Construction Mediation with Bite
24 February 2009
Consistent feedback from the construction sector shows the most utilised dispute resolution mechanism in the business, adjudication, is becoming expensive, with many wayward and unreliable judgements, and so less popular.
Not unnaturally the majority of professionals regard the alternative of mediation with scepticism - "We are used to negotiation. We know our business intimately. You supply mediation - what does this add to what we have?"
So to create a real alternative, in conjunction with our industry colleagues and specialist panel members, we have developed a model which is more than purely facilitative. It would:
- provide skilled mediators who are also experienced in the construction sector;
- use that knowledge to thoroughly test the reality of positions, avoiding time wasting "grandstanding";
- provide an opinion on what the outcome might be, based on the facts discovered during the discussions.
- allow the decision makers to reach agreement based on their interests and if they chose, that opinion.
This is in addition to the normal benefits of mediation - decision makers at the table, speed, known costs, reduced stress and usually a documented outcome with which both or all parties can live.
Our lead mediators in this are Gill Alexander, Kahleen Crawford, and Daphne Wassermann, with the legal experience of David Semple. Their CVs showing their industry experience are available here Mediators.
If you would like to explore this further, please contact David at mailto:david@catalystmediation.co.uk