Mediation can be an effective early intervention to prevent disputes getting out of hand and enabling those in dispute to reconcile their differences themselves, with skilled assistance. A variety of models exist - independent, "flying" mediators, in-house and hybrids of these. Any authority considering introducing mediation is advised to contact the Community Mediation Consultancy and Training Service ( see other sources of information on good practice).
Good Practice Model | Authority | Key Player |
SACRO managed independent community mediation services managed by full-time managers, assisted by a small number of full time mediators supported by a pool of well trained and skilled volunteer mediators exist in several authority areas. | East Lothian
Edinburgh
Aberdeen
Fife
Dundee
Perth & Kinross
(from April 2003) | See "other sources of information" for
addresses
Liz Cooper
Estates Manager
01577 867 615
LCooper@pkc.gov.uk |
In-house scheme run jointly by council and local Housing Associations. Selected staff are trained in mediation techniques. To ensure impartiality HA staff mediate council disputes and vice versa. | Inverclyde | Lesley Kerr
Housing Policy Officer
01475 712 540
Lesley.Kerr@inverclyde.gov.uk |
Joint one-year pilot scheme between two Ayrshire councils. To ensure impartiality staff from a variety of council departments, trained in mediation techniques mediate in their partner council's areas, one party must be associated with a council tenancy. | South Ayrshire |
Rob Jones
Housing Operations
Manager
01292 612 038
rob.jones@south.ayrshire.gov.uk
|
East Ayrshire | John Pilkington
Best Value Officer
01563 576 616
John.Pilkington@east-ayrshire.gov.uk |
In-house service with 10 trained mediators available to dedicate half a day per week to the service. Staff mediate outwith their own areas. Service is co-ordinated by ASI'ST ( see section 3). | West Dunbartonshire | Martin McKendrick
Assistant Team Leader
01389 608 999
martin.mckendrick@west-dunbarton.gov.uk |
Mediation Service set up in 1997, operated from Housing Service but independent of it. Available to all residents regardless of tenure. | South Lanarkshire | Cameron Mitchell
Tenant Participation Officer (Strategy)
01698 454 739
cameron.mitchell@southlanarkshire.gov.uk |
In-house service with referrals from Council, Police, three local Housing Associations, Procurator Fiscal, elected members, self-referral, local solicitors and health professionals. | Scottish Borders
(now Scottish Borders Association) | Mark Canavan
Neighbour Disputes Manager
01835 825 022
Mcanavan@scotborders.gov.uk |
There are also a number of fairly recently introduced
in-house schemes:
Renfrewshire - Co-ordinated by ASI'ST ( see section 3). | Renfrewshire | Bryan Healy
ASI'ST and
Mediation Manager
01505 325 030
bryan.healy@renfrewshire.gov.uk |
North Lanarkshire - Co-ordinated by ASTF
( see section 3). Begun in February 2002. | North Lanarkshire | Matt Costello
Principal Investigator
01236 622 500
CostelloM@northlan.gov.uk |
Clackmannanshire - Co-ordinated by Clackmannanshire Anti-Social Liaison and Mediation. (CALM). | Clackmannanshire | Lawrence Hunter
Service Manager
Housing Management
01259 452 681
Lhunter@clacks.gov.uk |
Falkirk Mediation Service is co-ordinated by FIRST ( see section 3) but operates from separate premises and has an independent logo and identity. Has Chartermark status. | Falkirk | Natalie Moore-Young
Conflict Resolution Manager
01324 503 698
natalie.mooreyoung@falkirk.gov.uk |