Online Mediation an alternative to meeting face to face

Online mediation can bring together parties in dispute from all over the UK and abroad. It provides a means of resolving issues that are preventing progress and keeping individuals and businesses locked in the past.

As with all mediation, all those participating have to have agreed to take part in the process. A mediation will not work if someone does not want to take part and a mediator will not force someone to do something that they do not want to do.

What do I need to undertake an on-line mediation?

• Reliable Wi-Fi
• A laptop or equivalent with camera facilities – or access to an iPhone to FaceTime
• Ideally a printer and scanner (although not essential)
• Access to email
• Mediation can take place by telephone as well.
• An area/room that is confidential and private with no distractions for the duration of the mediation

How does it work?

The mediator will agree with the parties the best way of organising the mediation. This is likely to be by video conferencing or Face Time. Often Skype, Microsoft Team meetings or Zoom are used and there are of course other alternatives too.

Trying out the technology beforehand is key to ensuring as much as possible that everything will run smoothly on the day and that the online mediation is feasible.

The process can involve the mediator simply contacting each party separately and confidentially to explore the issues important to them and begin to open up communication for negotiations to take place. This can be with the mediator acting as a “go-between” or it could mean the mediator facilitating direct communication by video conferencing the parties together to speak directly. The mediator would always prepare everyone for this session beforehand if it were to take place.

Whilst there is an overall structure and framework to the mediation process, every mediation is different and the mediator will always be flexible and adapt the time spent to ensure that the best possible chance of securing a resolution is achieved.

Any agreement is circulated between the parties, signed and scanned back in exchange. It may also be agreed that electronic signatures could be used to create a contractual binding agreement.

Is online mediation easy to arrange?

Yes, very easy. All that is needed is a reliable network, a mediator who works with the technology and parties that are willing to engage to resolve their dispute.

For further advice and assistance please contact our Private Client Team on 01604 828282 / 01908 660966 or email info@franklins-sols.co.uk