A mediator is a neutral third party whose role is to assist the parties in resolving their dispute by mutual agreement. The mediator has no authority to decide the outcome of the controversy or to force settlement upon the parties. A mediator shall have completed at least 30 hours of basic mediation training and hold a certificate demonstrating such training. They should be honest and unbiased, act in good faith, be diligent, and never seek to advance their own interests at the expense of the parties. The mediator must maintain impartiality toward all parties.
Impartiality means a commitment to serve all mediation parties as opposed to a single party.
The mediator should disclose to the parties any affiliations which the mediator may have with any participant and obtain all parties' consent to proceed as mediator. The mediator has an obligation to assure that all parties understand the nature of the mediation process, the procedures to be utilized, and the particular role of the mediator. Each party's consent to proceed with mediation should be obtained early, prior to the beginning of substantive negotiations. The mediator shall inform the parties of their rights to withdraw from mediation at any time and for any reason. If the mediator believes that the parties are unable or unwilling to participate effectively in the mediation process, the mediator should suspend or terminate the mediation.