ADR Group

Formed in the late 1980's, ADR Group was the first company in the UK to offer alternative dispute resolution services. Today ADR Group is at the forefront of the profession both nationally and internationally, providing mediation, consultancy and training for civil, commercial and family disputes. The company was founded by Richard Schiffer who believed in the strength of alternative dispute resolution; mediation in particular.


What is Mediation?

Mediation is a voluntary, non-binding, ‘without prejudice’ method of resolving disputes. The mediation is a confidential meeting which allows all parties to meet and explore possible solutions to the dispute. An appointed mediator will attend as an impartial neutral catalyst. Parties are in control of the process, the mediator has no power to impose a settlement.

There is no agreed format for how a mediation takes place, however it is usual practice to begin with a joint session. During this initial stage parties have the opportunity to present their case. After this has taken place, parties separate into private rooms (this is called caucusing). The mediator will work with each party to understand the issues and their interests before looking at settlement proposals. Any information provided to the mediator is confidential unless confirmed otherwise.

Once an agreement has been reached the terms will be recorded in a signed ‘Settlement Agreement’ which is enforceable in court should one party renege on their commitments. Even if parties are unable to reach an agreement on the day, it is likely that mediation will have helped clarify and narrow the issues in dispute.


What We Do?

Mediation appointment service:

We have a highly acclaimed mediation appointment service, which caters effectively for all disputes. ADR Group has developed an enviable reputation for professionalism, diversity and quality.
We have a national panel of mediators with a highly diverse range of expertise. The panel is always growing and boasts some of the UK’s top mediators.


Training:

Civil & Commercial Mediation
Commercial mediation is a well established profession in the US and is becoming ever more popular here in the UK. Training to become a mediator enables both individuals and companies to offer an enhanced range of dispute resolution services, with the majority of mediators practicing mediation as part of a portfolio career.
This 40 hour programme provides detailed and comprehensive tuition for any professional seeking to acquire core mediator skills. Those who successfully complete the programme (Module I & II) and wish to practice as a mediator can apply to join our panel (ADR Net Limited) and will be eligible to receive mediation appointments.

Family Mediation
ADR Group and the Family Mediators Association are the longest established mediation training providers. With over 25 years experience between our two organisations, we have delivered mediation training to in excess of 2,500 professionals and offer a wide range of conflict resolution courses.
Family mediation is challenging work requiring skill, an ability to reflect upon and enter into critique and ability to produce professional documents to tight timescales. Family Mediation requires personable, articulate and assertive individuals who have good listening skills and practical experience of working with individuals and couples.

Consultancy

ADR Group our experts in creating strategic dispute resolution clauses and contracts to ensure all organisational disputes are handled swiftly and affectively. ADR Group provides consultancy to enable organisations of all sizes and industry sectors to become dispute wise through, Organisational Development, Design and implementation of ADR solutions and management consultancy. ADR Group also works with governments, government agencies , non-governmental organisations and corporations to develop mediation services in all types of social development and international aid programmes.


Latest

Hybrid
ADR Group have started a new hybrid mediation referral system which can now take on disputes which involve elements of both Civil & Commercial and Family.

South Africa
Michael Lind, managing director of ADR Group accompanied Ken Livingston on a trade visit to South Africa in October 2007. This aided the promotion of alternative dispute resolution within the region.

Croatia
The Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Croatia awarded the ADR Group consortium the Europe Aid contract for ‘Enhancement of mediation as an alternative to court based dispute settlement.’