Mediation Somerset
Victoria House
Victoria Street
Taunton
TA1 3FA
t: 01823 352210
info@mediationsomerset.co.uk
Types of Conflict
Conciliation
This is a process where a neutral third party, the conciliator, takes a more participative role than in a mediation meeting. The parties at the commencement of the process determine the precise nature of the conciliators involvement. Typically the disputants would agree that the conciliator would assist the parties in working on the issues, developing options and considering alternatives to try and reach an agreement.
The benefit of the neutrality and independence that the conciliator brings cannot be over stated. The conciliator within this concept is able to encourage the parties to reach an agreement and will often have an advisory role in terms of settlement. The conciliator does not have a determinative role in the outcome.
At the commencement of conciliation the disputants will often agree that if agreement were not reached the conciliator would make a recommendation for settlement. The recommendation is based on the strength of the evidence and information gathered during the process. The disputants decide whether or not to accept the recommendation.
Selection of an appropriate experienced conciliator is important, clearly disputants need to have regard and confidence in the person they are working with. Mediation Somerset has a panel of such people.
Conciliation is often used where there is less need for an ongoing relationship, it’s more about specific issues. Typically it is used for employment issues where the employee no longer works for or is leaving an organisation. It can be used in many other settings and has the advantage of allowing the participants to remain in control of the outcome and in reducing the cost of litigation
