Observer Guidance

Terms & Conditions for Observing Clerksroom Mediations

 

1. Payment

An invoice shall be provided for the number of mediations you have requested to observe. You will only be added to the observations mailing list on receipt of cleared payment. Receipt of payment will be taken as your agreement to these terms and conditions.

 

2. Appointing process

When an observation becomes available, the details will be emailed to all members on the observations mailing list. The first to respond to say they would like to observe will be allocated the observation. We will advise all members when an observation has been taken.

 

3. Objections/Cancellations

On occasion, we may receive an objection to someone observing a mediation or a booked mediation is cancelled/postponed. We will inform you immediately if this is the case and you will continue to receive notifications of alternative observations until you have secured the number of observations paid for. Please note that we are unable to reimburse any travel/costs you may of incurred, should this happen.

 

4. Guidance for once appointed

Upon being allocated an observation, we will email you the mediator’s email address.  Please make contact with the mediator to introduce yourself as soon as possible.

You should not expect to see papers or have any pre-reading. 

Dress should be smart, even for remote mediations.

Please attend the mediation at least 30 minutes early and ask for the mediator upon arrival. If remote, arrange with the mediator a suitable time prior to the mediation to join the remote conference.

You will be asked to sign the mediation agreement for confidentiality.

The observer should always maintain a high standard of conduct and keep in mind the importance and the potentially stressful nature of the occasion for the participants.

The observer should not play any role in the mediation whatsoever.  Please refrain from making any comments unless specifically asked by the mediator.   

If the mediation takes place at a Clerksroom venue tea, coffee and water will be provided throughout the day free of charge. Lunch is rarely provided.  Unless you are informed otherwise please make provision to supply your own. 

The majority of the mediations are booked from 10.00am – 5.00pm.  A few go into overtime and it is beneficial if you can stay to the end.

Mediators will naturally have different styles and approaches so each mediation you observe may follow a different format.

 

5. Timescale

You will remain on the observations mailing list for however long is necessary for you to secure the number of observations you have paid for. However, if a 6 month period has lapsed where you have not actively responded to any observation opportunities, you will be removed from the mailing list and no refund will be provided for observations not undertaken (unless an extension has been specifically agreed directly with Clerksroom, due to extenuating circumstances).

 

We hope you enjoy and gain a lot from the day.  Any queries please contact us on 01823 704 099.

Can't find what you are looking for or prefer to talk?

Barristers: 01823 247 247 Mediators: 01823 704 099