What is Mediation? 

Mediation is a method to resolve disputes and conflicts during which the parties meet a mediator who will help them to find a solution to their dispute. During mediation sessions, the parties in a dispute talk to each other while the mediator assists them and facilitates the communication. The parties will discuss how to find a fair, creative, suitable solution to overcome their disagreement.

What are the principles of mediation?

1. Impartiality

The mediator shall not take sides and form opinions. The mediator is required to maintain an impartial approach before, during and after the mediation process. If there is a conflict of interest, the mediator shall withdraw from the mediation process and ask a fellow mediator to manage the discussion.

2. Confidentiality

The mediator has a duty to protect the privacy of the parties. Therefore, the mediator is not allowed to share any information that was obtained during the process nor to discuss the outcome of mediation beyond the mediation table. Added to this, if the parties during the introductory stage ask that certain information should not be disclosed to the other party of the dispute, the mediator has a duty to keep it confidential.

3. Voluntariness

The aim of mediation is to help the parties reach a voluntary agreement that everyone will adhere to. Therefore, if the conversation is not moving in the direction of a resolution that both parties find desirable, each of them is able to withdraw from the process at any point.

What is the role of the mediator?

The mediator is an impartial third party whose role is to facilitate the discussion between the parties in conflict so as to reach a mutually agreeable solution. The mediator does not propose or impose any solutions but rather creates a safe environment in which the parties have equal opportunities to exchange information and to be heard. The mediator manages the process, but the parties manage the outcome.

When Can We Not Mediate? 

Conflict can and may occur in many areas of student life. Peer mediators are there to help when they can. However, there are some areas that we can mediate, and some areas we cannot. 

We CANNOT mediate in:

• Crime
• Violence and abuse
• Additional Learning Support
• Disputes between you and your tutors/lecturers 

Why Choose Mediation?

As an effective response to interpersonal disputes, mediation affords parties an opportunity to engage in meaningful and constructive dialogue. It fosters cooperation by focusing on the parties’ shared interests and needs rather than the fixed positions into which they may have settled, whilst allowing for the fashioning of flexible, creative, and personalized solutions that are mutually beneficial to all parties involved.

About Us:

Whether it be between flatmates, classmates, friends or acquaintances we understand that disagreements occur. This is where we come in.

As an enthusiastic team of law students who have studied Dispute Resolution and trained as peer mediators, we aim to help you solve your conflicts. Originating from various parts of the world we hope to demonstrate our diversity by embracing an approach that is fully inclusive and non-biased.  

During these unprecedented times we encourage you to make use of our online mediation services. 

We hold your interests to a high regard and are happy to be available at a time that best suits you.

Academic leads: Dr Maria Federica Moscati; Ms Jeanette Ashton 

How to get in touch:

Email us at: mediationclinic@sussex.ac.uk

Upon email booking, two peer mediators will meet you and the other party online. You might resolve your dispute in one or more meetings.

Responsibility and accountability disclaimer

The mediators are not responsible or accountable for the decision that the parties will reach during mediation.