Terms & Conditions

A legal disclaimer

TERMS & CONDITIONS

MEDIUS DISPUTE SOLUTIONS LTD. (TRADING AS MEDIUS DISPUTES)

1. INTRODUCTION

The Terms & Conditions set out in this document are the Terms & Conditions under which Medius Dispute Solutions Ltd. ('Medius Disputes', 'we', 'us', 'our', or 'the Mediator') provides mediation services. They apply to everyone who contacts us to explore mediation, who instructs us as their mediator, or who uses our website.

By instructing us as your mediator, using our website, or accepting mediation services from us, you agree to these Terms & Conditions. If you don't agree with any part of these terms, please don't proceed with our services.

These Terms & Conditions should be read together with our Privacy Policy and Complaints Procedure, which form an important part of our agreement with you.

Last updated: 22 January 2026

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction
What mediation services we offer?
How much our services cost?
What additional costs you might need to pay?
How and when payment is taken?
What happens if you cancel or reschedule?
What are your responsibilities?
What mediation does not include?
Confidentiality and Without Prejudice
Mediation is a voluntary process
Can we stop the mediation?
What are our liability limits?
Using our website
What if you have a complaint?
Governing law and jurisdiction

2. WHAT MEDIATION SERVICES WE OFFER?

Medius Disputes provides professional mediation services specialising in:

Workplace Mediation – Resolving conflicts in the workplace between employees, between employees and management, or arising from workplace disputes.
Commercial Mediation – Helping small businesses and commercial parties resolve disputes or disagreement.
SEND Mediation – Supporting parents, schools and education professionals in resolving Special Educational Needs and Disability matters.

Our services include

Initial consultation (included in your mediation fee)

We offer a confidential consultation with each party separately. This typically lasts around one hour and allows us to understand the situation, explain how mediation works, and discuss whether mediation is suitable for your circumstances.There is no obligation to proceed after the consultation.

Joint and separate mediation sessions (included in your mediation fee)

The shape of your mediation is flexible and designed around your specific needs. This might include:

Joint sessions where all parties meet together with the mediator.
Separate shuttle mediation where the mediator meets with each party individually and moves between them.
A combination of both approaches.

The exact format will be finalised after we've completed consultations with both parties. We'll design a process that gives the best chance of reaching agreement.

Follow-up support (included, up to 30 minutes, charged thereafter)

We provide up to 30 minutes of follow-up support after your mediation has concluded, included in your mediation fee. This might include:

Checking how the agreement is working in practice.
Providing support if challenges arise.
Helping clarify any parts of the agreement.

Follow-up support beyond 30 minutes is charged at our hourly mediation rate in 30-minute increments.

Agreement documentation (included in your mediation fee)

If you reach agreement during mediation, we'll help document what you've agreed. This ensures clarity about what's been decided and helps prevent misunderstandings later.

What we design together

Your mediation process is designed with you. After initial consultations, we'll discuss the best approach for your situation. Some mediations are resolved in a single session; others take several sessions. Some work best with everyone together; others benefit from separate meetings. We'll work with you to create the right process for your circumstances.

3. HOW MUCH OUR SERVICES COST?

We work to the Civil Mediation Council (CMC) Fixed Fee Scheme for Mediation. This is a transparent, fair pricing structure designed to make mediation services accessible and predictable.

Our fees follow the CMC's current published rates, which you can view here:

https://civilmediation.org/fixed-fee-scheme/

The CMC Fixed Fee Scheme sets out fees based on:

The nature of the dispute (e.g., workplace, commercial, SEND)
The complexity level
The amount in dispute (where applicable)
Whether mediation is conducted remotely or in person

By working to the CMC scheme, we ensure our pricing is:

Transparent – you know exactly what you'll pay upfront.
Fair – aligned with professional standards across the mediation sector.
Reasonable – reflecting the value of professional mediation services.

We will provide you with a clear quotation before you commit to mediation. This quotation will be based on the nature of your dispute and the CMC Fixed Fee Scheme rates applicable at the time.

4. WHAT ADDITIONAL COSTS MIGHT YOU NEED TO PAY?

Our fixed fees cover the mediation service itself. However, if your mediation takes place in person (rather than remotely), the parties to the mediation will need to share responsibility for certain additional costs:

Venue Hire and Room Costs

If we're meeting at a physical location (rather than online), there will be costs for hiring an appropriate venue. We'll try to use neutral, accessible locations. These costs will be shared between the parties involved in the mediation.

Travel Costs

If travel is required for the mediator to attend an in-person mediation session, reasonable travel costs will be charged and shared between the parties. We'll estimate this in advance.

Other Incidental Charges

Any other practical costs that arise (for example, if specialist rooms or equipment are needed) will be discussed with you in advance and shared fairly between the parties.

