Remote Mediation During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The rapid spread of the coronavirus pandemic has caused governments of many countries to take steps aimed at minimizing contact between people. Thus, dispute resolution procedures in Great Britain, including arbitration & mediation, have been moved online. 

Great Britain: Virtual Mediation

Resolving a dispute through mediation at a time of social distancing requires taking some simple steps. Let’s see what they are.

• Step 1: Concluding Mediation Agreements Remotely

This involves agreeing on & electronically signing a specific mediation agreement necessary for proceeding with remote mediation in Great Britain.

• Step 2: Selecting an Online Platform

This step requires parties to select an online platform on which mediation proceedings will be taking place. It also involves having access to the necessary software & ensuring reliability of Internet connection & data protection during the resolution of an international dispute in Great Britain.

• Step 3: Preparing E-Signatures & Draft Agreement

At this stage, parties need to discuss all medication-related matters, prepare a draft agreement & scan signatures.

• Step 4: Doing Comms Check

Here, parties need to make sure that the technology & equipment they’ll be using is reliable. In particular, that involves checking microphones, verifying Internet speed & setting up lighting.

• Step 5: Preparing Documentation & Preventing Interference

On the day of remote dispute resolution through mediation, parties need to ensure that they have prepared all the necessary documentation & that no one is able to interfere with the hearing.