The mediator shall promote a balanced process and shall encourage the parties to conduct the mediation in a collaborative, non-adversarial manner. Where appropriate, the mediator shall promote consideration of the interests of persons affected by actual or potential agreements who are not present or represented at the mediation. A mediator shall give information only in those areas where qualified by training or experience. When providing information, the mediator shall do so in a manner that will neither affect the parties' perception of the mediator's impartiality, nor the parties' self-determination. Impartiality A mediator shall be impartial and advise all parties of any circumstances bearing on possible bias, prejudice, or impartiality.
Impartiality means freedom from favoritism or bias in word, action, and appearance.
Impartiality implies a commitment to aid all parties in moving toward an agreement. A mediator shall avoid conduct which gives the appearance of partiality towards one of the parties. A mediator should guard against partiality or prejudice based on the parties personal characteristics, background, or performance at the mediation. If at any time the mediator is unable to conduct the process in an impartial manner, the mediator is obligated to withdraw. The mediator has a duty to remain free from conflict of interest that could in any way affect the ability of the mediator to conduct a neutral and balanced process.