Is Mandatory Mediation a Good Idea?

Following the Woolf reforms in the late 90s, are we on the
precipice of another great wave in the uptake of mediation in the
United Kingdom?


There is increasing support for greater use of mediation from
both the judiciary, in particular the Master of the Rolls, Sir
Geoffrey Voss and the UK government, who intends to introduce
mandatory mediation in all contested claims under £10,000 in the
country court in England and Wales.


However, some within the dispute resolution community are
sceptical about mandating a process that inherently relies upon
and yields success from being voluntary.


This podcast, recorded remotely, is a robust exchange of ideas on
the issue of whether mandating mediation is a good
idea.


In favour, we have James South, a native New
Zealander, CEDR’s CEO and a Mediator and conflict trainer with
over 25 years of experience based here in London.


And, with some not considerable reservations about mandating
mediation, a fellow Kiwi, leading international mediator with
Brick Court Chambers and Maxwell Mediators, Geoff
Sharp.


For more information about CEDR's view on mandatory mediation,
read James Souths' white paper 'Mandatory Mediation -
Everything you Need to Know' here.