Our Services

The Mediation Process

The mediation process used is generally issue based mediation and negotiation with a view to facilitating the parties themselves coming to a workable resolution and agreement for the long term. The process undertaken may be modified to adapt to individual circumstances.

The role of the mediator is to assist the parties to identify the issues between them and to explore options for and, if possible to achieve, the timely resolution of the dispute by agreement between them.

The mediator will not provide any advice, make any judgement on the issues, make any decisions or suggest any solutions to the dispute. The mediator is completely independent and impartial.

Confidentiality

The mediation process is as confidential as the law allows. Neither the parties nor the mediator nor any other person attending the mediation must disclose to any other person any information furnished at the mediation unless the consent of the other party has been first obtained. It is a very important part of the process that parties feel secure that anything they say at the mediation will not be disclosed to any other person or used in any other context. The parties will be asked by the mediator at the commencement of the mediation to confirm their agreement to this.

A Voluntary Process

Mediation is a voluntary process. If either party decides that they do not want to continue with the mediation during the mediation they should advise the mediator of this and ask for a private session with the mediator to discuss any alternative. The parties may ask for a break at any time or ask for a private discussion with the mediator if they are unsure of any part of the process or wish to discuss an issue in private.

The Benefits of Mediation

There are many benefits of using a mediation process to resolve issues and disputes in the workplace. Some of these include:

	Mediation puts the parties in control of the resolution of their dispute, as they are the best people to find an appropriate solution based on their individual needs and interests;
	Mediation expects both parties to negotiate and takes away any idea that one party has shown any inferior position in an argument by commencing negotiations;
	Mediation provides an opportunity for parties to have their say, to tell others exactly how they see the problem in a confidential and non threatening atmosphere;
	The process assists disputing parties understand how the others see and feel about the problem;
	Mediation enables working relationships to be maintained and even enhanced by encouraging co-operative problem solving; and
	Mediation enables identification and exploration of all issues and provides the opportunity for an unlimited range of creative complete and final solutions to be proposed and explored.

Fees

Half day mediation $1400 (maximum 4 hours) plus GST, Full day mediation $2,000 (maximum 8 hours) plus GST.

Mediations which are booked for a half day and run for more than 4 hours or booked for a full day and run for more than 8 hours, on the day of mediation, will be charged at an additional hourly rate of $250 per hour plus GST for each additional hour on a pro rata basis.

Co-mediation (2 mediators) is charged at the same rate as mediation with a single mediator.

The fee includes preparation and communication including:

	preliminary conference by phone or in person with the parties prior to the mediation (maximum 2 hours included in fee, additional time charged at $250 per hour plus GST),
	preparation of the mediation agreement,
	all administrative arrangements and
	liaison with the parties.

Preparation and finalisation of a mediation settlement agreement following the mediation (where required) will be charged at the rate of $250 per hour.

If the mediation is held away from the workplace or client's premises, there will be an additional charge payable in relation to the hire of suitable mediation facilities.

Terms and Conditions

At the time of booking in a mediation, parties will be asked to pay a Confirmation Fee of $300. The Confirmation Fee is redeemable against the full cost of the mediation. The Confirmation Fee is subject to forfeit in the event that the mediation is cancelled within 48 hours of the mediation appointment.

Mediation Agreement

Parties will be asked to sign a mediation agreement, subject to individual circumstances.

BBW Mediations Melbourne Australia Email: info@bbwmediations.com.au Contact