Does Using Mediation Mean Admitting Fault?

One of the most common myths surrounding mediation is that agreeing to participate amounts to an admission of fault. This is not the case.

Mediation is not an investigation, disciplinary process or determination of negligence. Mediators do not decide who is right or wrong and they do not make findings against either party.

Instead, mediation is a voluntary process designed to help people communicate more effectively and reach mutually acceptable outcomes. Agreeing to participate demonstrates professionalism and a willingness to engage constructively with concerns.

For many practices, mediation provides an opportunity to explain events, address misunderstandings and resolve concerns without the need for more adversarial approaches.

Mediation also doesn’t mean having to ‘meet in the middle’. The process helps to scope out a mutually acceptable way to resolve the complaint which may be an option already proposed or coming up with a new resolution which both parties can accept to move forward.