ABSTRACT
The structure does require a good deal of flexibility and the service can be delivered in a number of ways within the framework in order to answer individual needs and differing situations. While the aim in most cases is to bring the parties together for a face-to-face meeting, alternative means of reaching an agreement are often explored. This is particularly relevant in cases where either of the parties is reluctant to meet or there appear to be other reasons for not meeting, such as power imbalances or risk of aggressive behaviour. The use of shuttle mediation, where the mediators move between the parties to try to reach an agreement without the parties meeting, will be discussed later in this chapter. Throughout the main body of this chapter the process will be described in terms of two parties’ involvement for simplicity and consistency; some issues regarding multi-party disputes will be looked at later.
