Mediation

What is mediation?

Mediation is a process between two or more parties who, under the neutral chairmanship of a third party (the mediator), attempt to reach a solution together on one or more issues. An issue can be a conflict, but also a difference of opinion or a difficult process. The mediation process is conducted under a number of agreements. These agreements are set out in the so-called MfN Mediation Rules . The same rules also apply to court mediations.

What is mediation versus conflict resolution?

Conflict resolution is a specific form of mediation. Mediation is a form of conflict resolution, but conflict resolution is not always mediation.
And to make matters more complicated: pre-mediation is a form of mediation but not mediation. Preventive mediation is neither mediation nor conflict mediation but rather discussion and process guidance.
In mediation, there are specific rules that must be signed in advance. In conflict resolution, preventive mediation or pre-mediation, this is not standard practice.

What is a mediator?

A mediator is a specialist who helps parties resolve their conflict (or issue). This process is called mediation. The title of mediator is not legally protected. Anyone can call themselves a mediator! An MfN-registered mediator is a protected title. Therefore, be very careful when selecting your mediator. It goes without saying that all our mediators are both MfN and IMI registered mediators.

The titles MfN-registered mediator and NMI-registered mediator are both protected. The MfN register ensures that only the right mediators are allowed to use the title MfN-registered mediator. MfN stands for Mediatorsfederatie Nederland (Dutch Mediators’ Federation). The MfN register is managed and maintained by the Stichting Kwaliteit Mediators (SKM) (Mediators’ Quality Foundation).

An IMI Mediator is a mediator certified by the International Mediation Institute (IMI) . This certification demonstrates that a mediator meets strict, independent international standards for competence, skills and experience in the field of mediation. The IMI acts as a global standard-setter for mediation and offers a quality mark, which is particularly useful for international and cross-border conflicts.

Code of Conduct for MfN-registered mediators

Every MfN-registered mediator must adhere to the MfN rules of conduct. Although these rules are logical for a true professional, it is good that they are clearly set out . This makes it clearer to users of the services of an MfN-registered mediator what they can expect from the conflict mediator. In the event of any complaints about the MfN-registered mediator in question, their conduct, or lack thereof, will be compared with these rules of conduct.