ACRE Mediation

Mediation is an effective tool for tackling a wide range of property and construction related issues. RICS DRS ACRE™ mediation service involves the facilitative role of a trained, neutral third party who will assist parties to come to and manage the settlement of their dispute.

A mediator helps to clarify and prioritise issues, crystallise needs, reality check and assist parties in search for solutions. They are facilitators who guide and manage the parties through a process of controlled negotiations to avoid escalation of conflict.

ACRE™ Mediation

We have developed a new, robust approach to mediation know as the ACRE™ Mediation Service. This service is:

Analytical – our mediators help the parties to analyse the circumstances, law, evidence, strengths and weaknesses of the issue to empower them to make pragmatic commercial settlement decisions.
Commercial - our mediation encompasses wide commercial as well as narrow legal realities and so can provide a flexible settlement that courts or arbitration cannot.
Restorative - our mediation focuses on restoring the business relationship between parties and is completely confidential to limit further damage.
Expert - our mediators have many years’ experience and expertise in the field of the dispute. They help parties reach a settlement, or narrow the issues in dispute, reducing court or arbitration costs.

Our mediators will not offer any evaluation of parties’ positions or opinion unless all parties expressly agree to seek it. Similarly, they will not advise on the merits of any settlement. They will chair and manage the mediation process, and oversee and manage negotiation between the parties.

Using a neutral third party can bring new energy to stalled negotiations, and our mediators will explore how parties are willing to move from entrenched positions by identifying the real issues between them and their concerns and needs.

Advantages of mediation

Mediation can improve communication, negotiation and build consensus. The mediation process is confidential, voluntary, flexible and unlike a court, there is no imposed decision: you retain ownership of and responsibility for any settlement that is reached.

Our Mediation Appointments Service allows you to control the outcome of the dispute rather than having it imposed. The process cannot start or continue without both parties’ agreement, meaning that you can control costs and leave the process at any time without a decision being bound upon you.

Why choose an RICS mediator?

Asking us to appoint a mediator will mean you save time researching the market place and will feel confident that the appointed mediator will be a trained property and construction professional who will usually be experienced in the subject of the dispute. The appointed mediator will be neutral and will have no connection with either of the parties or any interest in the outcome.

We have a register/panel of mediators who have undergone an intensive training programme and satisfy DRS requirements relating to observership/pupilage and CPD. Mediators on our register/panel are continually monitored to ensure they satisfy the requirements of the Civil Mediation Council.

What does our mediation service offer?

An appointment service where you would like us to appoint the mediator

If you ask us to appoint a mediator for you, you will receive the name of one mediator who has confirmed to us that he/she has no conflict of interest with either party and that he/she has the specific expertise to undertake the mediation, and is available as and when needed.

Appointment of the mediator is free of charge with each party paying the agreed fees to the mediator. However, we do recoup an administration fee from the mediator.

To apply, complete the DRS2M Mediation application form. Our guidelines for agreeing any fees with a mediator are also available.