect of mediation is that the mediator does not ‘sort things out’ or make any decisions for the parties involved. Instead, he or she helps the parties involved work together to develop their own agreement.

Mediation involves:

• Voluntary participation
• Face-to-face discussions between the parties in conflict
• An unbiased mediator without any decision-making power who helps those involved to understand each other’s point of view and come to an agreement
• Equal opportunities for all participants to speak and explain their perspective
• All relevant information being shared
• A shared agreement between the parties

Although there are many trained mediators working to resolve conflicts, anyone can act as a mediator, whether in a disagreement between colleagues or to bring two quarrelling friends or neighbours together again.