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The Mediation Clinic.

Mediation is a voluntary and empowering process where parties to a dispute can resolve their differences in a structured, yet informal setting, with the guidance of an impartial mediator who does not take sides. The whole process is completely confidential and is much quicker and cheaper than going to court.

Benefits of Mediation

Less costly than litigation
Quicker than litigation
More informal
No win-lose
Helps maintain relationships
Solutions found can be much more creative compared to the restrictive remedies available through court
Outcome agreed together

Nick Fairweather at Fairweather Solicitors and President of Kent Law Society has worked with the University’s Mediation Clinic. He says:

‘There are lots of benefits (to mediation) in terms of accessibility, cost efficiency, empowerment and the courts being so busy...it gives the participants ownership of the event and the outcome which you just don’t get given in court.

People have this perception that they want their day in court, and they imagine it’s going to be some brilliant, victorious outcome and that’s very seldom it. Going to court, people can be quite disempowered because it all goes over to the lawyers; they’re a little bit marginalised, whereas if you’re there with the help of a mediator, actually having your input and step-by-step (support to) building an agreement, you’ll have real ownership of an agreement that is more likely to stand up.’

Next Steps

If you are experiencing tension or issues with any of the following, the University’s Mediation Clinic may be able to help:

In the workplace - with colleagues, your employer or a business partner
With a supplier, customer or contractor
With a landlord, tenant or neighbour

Our Mediation Clinic offers a confidential and impartial service with a primary focus on education. Our ethos for our fee structure is to maintain the lowest fees to meet and support local needs whilst delivering a quality and professional service.

See more about the Mediation Clinic here.

Email mediationclinic@canterbury.ac.uk