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  • Standards
    • Badging Regulators
  • Warnings
  • Mediators Fees
  • Addressing Concerns
  • Training to be a Mediator
  • How to Register
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  • Benchmark Standards Group

Terms & Conditions

Mediators Fees

Funding for mediation services varies. This means that the cost of mediation is different from place to place and depending on the sort of dispute you have.

Some services are free to the public while others need to charge. If the mediator’s service is not funded publicly and free, we recommend that you discuss the potential costs with the mediator.

If you have a dispute involving a legal matter, we suggest that you check with a solicitor as Legal Aid is sometimes available to cover the costs of mediation.

Mediation fees are likely to be given on an hourly or daily rate. Usually, responsibility for these fees is shared equally by the parties.

When considering the cost of mediation, it is useful also to find out and compare the cost of other ways of attempting to resolve the matter, such as going to Court. The Scottish Government's booklet "Resolving Disputes without going to Court" may be useful to you. Also, consider the cost of your time and the impact of delay in reaching a resolution to your dispute or conflict.

Decide what you want from mediation

Think about your goals for the mediation. Think about the dispute and the context in which you must resolve it. The approach to mediation and the experience of the mediator you choose may differ greatly depending on the type of conflict you are involved in.

Consider your budget. How much you can spend might limit your choice of mediator. Is there a time limit? Availability of the mediator may be another factor.

Talk to possible mediators

If you will be paying for mediation and are trying to decide which mediator to choose, visit the websites of mediators on the Register who say they have experience in the type of dispute you wish to resolve. What materials do they provide for you to read and how useful are they in helping you make an informed decision?

Call one or more of them and ask them to explain their experience in the type of dispute you are involved in; ask about the way they undertake Continuous Practice Development (CPD); would they meet you for an initial meeting to answer your questions and allow you to assess their suitability? Are their fees clear, will they discuss possible budgets and how they will invoice you?

How comfortable do the mediators make you feel that they understand the implications of the dispute? Do their suggestions on how the mediation might be conducted make sense and give you a feeling they have undertaken this type of mediation before? What qualities do they display when talking to you - such as impartiality, maturity, integrity and sensitivity. Look also for good communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal, ability to listen, clarify and summarise as well as good problem-solving and organisational skills.

Finally, it might be worth asking if they can put past clients in touch with you so that you can get an independent view of their skills and suitability.