Preparation Time is Included

Please note: preparation time for your mediation is included in our fixed fee. We don't charge separately for this.

Your Own Professional Advice

If you choose to seek legal advice, financial advice, or other professional guidance before, during, or after mediation, you'll need to cover these costs yourself. Mediation doesn't replace professional advice - it sits alongside it.

5. HOW AND WHEN PAYMENT IS TAKEN?

Payment is required before mediation begins. For your mediation to proceed, we need to receive cleared payment before your mediation session begins. We understand this might seem formal, but it's an important part of how we work. Here's why:

Mediation brings together people who are in conflict. By nature, tensions can run high. While mediation helps resolve these conflicts, we can't rely on payment after the mediation has concluded, particularly if one party isn't satisfied with the outcome. Requiring payment upfront protects everyone: it means all parties are equally committed to the process, and it protects us from disputes about payment on top of the original disagreement.

This is a condition of mediation proceeding. If we haven't received cleared payment before your scheduled mediation date, we'll need to reschedule.

Payment methods – We accept all standard payment methods:

Bank transfer (most straightforward)
Credit and debit card
Direct transfer via Monzo Business Bank
Other payment methods - please ask

We'll provide you with clear payment instructions when we send your quotation and booking confirmation.

What happens if you're paying as part of a group – If both parties are sharing mediation costs equally, we can provide an invoice to each party for their half, or arrange payment through a single party. We'll be flexible about the practical arrangements - just let us know what works best for you.

6. WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU CANCEL OR RESCHEDULE?

Cancellation Policy - Mediation is a voluntary process, and we recognise that circumstances change. However, if you cancel your mediation, a cancellation fee applies based on how much notice you give. This reflects the costs we incur in preparing for your mediation and keeping the time available.

Our cancellation policy mirrors the industry standard approach:

If you cancel 2 or fewer working days before your mediation: You'll pay the full mediation fee. This includes any preparation time we've already invested.
If you cancel 3 to 5 working days before your mediation: You'll pay 50% of the mediation fee. This reflects the preparation work already completed.
If you cancel 6 to 10 working days before your mediation: You'll pay 25% of the mediation fee. This covers essential administrative costs.
If you cancel more than 10 working days before your mediation: No cancellation fee applies. We'll refund your payment in full (or adjust future bookings).

Rescheduling - If you need to reschedule your mediation to a different date (rather than cancel entirely), we'll do our best to accommodate this. Rescheduling doesn't incur a separate fee - we simply move your booking to the new date. However, if a rescheduling request is made very close to your original date (2 or fewer working days), we may need to treat it as a cancellation and apply the relevant cancellation fee, as we may not be able to fill the time slot.

Both parties need to agree – A mediation is only cancelled or rescheduled if both parties agree, or if one party cancels unilaterally (in which case the cancellation policy applies to that party). If one party wants to cancel, the other party isn't automatically obliged to cancel - they can choose to proceed.

7. WHAT ARE YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES?

For mediation to work effectively, we need your commitment and cooperation.

Here's what we ask:

Attend Sessions on Time - Please arrive on time for your mediation sessions, whether they're in person or online. If you're running late, let us know as soon as possible. Starting late eats into your mediation time and can disrupt the process.
Provide Relevant Information - Help us understand your situation by providing relevant information. This might include:
- Documents related to the dispute.
- Emails or communications that are relevant.
- Background information that helps us understand the context.
- Any other material that will help us help you resolve the dispute.

You don't need to share everything - but sharing what's relevant makes the mediation more effective.

Act in Good Faith - Mediation works because both parties are genuinely trying to resolve the dispute. We ask that you:
- Come to mediation with an open mind.
- Be honest and truthful in your communications.
- Genuinely consider proposals and suggestions.
- Try to understand the other party's perspective.
- Work towards a solution, not just "winning".

We recognise that disputes are emotionally charged, and you might feel frustrated or angry. That's normal. But mediation requires a commitment to trying to resolve things.

Cover Your Own Professional Advice Costs – If you seek legal, financial, or other professional advice - before, during, or after mediation - you'll pay for that yourself. Mediation doesn't replace professional advice; it works alongside it.

Be Respectful and Safe – While we expect emotions to run high in mediation, we ask that all parties:
- Treat each other and the mediator with respect.
- Don't use threatening, abusive, or violent language or behaviour.
- Don't do anything that compromises anyone's safety.

If this isn't possible, we may need to pause or stop the mediation (see section on Early Termination below).

8. WHAT MEDIATION DOES NOT INCLUDE?

It's important to be clear about what mediation is not. Mediation is a process to help you reach agreement - it's not:

We Don't Provide Legal Advice – We're not lawyers, and mediation isn't legal advice. If you need legal guidance, you should seek advice from a qualified solicitor or barrister. Mediation works best alongside legal advice, not instead of it.

