From its small beginnings in the UK 15-20 years ago, mediation has become well-known as a more positive method of resolving conflict than the adversarial methods we have been accustomed to using.

Reflecting the range of contexts in which mediation is now used, this book includes chapters on:

history of mediation in the UK

mediation with divorced and separated couples

peer mediation in schools

resolving neighbour disputes in rural and urban settings

victim-offender mediation and conferencing

resolving workplace and industrial disputes

commercial mediation

dealing with patients' complaints about doctors

elder mediation

environmental mediation and consensus building

international mediation.

Drawing on their own experiences as mediators, the contributors to this book discuss the benefits and drawbacks of mediation in particular settings and use case studies to illustrate how mediation works in practice. This book provides a comprehensive overview of mediation for those wanting to find out more, or those beginning in the field, as well as containing useful information and advice for anyone involved in mediation.