Mediation is a structured process that involves parties in conflict coming together in a non-threatening environment to discuss their issues and disagreements in order to resolve the conflict in a sustainable way.

This discussion is facilitated by a qualified Mediator (or Mediators) who is an independent neutral person who is there to use his/her skills to ensure that parties are able to freely understand each others points of view and are able to explore potential solutions and thereby reach agreement.

Mediation is not an arbitration or legal/court process, where a decision is made by a third party. Any solution will have been reached and agreed on by the parties themselves; this is the crucial element in any solution being long term.