Resolution Institute, a Registered Mediator Accreditation Body (RMAB) formed from the merger of the Institute of Arbitrators and Mediators (IAMA) and LEADR, sets the professional and ethical framework that accredited mediators must follow.
Accredited mediators are bound by the following rules and standards:
· Resolution Institute Mediation Rules 2016
· Resolution Institute Code of Ethics
· Resolution Institute Mediator Professional Work Practice Guidelines
· New Zealand Law Society - Guideline for Mediators
· Statutory/Common Law Duties, such as duty of confidentiality, duty of impartiality or neutrality, duty to disclose conflicts, legal obligations regarding privilege, possibly obligations under privacy law, defamation, etc.
Specific Obligations:
Training & Competence
Mediators must complete accredited training (or be recognised via prior learning) and demonstrate assessed competency.
Continuous Professional Development (CPD)
Ongoing training and practice hours are required to maintain accreditation.
Impartiality / Neutrality
Mediators must remain unbiased and disclose any conflict of interest. If impartiality cannot be maintained, they must withdraw.
Confidentiality
Mediation is private. Mediators must protect all information disclosed unless agreed otherwise or required by law.
Agreement on Mediation Procedure
Parties and the mediator agree in writing on how the mediation will run, including attendance, confidentiality, and costs.
Cost Transparency
Fees and expenses must be clear and agreed by all parties.
Termination
Mediation concludes either with settlement or when parties (or mediator) agree it should end.
Professional Conduct & Integrity
Mediators must act honestly, avoid misleading behaviour, recognise their limits, and manage power imbalances fairly.
Complaints & Discipline
Mediators are subject to Resolution Institute’s complaints and disciplinary process. Parties have avenues for redress, and mediators must comply fully.