In a dispute and can't
see a way out?
Ahead Mediation will help you find a way forward that works, specialising in workplace, employment, civil and commercial cases.
The mediation process - which involves an impartial mediator guiding people and organisations in conflict towards a resolution that everyone can live with - is far quicker, more flexible and much cheaper than going to court. It's not always easy but it works: the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution found that 92% of mediations were settled in 2022.
Read on for more information about the types of cases Ahead Mediation can help with.
Our services
Workplace and employment
Mediation can resolve disputes relating to a whole range of issues in the workplace, including:
- disputes between managers and individuals or teams;
- conflict between colleagues of all seniorities;
- allegations of bullying or harassment;
- unfair dismissal;
- whistleblowing;
- remuneration.
When people involved in disputes at work are employed by their organisation, workplace mediation takes place. This is an effective alternative to formal disciplinary and grievance procedures – it saves time and money, and can rebuild relationships. The earlier you start mediation, the better. The organisation usually pays the mediation fees in workplace disputes.
Employment mediation happens when those involved are leaving or have left their organisation. Mediation fees are usually split 50/50 between participants in employment disputes.
Civil and commercial
Civil and commercial mediation can help to resolve many types of disputes between two or more people or organisations. Here are just some examples of the types of cases covered:
- neighbours in boundary disputes;
- landlord and tenant issues;
- business partners arguing over their company's future;
- families disputing wills and inheritance;
- disagreements over contracts.
Mediation fees are usually split 50/50 between participants in civil and commercial disputes.
What is mediation?
Mediation works. Fact.
But exactly how does it work? Professional, highly trained mediators help people who have reached an impasse to agree a way forward that everyone can live with. It's a confidential and impartial process.
A mediator is a neutral, non-judgemental third party who brings people together and guides them towards resolving their dispute. Mediation meetings usually last no longer than a day, with the aim of reaching a signed agreement within that time. By creating a safe space, asking the right questions and knowing when to move the process forward, mediators lead respectful discussions where everyone is heard. They enable participants to identify, prioritise and work through issues.
Often, mediation involves two or more people meeting face-to-face. However, not everyone will come to mediation ready to talk to each other directly - in these cases, 'shuttle' mediation is offered in which a mediator acts as an intermediary without participants needing to be in direct contact. Both types of mediation can happen in-person or online.
It's crucial to understand that how the mediation process is handled is vital for any future relationship - in helping people to move beyond a particular dispute to be able to work or co-exist alongside each other in the longer-term. This won't always be relevant but will be really important for many.
Mediation can help to break an impasse in many different types of situations. It saves individuals and organisations millions of pounds each year.
About Ahead Mediation
Get in touch
Ahead Mediation offers professional, confidential, impartial mediation that works. Offering high quality, effective services includes appropriately handling any concerns or complaints. Ahead Mediation's Concerns and Complaints Policy can be found here.