Yes – it does and we have numerous examples of successes.
Each case will be taken on its own merit, but generally the type of cases MOST likely to benefit are those where:
· responsibility for problems is unclear or shared
· it is a first time complaint, or early in the life of the dispute
· there are grievances on both sides
· it is difficult to find evidence to support a complaint
· there are grey areas of the law or regulations
· people are willing to try mediation
Mediation is LESS likely to work when:
· people have difficulties negotiating- for example because of serious mental ill health, alcohol, drug or substance abuse
· extreme power imbalance exists between parties
· violence has recently occurred
· there are current legal proceedings between parties or between the referring agency and one or both of the parties.