What is iMediation?

iMediation

 

Often with commercial, civil or workplace relationships there can be non-complex, low value disputes where it may be unworkable to meet face-to-face or the conflict simply does not warrant it. This is where our iMediation service can be most useful.

 

iMediation, a form of remote mediation, is useful in situations where there exists a low value (less than £15,000) or non-complex issue, which does not warrant a comprehensive face-to-face mediation session.

 

iMediation is a service where a solution is formulated online and is for disputes where a face-to-face meeting may be impractical, perhaps where parties live//work far apart or where it is not commercially viable to congregate in person, relative to the dispute value.

 

Typically a dispute of less than £15,000 can be dwarfed by legal costs. Even a face-to-face mediation can be a disproportionate and an impractical way to settle lower value claims.

 

iMediation offers a robust, convenient, practical and considerably cheaper option than court which appeals to today’s online generation and business environment, to whom the internet is second nature.

 

The Process:

 

The iMediation date and time is agreed, this is usually set for a block time, for example 09:00 to 12:00, where both participants need to have access to a computer and with phone facilities free from distractions, at home or work for example.

 

We start with a separate introduction phone call to each participant in the iMediation, to set the scene and talk through how the iMediation process will work;and answer any questions they may have on the proceedings.

 

We then open the iMediation with an email to both parties (we can provide unique email addresses for this if required) which invites opening statements from both participants.

 

We then open up the iMediation to a free flow of points and discussions either through the mediator only; or including all participants at the mediator’s discretion; who would then ask questions and request clarification on points if they need to.

 

At some point the mediator may request private sessions with the participants; this could be a phone or email session. Once the private sessions are complete the mediator would move back into open session. Mediators are able to undertake open or closed sessions as is required throughout the mediation, just like a face-to-face mediation session.

 

The aim of iMediation is exactly the same as standard mediation, to close with offers of settlement, and ultimately an agreement to settle or a basis on which to move forward.

 

iMediation is suitable for mediations that are deemed ‘non complex’ and should conclude within 1 to 3 hours. iMediation requires a real need for both parties to have an appetite for a mutual settlement and a realisation of the bigger issue at stake if the matter did not settle or went to court.

 

It is a cost effective solution to non-complex, low value matters.

 

Statistic: 60 million disputes are resolved online annually by eBay alone, with rarely a case getting to court.