Press Release

1 April 2006

Dispute Resolution Scheme Developments in 2006

National Mediation Helpline

Following the introduction of the Nation Mediation Helpline’s pilot initiated by the DCA in 2004, a revised, structured system has now been implemented, whereby only accredited members of the Civil Mediation Council can form part of the scheme’s network of providers.

This criteria will help to maintain mediation standards set by both professional bodies. The success of the scheme has certainly been reflected by through ADR Group’s case referrals statistical analysis a settlement rate of 95% for all case which went forward for mediation during 2005.

County Court Mediation Schemes

The Department for Constitutional Affairs commissioned research into a number of court-based mediation pilots during 2005, in order to compare the use of mediation with court-based resolution.

This year schemes have launched in Stoke on Trent, Wolverhampton and Coventry of which ADR Group has been appointed as a recognised provider.

Ends

About ADR Group

ADR Group is the leading professional alternative dispute resolution company in the UK. We are highly regarded both nationally and internationally as an authority in mediation and other cost-effective dispute resolution and prevention techniques spanning commercial, public-sector and family disputes.

The Group delivers a wide range of dispute resolution training programmes through its training faculty, with all programmes recognised and approved by the Law Society of England and Wales and the Bar Council. ADR Group is also recognised as an accredited mediation provider by the Civil Mediation Counsel, the UK’s leading mediation standards organisation.

ADR Group is an organisation supporting initiatives approved by the Department for Constitutional Affairs, the Court Service and various Court based mediation schemes around the country. The Group formed part of the European Commission’s ADR working party on the drafting and implementation of the EU ADR Code and Directive. ADR Group operates an International ADR Development Programme and has delivered mediation awareness and Judicial training programmes funded by the British Embassy, the Department for International Development and the World Bank Group.

For further information contact:

 Katie Vander Woerd

 E: Katie.vander-woerd@adrgroup.co.uk

  T: +44 (0) 117 946 7180.