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Using mediation to resolve conflicts and disputes
If you can't sort out a disagreement or conflict among the people involved, mediation may help resolve the dispute without resorting to legal action.
Mediation is a process in which an independent third party helps people or organisations in dispute negotiate an agreement. The mediator assists the parties to identify issues, explore options and communicate constructively, but does not decide the outcome.
Mediation can be used in many different types of disputes, including disputes between members, disputes involving boards or committees, workplace disputes, disputes with suppliers and disputes with members of the community. It is often quicker, less expensive and less formal than court proceedings.
Our fact sheet explains:
- what mediation is and its benefits
- the kinds of disputes that can be mediated
- how to find and choose a mediator
- how to prepare for mediation
- what happens during mediation
- what happens if a dispute is not resolved through mediation
Note
Disputes can be serious and your organisation may need legal advice before deciding how best to respond. The information on this page is general information only and is not a substitute for legal advice.
Common questions about mediation
What is mediation?
Mediation is a process in which an independent third party, known as a mediator, helps people or organisations in dispute negotiate an agreement to resolve the dispute. The mediator assists the parties to communicate and explore possible solutions but does not impose a decision or determine the outcome. Mediation is often quicker, less expensive and less formal than court proceedings.
For more information, see our fact sheet on using mediation to resolve conflicts and disputes.
When should a not-for-profit use mediation?
Mediation can be a useful way to resolve many kinds of disputes, including disputes between members, disputes involving boards or committees, workplace disputes and disagreements with suppliers or other organisations. It may be particularly helpful where the parties want to preserve an ongoing relationship or find a practical solution that a court could not order.
However, mediation may not be suitable in every situation. For example, there may be concerns about safety, serious intimidation, significant unmanaged power imbalances or the need for urgent court orders.
For more information, see our fact sheet on using mediation to resolve conflicts and disputes.
How much does mediation cost?
The cost of mediation varies. Some mediation services are free, while private mediators generally charge fees that are often shared between the parties. Costs depend on factors such as the mediator's experience, the complexity of the dispute and the length of the mediation.
Although mediation may involve some expense, it is generally much less costly than court proceedings and can often resolve disputes more quickly.
For more information, see our fact sheet on using mediation to resolve conflicts and disputes.
The content on this webpage was last updated in October 2026 and is not legal advice. See full disclaimer and copyright notice.