During the COVID-19 pandemic, Clare has been mediating remotely using Microsoft Teams or Zoom. They are simple  to access using existing NHS or home IT infrastructure. Read Clare's downloadable guide to virtual mediation here.

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As with face-to-face mediation, participants have a 'private' virtual room in which they can have confidential conversations with the mediator, and there is also a 'joint' virtual room for everyone to meet and discuss issues together. Documents can be shared, 'white boards' can be written on, and a separate document-sharing platform allows a settlement agreement to be signed electronically and copies circulated to all before the session ends. 

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What are the advantages of virtual mediation?

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• Savings on travel time, mediator / participant expenses and venue hire.

• Clare's fee is  discounted for a virtual mediation. 

• Participants can stay on top their admin as the mediation can be done from the surgery and there will be short breaks and periods of downtime when the clinical system can be accessed.

• Clare has found that participants are more relaxed, yet still focused on the mediation, when attending a virtual mediation rather than one at an unfamiliar  venue. 

• It can be particularly useful when relationships between parties are very poor, as there will be no contact in person.