Skip links

SEND Mediation

Mediation can help parents, young people and local authorities reach agreements about arrangements for young people with special educational needs and disabilities.

If you are thinking about making an appeal to the SEND Tribunal about an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan or an EHC needs assessment, you can choose to go to a mediation meeting first. This is a chance to talk face-to-face with someone from your local authority with the help of an impartial mediator. Mediation aims to improve communication and understanding by bringing both parties together and helping them find an early solution that everyone agrees with. This may prevent the need for a tribunal.

The meeting is managed by an independent mediator who has knowledge of SEND and the law. They facilitate a controlled and balanced conversation, making sure everyone is treated fairly and able to have their say. The parties are encouraged to listen to each other’s views and given the chance to ask questions. Once the parties have an up-to-date understanding of the issues, the mediator helps them to explore possible solutions and ways forward.

Find a mediator

Medical Negligence Mediation

Mediation is a confidential process and can provide a level of flexibility that other forms of litigation may not. The process can take anywhere between a few hours to a number of days depending on what each party wants to achieve, and it can take place at any point during a claim, including before court proceedings are issued.

One of the key benefits of including a mediator is that they encourage communication between the parties involved in a case, wherein other forms of litigation they may have broken down. Mediation will also help identify issues that really matter to each party and take a more rounded approach to facilitate the needs and wishes of both parties involved.

In any medical negligence claim, it is unlikely that either party will want to go through the stress and expense of litigation or a trial therefore mediation provides a comparatively quick and fair resolution whilst minimising unwanted stress.

Find a mediator

Find a Mediator

Welcome to the Civil Mediation Council’s search facility where you can find professional mediators. All mediators listed here have completed recognised training courses, abide by a recognised Code of Practice, are appropriately insured, undertake annual continuous professional development and offer access to a complaints service if necessary, and so will provide you with an assured dispute resolution service.