We Don't Make Decisions For You – The mediator doesn't decide who's right or wrong, and we don't impose a solution. You and the other party make the decisions. Our job is to help you communicate, understand each other's perspectives, and find solutions that work for both of you.

We Don't Guarantee an Outcome – Mediation often leads to agreement, but it doesn't always. Sometimes mediation helps clarify issues without reaching full agreement. Sometimes it becomes clear that the parties' positions are too far apart to bridge. We can't guarantee that mediation will resolve your dispute - but we can guarantee that we'll do our best to help.

We're Not a Judge – We don't judge who's right or wrong, and we don't act as an arbitrator or judge. In mediation, there are no winners and losers - the goal is a solution that both parties can accept.

We Don't Take Sides – We remain neutral and impartial throughout mediation. We don't favour one party over the other. If we feel we can't maintain impartiality for any reason, we'll discuss this with you.

9. CONFIDENTIALITY AND WITHOUT PREJUDICE

Everything discussed during mediation is confidential. This means:

We don't share what's been discussed with anyone outside the mediation (except where we're legally required to, for example, on safeguarding grounds).
The other party doesn't share what you've said.
What's said can't be used as evidence if the dispute goes to court later.
Nothing said in mediation prejudices your legal position.

This confidentiality is one of mediation's greatest strengths. It allows people to be honest and explore options without worrying that words will be used against them later.

"Without Prejudice" - Mediation operates on a "without prejudice" basis. This is a legal term that means:

Anything said or offered in mediation can't be used as evidence in future legal proceedings.

If mediation doesn't result in agreement and the matter goes to court, neither side can say "they offered X in mediation, so they should offer it now".

Settlement discussions in mediation are protected.

This protection is essential - it allows genuine negotiation without fear of later consequences.

Exceptions to Confidentiality – There are limited situations where we might need to break confidentiality:

If we have serious concerns about a child's safety or welfare.
If we believe an adult is at serious risk of harm.
If we suspect a crime is being committed.
If we're legally ordered by a court to disclose information.
If we need to report concerns to relevant authorities.

These exceptions exist to protect people from serious harm. We take confidentiality very seriously and will only break it if absolutely necessary.

10. MEDIATION IS A VOLUNTARY PROCESS

You Can Choose to Withdraw - Mediation is entirely voluntary. You have complete control. This means:

You can choose to enter mediation or not.
You can choose to continue mediation or withdraw at any time.
You're not forced to reach agreement.
You're not forced to accept any proposal.

The mediation process is under your control, not ours.

What Happens If You Want to Stop – If you decide mediation isn't working for you and you want to withdraw:

Please let us know - communication is important
We'll discuss your concerns and may be able to address them
If you still want to withdraw, that's your choice
We'll confirm this in writing

If you withdraw, the cancellation policy applies (see above).

Both parties need to continue for mediation to proceed – Mediation only works if both parties are willing to participate. If one party withdraws, mediation ends. The other party can't force someone to mediate.

11. CAN WE STOP THE MEDIATION?

While mediation is voluntary and you can withdraw at any time, there are also limited circumstances where we might need to pause or stop the mediation. These are rare, but important to be transparent about:

If a Party Becomes Abusive – Mediation requires mutual respect. If a party uses threatening, abusive, or violent language or behaviour towards the other party or the mediator, we may need to pause or stop the mediation. We'll discuss this with you first if possible.

If a Party Is Dishonest or Acts in Bad Faith – Mediation works because people are being truthful with each other. If we become aware that a party is being deliberately dishonest or isn't genuinely trying to resolve the dispute, we may need to discuss this with you or pause the mediation.

If There Are Serious Safeguarding Concerns – If we become aware of concerns about a child's safety or wellbeing - particularly in SEND mediation - we have a responsibility to act. This might involve pausing mediation to seek guidance or report concerns to relevant authorities.

If There's a Breach of Confidentiality – If a party shares confidential information from mediation (for example, posting it on social media or sharing it with people not involved), we may need to pause or stop the mediation, as it undermines the confidential process.

Our Approach – Before stopping mediation, we'll try to discuss concerns with you. We want to resolve issues if possible. But if the mediation can't continue safely or effectively, we have a responsibility to end it.

