Apologies in Mediation

While mediation is often marketed as cheaper and faster than litigation, most mediators are motivated by wider aspirations. For many of us, our work holds the promise of more profound resolution, incorporating elements courts cannot order: explanation, acknowledgement and apology. But are apologies always helpful? What makes a good apology? And should mediators encourage them?

And what happens when all this takes place in the shadow of the law? Few practitioners are aware that Scotland has its own Apologies Act. In a groundbreaking study of Canadian medical negligence mediation, Tamara Relis found that 100% of physicians and 0% of their lawyers listed an apology among their mediation aims. The pattern was similar for claimants (88% v 32%).

This online (Zoom) masterclass (run by Charlie Irvine) looks at the why and how of apology. We will consider:

• The essential components of an apology (and the “half-apology”)
• Their moral and emotional implications
• Their legal implications
• How and when mediators may play a role

Charlie Irvine Biography: Charlie briefly practised as a solicitor before training as a family mediator and going on to manage Scotland’s largest family mediation service. After gaining his MSc in Conflict Resolution and Mediation Studies from Birkbeck University of London, Charlie founded University of Strathclyde master’s programme in Mediation and Conflict Resolution in 2010. The Mediation Clinic was launched in 2011, offering students the opportunity to mediate real-world disputes while providing a service to the local community. Since then the Clinic has expanded its scope and is now funded by Scottish Government to provide a free mediation service across most of Scotland’s courts.

Cost: £40 for members and £60 for non-members.

To book this event please click HERE