MEDIATION NATALIE JOHNSON WIRED MEDIATION DISAGREEMENT RESOLUTION SERVICE

MEDIATION NATALIE JOHNSON WIRED MEDIATION & DISAGREEMENT RESOLUTION SERVICE

MEDIATION IS “A PROCESS FOR RESOLVING DISPUTES, WHERE AN INTERMEDIARY HELPS CONFLICTING PARTIES HAVE A CONVERSATION, TO JOINTLY RESOLVE THEIR CONCERNS” THE MEDIATORS HANDBOOK (2016)

Conflict is a symptom of imperfect human systems such as corporations, marriages, and communities. Almost every aspect of a system causes conflict for somebody. Rules and expectations don’t fit, information doesn’t flow to the right places, people fight about who sets goals or makes decisions, resources are distributed unevenly and we argue about boundaries and policies- The Mediators Handbook

SEND MEDIATION Children and Families Act (2014) makes a distinction between Mediation and Disagreement Resolution. Mediation arrangements are specifically linked to decisions about EHC Needs Assessments and plans. Disagreement Resolution can be used any time if both parties agree. Mediation can take place following decisions by a local authority not to carry out an EHC needs assessment, not to draw up an EHC plan, around the content of a final or amended plan, and following a decision not to amend or a decision to cease to maintain a plan.

AN EXCEPTION TO THE RULE Parents and young people do not have to contact the mediation adviser prior to registering their appeal with the Tribunal if their appeal is solely around the placement in section I. The Co. P says that the name of the placement should already have been discussed in detail with the local authority and resolving a dispute around this should be made through disagreement resolution arrangements.

Traditional mediation is voluntary by both parties, SEND mediation however places a duty on the local authority to attend each one that is requested. Some of the potential benefits of mediation are better relationships with families, time and money saved as resolution can be reached without the need for Tribunal, less stress on families and organisations.

WHAT IS EXPECTED OF ME AT SEND MEDIATION?

YOU ARE EXPECTED TO……. . • TELL US AT LEAST 48 HOURS IN ADVANCE IF YOU ARE ATTENDING • BE ABLE TO MAKE DECISIONS ON THE DAY THAT RELATE TO THE ISSUES BEING MEDIATED • BE PREPARED • BE AVAILABLE • RESPECT THE PROCESS • BE OPEN TO FINDING A RESOLUTION • BE PROFESSIONAL

FINALLY……. . • MEDIATION IS A TIRING PROCESS AND SELF-CARE IS IMPORTANT. A GOOD NIGHTS SLEEP, STAYING HYDRATED, EATING WELL AND SOLID SUPERVISION WILL SUPPORT THOSE OF YOU THAT ATTEND MEDIATIONS REGULARLY. • FEEDBACK AND SERVICE DEVELOPMENT