Health and NHS
The NHS Complaints Procedure and Directions currently provide for NHS Boards to consider the use of conciliation or mediation services where appropriate and when both parties agree. The Patients Rights (Scotland) Act 2011, introduces a “Right to Complain” and raises awareness of the possible use of mediation services in resolving complaints.
Mediation in the health context may be particularly useful when the involvement of an independent third party (the mediator) would help the individual and the health service better understand and address the complaint, or when the relationship between the individual and health professionals are likely to break down.
Mediation does not prevent those in a dispute from proceeding to court or from using health and NHS complaints procedures.
To find a local mediation service, or a mediator who serves your area, use Find A Mediator or call the Scottish Mediation Helpline on 0131 556 8118.
Religious
Disputes sometimes arise among fellow members of a faith, denomination or religious organisation. Mediators work in a range of situations, with individuals, leadership teams, whole congregations or other large groups. Mediation often opens a way forward for people who share a faith and who are struggling to work co-operatively together. The key is to help them address their grievances and build their own agreements for the future.
To find a local mediation service, or a mediator who serves your area, use Find A Mediator or call the Scottish Mediation Helpline on 0131 556 8118.
Third Sector
The “third sector “ includes those organisations that are neither public nor private sector. It includes voluntary and community organisations (both registered charities and other organisations such as associations, self-help groups and community groups).
In the Third Sector, mediation can be used in a wide variety of situations and is especially useful when disputes have arisen or there are relationship difficulties between board members, committee members, employees or volunteers. The very passion, drive and commitment that draws people into the third sector can heighten issues and very quickly escalate disagreements into major disputes. This is not only stressful and unpleasant for everyone involved but can lead to the loss of valuable individuals who choose to walk away from the stress and in some cases can jeopardise the future of the whole organisation. The need for third sector organisations to collaborate and work in partnership can also give rise to difficulties.
An independent mediator can help people work out and express what their issues are and then explore what options might be available for moving forward.
The Scottish Mediation Third Sector Project provides support and low cost mediation tailored to the needs of the sector.
Anyone in the third sector can phone Scottish Mediation Network for advice on whether an issue is appropriate for mediation. If it is and both parties are happy to participate, Scottish Mediation will arrange for a professional, accredited mediator to conduct a mediation at a low cost depending upon the size of the organisation. Organisations with an income of under £50,000 p.a. may be eligible for mediation at no cost.
For more information on Third Sector Mediation please click here or phone the Scottish Mediation Helpline on 0131 556 118 and quote “Third Sector”.
