Intro_General_Info

General Information

 

Introduction

Welcome to the MII web site. Conflict and disputes are part and parcel of everyday life, whether between family members, neighbours, colleagues or organisations. Mediation offers a flexible and accessible mechanism for people in dispute, or those who want to prevent a dispute arising, to constructively manage their situation.

What is Mediation?

Mediation is a process whereby an independent, neutral Mediator(s) assists the parties to come to agreement through collaborative engagement. The Mediator’s role is non-judgmental and non- directive. The Mediator is neither judge nor arbitrator and does not adjudicate or give decisions on the rights or wrongs of the actions of the parties. The Mediator supports the parties in identifying their issues and needs, in exploring how those needs can be addressed and facilitates them to reach agreement.

MII Definition of Mediation

Mediation provides a confidential and safe environment for the parties to air their issues and concerns with the other party at first hand and to hear the complaints, issues and concerns that are being made against them. The content of the mediation is confidential to the parties and the Mediator and can only be shared with a third party with the expressed permission of all parties except where natural disclosure would occur. The parties and the Mediator agree the terms of the mediation at the outset of the mediation.

The MII recognises that there are many schools of mediation and the MII does not advocate any one approach or process over another. While the principles of confidentiality, voluntary engagement and self-determination remain the same, the format of the mediation process may vary depending on the Mediator and the type of dispute. Sometimes there are pre-mediation meetings and sometimes the parties spend most of the mediation in the same room and in other cases the parties may never be in the same room or for only a very small part of the mediation.

For more information on the mediation process, please go to Mediation Overview.

Why Choose Mediation?

  • Less Adversarial:
    Mediation is an interest-based process based on consensus and collaborative agreement.
  • Lower Cost:
    Both in monetary and personal terms, mediation is inexpensive compared to rights-based interventions such as investigation or litigation.
  • Preservation of Working Relationships:
    Mediation works towards long-term solutions for the disputing Parties, and where there is an ongoing relationship places significant emphasis on how they will interact in the future.
  • Control:
    Mediation belongs to the Parties. The disputing Parties control the content and outcome of the mediation.
  • Creative Solutions:
    Mediation allows for creative solutions which may not be available in rights-based processes.
  • Protection of Privacy:
    The confidential nature of mediation allows the Parties to negotiate freely and productively without fear of publicity.
  • Swift Settlement:
    Mediation can be scheduled soon after a dispute arises and following the pre-mediation meetings, can often be concluded in a single day.
  • Preservation of Options:
    Engagement in a mediated intervention does not preclude participation in a different dispute resolution process.
  • Low Risk:
    Settlement potential is high and there are benefits to participating in the process
    for all.

The MII

The Mediators' Institute of Ireland (the MII) is the professional association for Mediators in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Established in 1992, the MII, a not-for-profit organisation, promotes the use and practice of quality mediation as a process of dispute resolution.

The MII Standard

The MII accredits Mediators and mediation training programmes in Ireland and Northern Ireland. It has accessible and transparent assessment procedures, registration procedures, Complaints and Disciplinary procedures and a comprehensive Code of Ethics and Practice which provide clarity and guidance to both Mediators and and those who use mediation in relation to the ethics and use of mediation.

MII Mediators

Practising MII Mediators have a high standard of training and accreditation that meet international and professional standards. All Mediators in receipt of a current MII Practising Certificate have been subject to skills assessment, have a compulsory programme of Continuing Professional Development and are bound by the MII Code of Ethics and Practice. They are also required to have appropriate professional indemnity insurance in place and are subject to independent regulation by a majority of non-Mediators.

MII accredited Mediators work throughout Ireland, Northern Ireland, the UK and further afield, in greatly varying areas and types of dispute resolution. Many work in private practice or in partnerships, while others work within organisations and semi-state bodies, for community organisations and peace initiatives.

For a full listing of MII accredited Mediators available for work and access to their profiles, go to the Find a Mediator facility which lists Mediators who hold a current MII Practising Certificate and are available for work. You may search by location, name, speciality (e.g. Commercial, Family, etc.), region, member type or word (e.g. Construction; Separating Couple; Health etc.) and each profile outlines the Mediator's specific qualifications, training and experience. We suggest that you review a number of profiles and engage directly with a number of Mediators to ascertain the Mediator most suited to your requirements.

To check the membership status of any MII registered member and to ascertain whether a particular member is in receipt of a current MII Practising Certificate, please go to the Registered Members page.

MII Membership

The MII recognises and values the contributions to mediation from people across all areas of society and actively encourages learning and participation at all levels of mediation.

Membership is open to all - from mediation professionals to those who have a general interest in mediation but with no wish to practice.

The MII has Six Categories of Members:

  1. Practitioner Member: An experienced accredited Mediator who has successfully completed an advanced assessment of their mediation skills.
  2. Certified Member: A Mediator who has satisfactorily completed an MII approved or equivalent course and successfully undertaken assessment of their mediation skills in accordance with MII Certified Member requirements.
  3. Associate Member: Someone who has satisfactorily completed an MII approved or equivalent course but have yet to complete the MII approval to practice process.
  4. General Member: Any person with an interest in mediation.
  5. Trainee Member: Any person who is on or has recently completed an MII approved training programme and registered for free membership under the Trainee Scheme.
  6. Organisation Member: Organisatiosn that are interested in mediation.

Why Join The MII?

Membership of the MII allows for a range of important benefits to Mediators and those interested in the provision of mediation including:

  • A pathway to achieve an internally recognised accreditation in medation
  • Access to ongoing training and development
  • Reduced training fees for MII and non-MII training events
  • Opportunities to network and engage with practising Mediators from different specialisms and working to different models of mediation
  • Regular updates on current developments and issues in mediation
  • Opportunities for referrals as an accredited Mediator through the Find a Mediator search facility
  • Forums to engage and inform the discussion as to the changing needs of Mediators and mediation
  • Reduced rate fees for MII conferences
  • Access to accredited Mediators through the Find a Mediator search facility
  • Information in relation to mediation and alternative dispute resolution

For information on how to become an MII accredited Mediator, please view our Become a Mediator section.

Further Information

There is lots of information contained in the MII web site – see below site map. If you require any further information or have any queries, please do not hesitate in contact us by email of phone at 01 609 9190.