If you are involved in a dispute and feel that mediation might help to resolve it or you have a general query about mediation - then please contact our office in Dewsbury - 01924 520818.
For many households in Kirklees and Wakefield - mediation can be provided free. We take paid referrals through a variety of agencies including Kirklees Metropolitan Council Environmental Services, Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing and some Registered Social Landlords. If you have a case we would urge you to contact us to discuss what funding might be available.
Generally though mediation is free if...
· you live in Wakefield
· you are a KNH tenant or your dispute is with a KNH tenant
· you live in Kirklees and the dispute relates to environmental health
Does Mediation Really Work?
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if someone says I've got to go to mediation?
Mediation is a voluntary process, you can choose if you want to take part or not. You may find it useful to phone Mediation Yorkshire to find out more about the mediation process before you decide.
Mediation is a voluntary process, you can choose if you want to take part or not. You may find it useful to phone Mediation Yorkshire to find out more about the mediation process before you decide.
Do I have to pay for mediation?
In Kirklees KNH tenants and residents with disputes about environmental services issues will not have to pay. If you contact the service we will be able to let you know if your mediation costs will be covered or give you information about our fees. In Wakefield the service is free to all households.
Where and when will I meet the mediators?
The mediators will make the first visit to your home. Sessions can be offered daytime or evening to suit your circumstances. The mediators will then encourage you to come to a joint meeting at a safe and neutral location. Meetings can be held during the daytime or during the evenings – whichever best suits the parties.
What will I need to bring with me to a mediation session?
You do not need to bring anything with you to the session, just be prepared to talk to the mediators about your concerns.
Is mediation part of the court process?
No, mediation is an independent and voluntary process. Mediation Yorkshire has no legal authority to enforce agreements.
Staff, Mediators and Managment Committee
Mediation Yorkshire is a registered charity. Our services are delivered by both paid staff and volunteers.
Our Mediators
Our Mediators are local people from all different walks of life who have been trained in mediation and conflict handling skills. They are impartial and neutral and aim to encourage neighbours to communicate, find common ground and a way forward. Our Mediators do not negotiate with or advise parties but enable them to communicate with one another. Our Mediators abide by a strict confidentiality code and do not make details public unless the parties concerned give joint consent.
Our Staff
The office is staffed by a team of four part time staff. Most of our staff are trained mediators and will be able to advise you if your case is suitable for mediation. They will also be able to advise if funding might be available for your case.
Our Management Committee
The Management Committee is made up of volunteers from a number of different backgrounds. The Management Committee meet every 6 weeks and help to provide strategic direction for the organisation. The Management Committee currently comprises of representatives from the voluntary and community sector, local business, the legal sector as well as a qualified accountant.
Our Mediators
Our Mediators are local people from all different walks of life who have been trained in mediation and conflict handling skills. They are impartial and neutral and aim to encourage neighbours to communicate, find common ground and a way forward. Our Mediators do not negotiate with or advise parties but enable them to communicate with one another. Our Mediators abide by a strict confidentiality code and do not make details public unless the parties concerned give joint consent.
Our Staff
The office is staffed by a team of four part time staff. Most of our staff are trained mediators and will be able to advise you if your case is suitable for mediation. They will also be able to advise if funding might be available for your case.
Our Management Committee
The Management Committee is made up of volunteers from a number of different backgrounds. The Management Committee meet every 6 weeks and help to provide strategic direction for the organisation. The Management Committee currently comprises of representatives from the voluntary and community sector, local business, the legal sector as well as a qualified accountant.