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                    EUROPEAN CODE OF CONDUCT FOR MEDIATORS

1. COMPETENCE, APPOINTMENT AND FEES OF MEDIATORS AND PROMOTION

OF THEIR SERVICES

 

1.1. Competence

Mediators must be competent and knowledgeable in the process of mediation.

Relevant factors include proper training and continuous updating of their education

and practice in mediation skills, having regard to any relevant standards or

accreditation schemes.

1.2. Appointment

Mediators must confer with the parties regarding suitable dates on which the

mediation may take place. Mediators must verify that they have the appropriate

background and competence to conduct mediation in a given case before accepting

the appointment. Upon request, they must disclose information concerning their

background and experience to the parties.

1.3. Fees

Where not already provided, mediators must always supply the parties with complete

information as to the mode of remuneration which they intend to apply. They must not

agree to act in a mediation before the principles of their remuneration have been

accepted by all parties concerned.

1.4. Promotion of mediators' services

Mediators may promote their practice provided that they do so in a professional,

truthful and dignified way.

 

2. INDEPENDENCE AND IMPARTIALITY

 

2.1. Independence

If there are any circumstances that may, or may be seen to, affect a mediator's

independence or give rise to a conflict of interests, the mediator must disclose those

circumstances to the parties before acting or continuing to act.

Such circumstances include:

– any personal or business relationship with one or more of the parties;

– any financial or other interest, direct or indirect, in the outcome of the

mediation;

– the mediator, or a member of his firm, having acted in any capacity other

than mediator for one or more of the parties.

In such cases the mediator may only agree to act or continue to act if he is certain of

being able to carry out the mediation in full independence in order to ensure complete

impartiality and the parties explicitly consent.

The duty to disclose is a continuing obligation throughout the process of mediation.

2.2. Impartiality

Mediators must at all times act, and endeavour to be seen to act, with impartiality

towards the parties and be committed to serve all parties equally with respect to the

process of mediation.

 

3. THE  MEDIATION AGREEMENT, PROCESS AND SETTLEMENT

 

3.1. Procedure

The mediator must ensure that the parties to the mediation understand the

characteristics of the mediation process and the role of the mediator and the parties in

it.

The mediator must in particular ensure that prior to commencement of the mediation

the parties have understood and expressly agreed the terms and conditions of the

mediation agreement including any applicable provisions relating to obligations of

confidentiality on the mediator and on the parties.

The mediation agreement may, upon request of the parties, be drawn up in writing.

The mediator must conduct the proceedings in an appropriate manner, taking into

account the circumstances of the case, including possible imbalances of power and

any wishes the parties may express, the rule of law and the need for a prompt

settlement of the dispute. The parties may agree with the mediator on the manner in

which the mediation is to be conducted, by reference to a set of rules or otherwise.

The mediator may hear the parties separately, if he deems it useful.

3.2. Fairness of the process

The mediator must ensure that all parties have adequate opportunities to be involved

in the process.

The mediator must inform the parties, and may terminate the mediation, if:

– a settlement is being reached that for the mediator appears unenforceable or

illegal, having regard to the circumstances of the case and the competence of

the mediator for making such an assessment, or

– the mediator considers that continuing the mediation is unlikely to result in a

settlement.

3.3. The end of the process

The mediator must take all appropriate measures to ensure that any agreement is

reached by all parties through knowing and informed consent, and that all parties

understand the terms of the agreement.

The parties may withdraw from the mediation at any time without giving any

justification.

The mediator must, upon request of the parties and within the limits of his

competence, inform the parties as to how they may formalise the agreement and the

possibilities for making the agreement enforceable.

 

4. CONFIDENTIALITY

The mediator must keep confidential all information arising out of or in connection

with the mediation, including the fact that the mediation is to take place or has taken

place, unless compelled by law or grounds of public policy to disclose it. Any

information disclosed in confidence to mediators by one of the parties must not be

disclosed to the other parties without permission, unless compelled by law.

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