The 7-Step ‘Eastburn Model’ for Effective Workplace Mediation

The Eastburn Model was developed by the lead Mediators in ScotCoach, Caitlin and Tony Buon during their professional practice as mediators and trainers over the past 20 years.

This Model is somewhere between the problem solving and transformative models of mediation and utilises aspects of both approaches.

1.     Pre-mediation Stage- 90 minute individual sessions with each party

a.     Assessment of suitability of issues and parties

b.     Clarify & adjust expectations about outcomes

c.      Obtain statement of willingness to participate

d.     Build initial rapport with parties

e.     Arrange suitable and agreed neutral venue

f.       Establish working principles, confidentiality, educate 

2.     Mediation Commences

a.     Initial private caucus with each party – depending upon when the pre-mediation stage was held this may take as little as 5-10 minutes or may take up to 30 minutes

3.     Opening statements

a.     Mediator(s),

b.     Parties – each party makes an uninterrupted opening statement of no more then 5 minutes in duration 

4.     Identify the Issues

a.     Individuals individually review their position & underlying needs

b.     Reframing and prioritising of issues

c.      Private caucus with each party (can occur at any time in process)

d.     Initial settlement offers sought 

5.     Fact-finding and issue definition

a.     Defining issues & setting agenda

b.     Parties together or in separate rooms (shuttle)

c.      Clarify communications

d.     Assist parties to vent emotions

e.     Brainstorming, negotiation, assumptions, reframing

f.       Focus on the future

g.     Exploration of initial settlement offers and approach to resolution

h.     Incremental convergence of positions 

6.     Reach Agreement

a.     Settlement agreed or agreement to pause or end mediation

b.     Confirm understanding of commitments made

c.      Formulate & sign agreement, if appropriate

d.     Possible pause to ‘sleep on it’

e.     Evaluation & monitoring procedure

f.       Close mediation 

7.     Follow Up

a.     Agreed follow up between parties to gauge if agreement is working

b.     Adjust or reinforce areas of agreement

c.      Possible re-mediation

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