Dispute Resolution Assessment Meeting

1.   Is mediation appropriate?

Brief details of the dispute are shared with the Mediator to ascertain if mediation is appropriate. On occasions legal advice may be recommended to help clarify the participant's legal position.  Other times, dispute type specific experts may be required to give the participants advice.  

At this stage alternative dispute resolution methods may also be discussed, for example, adjudication, arbitration or conciliation.

2.    What is the DRAM process?

Each participant will be offered up to one hour free consultation with the Mediator. If the Mediator agrees that a mediation is appropriate, and the participants want to proceed with mediation, then the mediation process will commence.  The consultation will be undertaken either on the telephone or using a conference call facility.  If appropriate a face-to-face DRAM can be agreed and arranged.

3.   What are the benefits of DRAM?

DRAM will enable each of the participants to have private and confidential conversations with the Mediator without any commitment to progressing with a mediation process. The conversation will be without prejudice to any future actions being taken.  DRAM will enable the Mediator to explain the mediation process, preparation required including the need to approach the mediation with the best intentions in order to reach a resolution.

4.    What will DRAM cost?

DRAM is a free service. The consultation will usually be held on the telephone or conference call. If a face-to-face meeting is considered essential then the Mediator can reserve the right to claim costs and expenses, however, the aim of DRAM is to avoid costs being incurred.