(a)
A mediator shall conduct the mediation process in accordance with the principle of party self-determination, ensuring that all participating parties possess the legal capacity to engage, make informed decisions and act voluntarily, free from any form of coercion or undue influence.
(b)
Self-determination is the right of the parties in mediation to make their own voluntary, non-coerced decision regarding the possible resolution of any issue in dispute which decision is made without any improper influence. In online mediation, it also includes the ability to use the relevant communication technology.
(c)
A mediator shall not undermine any party's self- determination for reasons such as higher or lower settlement rates. Mediators shall provide information about their role in mediation before commencing mediation; including the fact that the authority for decision making rests with the parties and not with the mediator.
(d)
A mediator shall not provide legal or technical advice to the parties.
(e)
A mediator shall have the responsibility to advise unrepresented parties to obtain independent legal advice, where appropriate. Mediators shall also advise the parties of the need to consult other professionals to help them make informed decisions.
(a)
A mediator shall not accept an appointment without first disclosing anything within his or her knowledge that may, or may be seen to, materially affect his or her independence, neutrality or impartiality. This duty to disclose is a continuing obligation throughout the mediation process.
(b)
A mediator shall serve in matters where he or she can remain impartial throughout the process.
(c)
The existence of circumstances potentially affecting, or appearing to affect, a mediator's independence, neutrality or impartiality will not automatically imply unfitness to act as a mediator, provided that these circumstances have been fully disclosed and addressed to the satisfaction of the parties and the mediator.
(d)
Where a mediator becomes aware of his or her lack of impartiality, he or she shall immediately disclose to the parties that he or she can no longer remain impartial and shall withdraw from the mediation.
(e)
A mediator shall not act with partiality or prejudice based on any participant's status, profession, personal characteristics, background, values and beliefs or performance at a mediation or any other reason.
(f)
A mediator shall neither give nor accept a gift, favor, loan or other item of value that raises a question as to his or her actual or perceived impartiality.
(a)
A mediator shall not mediate cases where he or she has personal, professional or financial interest in the outcome of the dispute.
(b)
A mediator shall make a reasonable inquiry to determine whether there exist any facts that a reasonable person would consider likely to create a potential or actual conflict of interest for a mediator.
(c)
A mediator shall disclose, as soon as practicable, all actual and potential conflict of interest that are reasonably known to him or her and which could reasonably be seen as raising a question about his or her impartiality.
(d)
Following any such disclosures, a mediator shall decline to participate as a mediator in a particular case, if any of the parties raises an objection, unless the mediator considers the objection to be baseless.
(e)
After appropriate disclosure, the mediator may mediate the matter if all parties agree. However, if the conflict of interest clearly impairs his or her impartiality, the mediator shall withdraw regardless of the express agreement of the parties.
(f)
A mediator shall not create a conflict of interest during the mediation. During mediation, a mediator shall not provide any services that are not directly related to the mediation process. Information that the mediator shall disclose includes -
(i)
having acted in any capacity for any of the parties before;
(ii)
the mediator's firm, if applicable, having acted in any capacity for any of the parties;
(iii)
having any financial or other interest, whether direct or indirect, in any of the parties or in the subject matter or outcome of the mediation; or
(iv)
having any confidential information about any of the parties or in the subject matter of the mediation.
(4)
Professional relationship A mediator shall not establish a professional relationship with any of the parties in the matter related to the mediation which could give rise to a conflict of interest.
(5)
Commitment (a) A mediator's commitment is to the parties and the process and he or she shall not allow to be influenced by any third party to compromise his or her independence.
(b)
The mediator shall remind the parties before commencement of the mediation that his or her fees shall be paid by the Judiciary and not by the parties.
(6)
Nondisclosure and confidentiality (a) Mediation being confidential in nature, a mediator shall at all times, treat all information regarding mediation as confidential and shall not disclose any matter which a party requires to be kept confidential, except in the following circumstances - (i) when the mediating parties consent;
(ii)
where ordered to do so by court or required to do so by law;
(iii)
in circumstances as envisaged under the Judicature (Court Annexed Mediation) Rules, 2026;
(iv)
where the information or documentation discloses an actual or potential threat, anger to human life or safety of either party or any person, if the information in question is not disclosed;
(v)
where the information or documentation is necessary to defend the mediator from any proceedings or charges for which he or she risks incurring liability;
(vi)
for the purposes of preparing any report or summary that is required to be prepared by the mediator under the Judicature (Court Annexed Mediation) Rules, 2026; or
(vii)
when the information comes into public domain otherwise than as a result of a disclosure by the mediator.
(b)
A mediator shall inform the parties of the confidential nature of the mediation process.
(c)
A mediator shall not communicate to any non-participant information about how the parties acted in the mediation. A mediator shall report whether the parties appeared at a scheduled mediation and whether or not the parties reached a resolution.
