What is Mediation?

Mediation is a facilitated discussion between parties to reach an outcome in the event of a dispute. Mediators do not sit in judgement, but provide a controlled forum in which both parties are able to have their issues heard and understood by the other side, while working towards a mutually acceptable agreement.

Mediation is now widely recognised as a more efficient dispute resolution method than litigation because it can achieve an outcome far more quickly, and at a cost of between five and 20% of the cost of litigation.

More than 75% of all franchising disputes referred to the Office of the Mediation Adviser (OMA) are successfully resolved.

Benefits of Mediation

There are many significant benefits of mediation. It is a less intimidating, more engaging process which is also very inexpensive compared to litigation.

Both parties save money on the mediation process, while still working towards a resolution acceptable to both parties, compared to litigation, where only one party can achieve an acceptable outcome.

Why attend a Mediation course?

Mediation skills are critical for management of both private and public sector organisations who are faced with the potential for conflict on a daily business in many elements of their business, from workplace bullying to contractual disputes.

Understanding and effectively engaging the mediation process can result in huge savings for an organisation, as well as preservation of reputation, corporate integrity and business relationships. For these reasons alone, undertaking a mediation course is recommended.

For senior executives, it is virtually essential.

Office of the Mediation Adviser

More than 75% of all franchising disputes referred to the Office of the Mediation Adviser (OMA) are resolved by the mediation process. The OMA was established in 1998 following the introduction of the Franchising Code of Conduct, in accordance with the requirement of the Code to use mediation to resolve franchise disputes.