12. WHAT ARE OUR LIABILITY LIMITS?

What We're Not Liable For – This is an important section, so please read it carefully. Because mediation is a voluntary process where you and the other party control the outcomes, our liability is limited. We're not liable for:

Outcomes of the Mediation – We're not responsible for the results of mediation. You and the other party decide what to agree to (or not agree to). If you later regret an agreement you've reached, that's not something we're liable for. You're making informed choices throughout mediation.
Decisions You Make – You're responsible for your own decisions. If you choose to accept a proposal, agree to something, or withdraw from mediation, those are your decisions. We provide guidance, but we don't make decisions for you.
Consequences of Agreement or Non-Agreement – If you reach an agreement in mediation and later something goes wrong, we're not liable for that. Equally, if mediation doesn't work out and you later wish you'd agreed to something, that's not our liability.
Your Own Professional Advice – You're responsible for seeking your own legal, financial, or other professional advice. If you don't seek advice and later wish you had, that's not something we're liable for. We often recommend parties seek independent advice.
Third-Party Services and Website Issues – Our website is hosted by Wix. Our email is managed by Google. Our payments are processed by Monzo. If any of these services experience downtime, errors, or problems, we're not liable for any consequences. We're also not liable for interruptions to our website or for any data loss.
Force Majeure – We're not liable for events beyond our control (pandemics, natural disasters, government action, etc.) that prevent mediation from proceeding.

We are responsible for:

Providing professional mediation services to the standard expected of qualified mediators.
Maintaining confidentiality and protecting your information.
Treating you fairly and impartially.
Following our complaints procedure if you have concerns.

If we fail in these responsibilities, you have the right to complain through our Complaints Procedure.

Limitation of Liability – Our total liability for any claim arising from our mediation services is limited to the fees you've paid for mediation. We can't be liable for consequential, indirect, or special damages.

13. USING OUR WEBSITE

Our website is provided for information about our mediation services. Here are the terms under which you can use it:

Acceptable Use – You agree to use our website lawfully and not:

Use it for any unlawful or fraudulent purpose.
Attempt to gain unauthorised access to our systems.
Use automated tools to scrape or copy content without permission.
Use our website in a way that damages it or prevents others using it.
Use our website to transmit viruses, malware, or harmful code.

Content and Accuracy – The information on our website is for general information only. While we try to ensure it's accurate, we don't guarantee that everything is up to date or completely accurate. You use the information at your own risk.

External Links – Our website may contain links to external websites and third-party resources. We're not responsible for these external websites or their content. If you follow an external link, you're leaving our site, and we can't guarantee the security or accuracy of other websites. Always check the terms and privacy policies of external websites before using them.

Website Availability – We aim to keep our website available and working, but we can't guarantee uninterrupted access. Our website may be unavailable for maintenance, updates, or due to technical issues. We're not liable for any unavailability or interruption.

Intellectual Property – All content on our website - text, images, design - is our intellectual property. You can't copy, reproduce, or use our content without permission.

14. WHAT IF YOU HAVE A COMPLAINT?

Our Complaints Procedure – We have a detailed Complaints Procedure that sets out how we handle complaints.

The key points are:

Make your complaint in writing to Cristian@medius-disputes.co.uk, setting out what you're unhappy about.
We'll acknowledge your complaint within 3 working days and explain the next steps.
We'll investigate and respond fully within 10 working days.
If you're still unhappy, you can refer your complaint to the Civil Mediation Council (CMC), which oversees our standards.

The full Complaints Procedure is available separately and sets out all the details.

Professional Standards – As members of the Civil Mediation Council and the International Mediation Institute, we're regulated to high professional standards. If you believe we've breached professional standards, you can complain to the CMC and the IMI. For further details please see the Complaints Procedure.

What You Can't Use Complaints For – Please note: you can't use the complaints process to:

Challenge the other party's behaviour in mediation (that's between you and them).
Appeal the outcome of mediation (mediation isn't a court process - you and the other party made the decisions).
Ask us to change an agreement you reached.

The complaints process is for concerns about our service as mediators, not about the outcomes you've reached.

15. GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION

English Law - These Terms & Conditions, together with our Privacy Policy and Complaints Procedure, are governed by the law of England and Wales.

Jurisdiction - Any disputes arising from these terms, our mediation services, or our relationship with you are subject to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts. This means:

You can bring a claim in English courts if needed.
Either party could potentially bring a claim.
The English courts will decide any disputes.

Alternative Dispute Resolution - Interestingly, if we have a dispute about our mediation services, either party could ask to resolve it through mediation itself. We're happy to consider this approach.

Mediation Agreement – When you book mediation with us, you'll also receive a separate Mediation Agreement. This is a customised document that sets out:

The specific terms of your mediation.
Details about the parties involved.
The nature of the dispute.
The process we'll follow.
Any specific agreements between us.

The Mediation Agreement is in addition to these Terms & Conditions and provides more detailed information specific to your mediation.

Version: 1.0
Effective from: 22 January 2026
Next review date: 22 January 2027
Last updated: 22 January 2026
Document owner: Cristian George Tarcatu, Director

Approved by:
Name: Cristian George Tarcatu
Position: Director
Medius Dispute Solutions Ltd.
Date: 22 January 2026

For queries about these Terms of Use or our mediation services:
Cristian George Tarcatu - Director
Medius Dispute Solutions Ltd.
Email: Cristian@medius-disputes.co.uk
Website: www.medius-disputes.co.uk