Margaret Mitchell’s Mediation consultation closes

On the 20th August Margaret Mitchell MSP’s consultation on a proposed member’s bill called the Mediation (Scotland) Bill closed.

The proposal is for a new court-initiated process which would involve disputing parties undertaking a mandatory Mediation Information Session with the creation of a duty mediator position, similar to that of a duty solicitor, to manage the process.

The consultation, which was launched on May 28th,  was the result of months of meetings with stakeholders and other interested parties.

The purpose of the consultation was to get views on Margaret’s proposals to increase the use and consistency of mediation in civil cases in Scotland.

Commenting Margaret Mitchell MSP said:

“I am extremely grateful  to all the individuals and organisations that took the time to respond to the consultation which I undertook on a proposed Mediation (Scotland) Bill.

“In particular I thank the Non-Governmental Bills Unit for its invaluable work supporting my office with the development and running of the consultation which has now closed..

Over 60 responses have been received.

I have been greatly encouraged by the broad support for the proposal and the range and depth of the responses received  and the wide spectrum  of individuals, academics and organisations who made submissions.

“The Non-Governmental Bill Unit will now provide a summary of the responses for my office.

“Once I have received this it is my intention to work with others to consider the content of a Mediation Bill.”