Intro_Need Mediation

Need Mediation?

 

Introduction

Welcome to the MII web site. Conflict and disputes are part and parcel of everyday life, whether between family members, neighbours, colleagues or within 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.

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

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.

Is My Case Suitable for Mediation?

Mediation is suitable for use in very different types of dispute from two-party and three-party disputes to multi-party conflicts. It is effective in very different types of dispute including family, commercial, community or workplace – and can allow for the needs of individuals, stakeholders and organisations.

To see a list of some of types of conflict that MII Mediators have worked with, go to Type of Dispute, or, if you would like to talk with an accredited Mediator with experience in a particular field, the Find a Mediator search provides profiles of accredited Mediators throughout Ireland and Northern Ireland, outlining their specific training and experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

When considering mediation, you may have a number of questions, some of which are answered on our Frequently Asked Questions page, including:

  • What is Mediation?
  • How can Mediation help parties or conflict?
  • How do I choose a Mediator?
  • Does the Mediator decide for us?
  • If we don't settle, does it affect my rights?
  • What if I am not satisfied with the Mediator?
  • What if we can't agree at the Mediation?
  • How can I find out more about the different types of Mediation?
  • How long will the mediation take?
  • Where is Mediation used?
  • What are the benefits of Mediation?
  • So does it work?
  • Could you say more?

If you need further information or have a particular query please contact us by email at info@themii.ie or by phone at +353 1 609 9190.

Why Choose an MII Accredited Mediator?

The MII accredits Mediators and mediation training programmes in Ireland and Northern Ireland. Practising MII Mediators have a high standard of training and accreditation that meet international and professional standards. All MII Mediators in receipt of a current MII Practising Certificatehave been subject to skills assessment,have a compulsory programme of Continuing Professional Development and are bound by the MII Code of Ethics and Practice. Registered Practitioner, Certified, Associate, General and Trainee members of the MII agree to be bound by the MII Code of Ethics and Practice which provides clarity, guidance and support to MII members and service users in relation to the ethics and practice of mediation. In the event of an issue arising in relation to a member’s alleged breach of this Code, the matter may be subject to disciplinary process.

MII accredited Mediators are also required to have appropriate professional indemnity insurance in place and are subject to independent regulation by a majority of non-Mediators.

How do I Find the Right Mediator?

For a full listing of MII accredited Mediators who are available for private work and access to their profiles, go to the Find a Mediator facility. You may search by location, name, speciality (e.g. Commercial, Family, etc.), region or member type 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 is most suited to your requirements

Charges and Fees

The MII does not suggest mediation rates to its Members, nor does it have access to this information. It is up to each individual Mediator to agree their charges and method of payment with the parties before the mediation process. The MII recommends however, that when selecting a Mediator, you talk to at least two Mediators and, apart from satisfying yourself that the particular Mediator has the experience and expertise to act in your case, you should ask them about their charges – both the applicable rates and payment terms.

There are many variables which dictate how a Mediator sets their rates and payment methods. For information on some of the considerations and different approaches taken, go to the Mediators’ Fees and Charges page.

Registered Members

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. Our members work in varied fields and organisations, and more and more, organisations and service providers look to the MII Practising Certificate as the standard for Mediators.

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.

Complaints

A complaint may be made to the MII against an MII member if it is believed that that member acted in breach of the MII Code of Ethics and Practice. Any complaint dealt with under the Complaints Procedure will be reviewed by a three member Complaints Panel including the Chair of the Complaints Panel who is independent of the MII, one other independent person and a Mediator who has knowledge of the area of mediation which gave rise to the complaint.

For further information, please refer to the MII Complaints Procedure which sets out how complaints relating to a Member of the MII will be dealt with by the MII.

Need 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 contacting us by email of phone at +353 1 609 9190.