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What is a dispute mediation service? A dispute mediation service aims to resolve disputes by using trained mediators to negotiate agreement between disputing parties. The focus is to offer a mediation service for neighbour disputes. What sort of disputes will the service deal with? Basically, any dispute between neighbours, no matter how big or small the matter. Problems about noise, litter, boundaries, parking, pets, building works, anti-social behaviour, general disputes, harassment, etc. What type of referrals will the service accept? Disputants may either contact Luton Mediation direct or may be referred from agencies like the Citizens' Advice Bureau, the Police, local Housing Departments, Residents' Associations, Social Services or Environmental Health Officers. Others may come from solicitors, doctors, or from councillors. The Management Committee resolved that the service will operate a practical and comprehensive Equal Opportunities Policy in every aspect of its work. It will be the clients' decision to try mediation even though they may be recommended by another party. How mediation works Once the service has been contacted, mediators will endeavour to contact both sides of the dispute and listen to their version of the problem. It may be necessary for clients to be referred on to another, more appropriate, agency. If deemed appropriate, a mediation session will be arranged on neutral ground where both sides are encouraged to talk through their dispute and explore any common ground so that a mutually acceptable agreement can be reached. Any solution reached will depend very much on the agreement of the parties involved. Already existing schemes in the UK have found that over 90% of the agreements arrived at with the help of a mediator are adhered to. The service is completely free to clients and either party may withdraw at any stage. Who are the mediators? The Mediators are local people who have been recruited as volunteers. They have a capacity to take up a neutral position and see both sides of a dispute. However, they receive extensive training in handling conflict and guiding disputants towards a successful resolution. The overall philosophy of mediation is not to impose solutions but to help people find their own. The trained mediators can provide a constructive framework in which disputants can air their grievances, clarify the issues and aim to negotiate an agreement both can accept. Staffing Luton Mediation currently employs 3 staff;a Mediation Manager, Office Manager and Casework Coordinator. All mediators offer their services freely as volunteers and receive full training. The office also assists clerical/office volunteers with placements as part of their course of studies or return to paid work plans. Location Luton Mediation is located at 15 New Bedford Road. It works on an outreach basis throughout the Borough of Luton. Funding The Borough of Luton have made grants on a yearly basis towards the running of the service. The Management Committee are always seeking funding from a variety of sources such as Trusts and Foundations. The group also relies upon goodwill and seeks commercial sponsorship. |
