Shuttle mediation involves a mediator shuttling between two parties in dispute who are placed in separate rooms (physical or virtual). This can be because one party feels unable to be in the same room as the other due to relationship history, physical or emotional safety concerns or when direct interaction is challenging.

‍

In practice, the mediator may agree to spend set periods of time with each party e.g. 15-minuteslots each, with the mediator moving between rooms and adapting time allocation based on party needs.  The mediator will share the same information in both rooms and remains neutral and impartial, whilst acting as a buffer between parties, hoping to minimise tension and confrontations, making it easier to focus on resolution.

While shuttle mediation is less successful than face-to-face mediation due to lost non-verbal cues, it can be essential in cases of safety concerns or physical barriers to meeting.

‍

As in any mediation, the mediator facilitates conversations and aims to helps parties communicate effectively by accurately conveying perspectives and messages accurately ,leading to better understanding and satisfactory resolutions. The lack of direct interaction between parties in a shuttle format can hinder the negotiation process and the ability to respond immediately to proposals or statements, impacting the effectiveness of communication and resolution, but shuttle mediation remains a faster and more cost-effective method to resolve disputes than litigation.

Shuttle mediation can provide a safe space to mediate when traditional mediation would not be considered appropriate and although it can take longer, it can be effective and a cost effective solution, especially in situations where face-to-face interaction is challenging or impossible

If you would like to know more about the types of mediation available, email us at hello@familymandm.co.uk or give us a call on 0800 206 2258