Code of Conduct for Mediators

Code of Conduct for Mediators

Professional Standards, Expectations, and Values

Values That Guide Our Approach

This Code reflects the Agency’s wider values:

Ethical practice over expediency
Professional integrity over promotion
Quality and fairness over volume
Trust, transparency, and accountability

Mediators who share these values help strengthen confidence in mediation as a trusted dispute resolution process.

Commitment to the Code

By working with or through the Dispute Resolution Agency, mediators confirm their commitment to:

Upholding this Code of Conduct
Acting ethically and professionally
Supporting fair and effective mediation practice

This Code is reviewed periodically to remain aligned with best practice and the evolving mediation landscape.

What Is the Code of Conduct for Mediators?

Introduction

The Code of Conduct is a shared professional framework that defines how mediators are expected to behave, practise, and make decisions when supporting parties in dispute.

It exists to:

Protect the integrity of mediation
Support high professional standards
Promote fairness, trust, and confidence in mediation services
Ensure consistency across mediation practices supported by the Agency

This Code complements, rather than replaces, any regulatory, professional, or membership body obligations.

Who the Code Applies To

This Code applies to mediators who:

Work with the Dispute Resolution Agency
Receive referrals through Agency-linked platforms
Are listed within associated mediation directories
Adopt Agency frameworks, processes, or fixed-fee schemes

By engaging with the Agency, mediators confirm their alignment with these standards.

Core Principles of the Code of Conduct

Independence and Impartiality

Mediators must remain neutral and independent at all times.

In practice, this means:

Avoiding conflicts of interest
Disclosing any potential bias or prior involvement
Treating all parties fairly and without preference

If impartiality cannot be assured, the mediator should decline or withdraw from the appointment.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality is essential to effective mediation.

Mediators are expected to:

Safeguard all information shared during mediation
Explain confidentiality clearly to participants
Respect legal and safeguarding exceptions where disclosure is required

Confidential information must never be used for personal, professional, or commercial gain.

Voluntary Participation and Party Self-Determination

Mediation is a voluntary, participant-led process.

This means:

Parties choose whether to engage and continue
Decisions and outcomes remain with the parties
The mediator facilitates discussion but does not impose solutions

Mediators must avoid pressure, coercion, or undue influence.

Professional Competence

Mediators must practise within their level of training, experience, and expertise.

This includes:

Accepting only suitable cases
Maintaining ongoing professional development
Recognising when referral or specialist support is appropriate

Competence is essential to both ethical practice and effective outcomes.

Integrity and Transparency

Mediators must act honestly and professionally at all times.

This involves:

Clear explanations of process, roles, and fees
Accurate representation of qualifications and experience
Ethical handling of referrals and case allocation

Transparency builds trust in both the mediator and the mediation process.

Respect, Dignity, and Inclusivity

Mediators must create a safe, respectful, and balanced mediation environment.

This means:

Treating all participants with dignity and courtesy
Supporting inclusive and accessible practice
Managing power imbalances and vulnerability appropriately
Addressing behaviour that undermines constructive dialogue

Respect is fundamental to effective mediation.

Expected Professional Conduct

Mediators working with the Dispute Resolution Agency are expected to:

Act professionally in all communications and interactions
Maintain appropriate professional boundaries
Keep accurate records in line with data protection requirements
Communicate clearly, promptly, and respectfully
Work collaboratively with other professionals where appropriate

Conduct that risks harm to participants, the mediation process, or public confidence is not acceptable.

Accountability and Ongoing Responsibility

Mediators are responsible for their professional judgement and conduct.

This includes:

Reflecting on feedback and learning
Engaging constructively with concerns or complaints
Upholding standards consistently across all cases

The Dispute Resolution Agency may review engagement or listings where standards are not met.

At a Glance

This Code of Conduct sets out the professional standards expected of mediators working with the Dispute Resolution Agency.

It explains the principles, behaviours, and values that underpin ethical, impartial, and effective mediation practice.

Mediators who work with or through the Dispute Resolution Agency are expected to understand and adhere to this Code as part of their professional commitment.