(d)
In an online mediation, a mediator shall discuss with the parties the risks to privacy and confidentiality in using online communication, establish who is allowed to be present in the room and confirm that no one is recording the mediation proceedings.
(7)
Public standing of the profession and process (a) A mediator shall exercise his or her roles in a manner that maintains the standing of and public trust in the profession and process. Maintaining the standing of the profession and process involves refraining from conduct that might devalue the public's perception of mediation and the profession, or diminish the willingness of the public to use mediation.
(b)
A mediator shall exercise the mediator's role and discharge the mediator's duties in a manner worthy of the public's trust in the mediation process and profession.
(8)
Fairness (a) A mediator shall perform his or her role impartially and uphold a fair process throughout mediation.
(b)
In this Code of Conduct, fairness means adhering to the standards and interpreting them in line with their intended spirit and purpose. This approach emphasises a practical, substantive and contextual understanding of the standards and their impact on the parties, rather than a strictly formal or literal interpretation.
(9)
Information to parties Before mediation commences, a mediator shall inform the parties -
(a)
about his or her relevant background and experience;
(b)
about the Code of Conduct the mediator will observe;
(c)
about the process that will apply in the unlikely event of a party believing the mediator has not met the standards of the Code of Conduct; and
(d)
that at the end of the process, they will be invited to offer written feedback on the process and on the mediator's role.
(10)
Availability (a) Before accepting an appointment to mediate in respect of a specific matter that has been referred to a mediator, the mediator must be satisfied that he or she has time and attention essential to ensure that the mediation can proceed in an expeditious manner.
(b)
A mediator must notify the registrar or magistrate in charge of court annexed mediation of his or her absence in case he or she will or is likely to be away for an extended period of time that warrants non-allocation of court cases.
(11)
Quality of process (a) A mediator shall conduct mediation in accordance with this Code of Conduct and in a manner that promotes diligence, timeliness, and safety, presence of the appropriate participants, party participation, procedural fairness, party competency and mutual respect among all participants.
(b)
A mediator shall make reasonable efforts to ensure that the parties understand the mediation process before mediation commences.
(c)
A mediator shall ensure that he or she conducts a process which provides the parties with the opportunity to participate in the mediation and which encourages respect among the parties.
(d)
A mediator shall inform the parties to a dispute that mediation is only effective when the parties with full authority to settle are in attendance and when they are willing to consider options for their settlement.
(e)
A mediator shall acquire and maintain professional skills and abilities required to uphold the quality of the mediation process.
(f)
A mediator shall promote honesty and openness between and among all participants and shall not intentionally or knowingly misrepresent any material fact or circumstance in the course of conducting mediation.
(g)
If for any reason a party exercises self-determination, a mediator shall cancel or postpone the mediation.
(h)
A mediator shall neither give nor accept a gift or favor, loan or other item of value in any mediation process. During the mediation process, a mediator shall not solicit or otherwise attempt to procure future professional services or accept any offers made for such services.
(i)
A mediator shall be patient, dignified and courteous during the mediation process.
(j)
A mediator shall not accept any engagement, provide any service or perform any act that would compromise his or her integrity or impartiality.
(k)
A mediator shall not conduct a dispute resolution procedure which is not mediation, but knowingly label it as a mediation process in an effort to mislead and gain the protection of rules, statutes or other governing authorities pertaining to court annexed mediation.
(l)
If mediation is being used to further criminal conduct, a mediator shall take appropriate steps including, filing a report seeking further directions from the court.
(12)
Advertising (a) A mediator shall refrain from guaranteeing settlement or promising specific results.
(b)
A mediator shall provide accurate information about his or her educational background, mediation training and experience, and other alternative dispute resolution skills to the court and the parties if requested or required to do so.
(c)
A mediator shall not engage in misleading or deceptive publicity or advertising.
(d)
A mediator shall not make any false or misleading statement including statements or claims as to the mediation process, its costs and benefits or the mediator's role, skills, or competence.
(e)
A mediator shall not solicit in a manner that gives an appearance of partiality for or against a party or otherwise undermines the integrity of the process.
(f)
A mediator shall not communicate to others, in promotional materials or through other forms of communication, the names of persons served without their permission.
(g)
A mediator shall not knowingly put up misleading advertisements concerning the nature of his work, qualifications or his or her ability and skills to perform a particular task.
(13)
Agreement to mediate (a) A mediator shall ensure that before the mediation commences, the parties understand the terms of mediation, whether or not they are contained in a court order, written agreement or contract to mediate, which terms shall include -
(i)
confidentiality of communications and documents;
(ii)
the right of the mediator and parties to terminate or suspend mediation; and (iii) the fact that the mediator shall not be compellable as a witness in court or other proceedings by any parties to the mediation.
(b)
The mediator shall act in accordance with the court order, direction or agreement, whether written or oral, made between the parties in relation to the mediation.