Editing Mediation (section)

===Selection===
{{Unreferenced section|date=October 2006}}

Mediator selection is of practical significance given varying models of mediation, mediators' discretion in structuring the process and the impact of the mediator's professional background and personal style on the result.

In community mediation programs the director generally assigns mediators. In New South Wales, for example, when the parties cannot agree on a mediator, the registrar contacts a nominating entity, such as the Bar Association which supplies the name of a qualified and experienced mediator.

As of 2006, formal mechanisms for objecting to the appointment of a particular mediator had not been established. Parties could ask the mediator to withdraw for reasons of [[conflict of interest]]. In some cases, legislation establishes criteria for mediators. 

The Australian Attorney Generals Department maintains a register of registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners and Government Funded FDR Services located at [https://fdrr.ag.gov.au/ www.fdrr.ag.gov.au] 

====Criteria====
The following are useful criteria for selecting a mediator:
* Personal attributes&mdash;patience, empathy, intelligence, optimism and flexibility
* Accreditation / Registration - In Australia - Registration as a FDRP for Family Law, Accreditation as a Mediator for other types of mediation 
* Qualifications&mdash;knowledge of the theory and practice of conflict, negotiation and mediation, mediation skills.
* Experience&mdash; mediation experience, experience in the substantive area of dispute and personal life experience
* Training
* Professional background
* Certification and its value
* Suitability of the mediation model
* Disclosure of potential Conflicts of Interest
* Cost/fee

====Third party nomination====
Contracts that specify mediation may also specify a third party to suggest or impose an individual. Some third parties simply maintain a list of approved individuals, while others train mediators. Lists may be "open" (any person willing and suitably qualified can join) or a "closed" panel (invitation only).

In the UK and internationally, lists are generally open, such as The [[Chartered Institute of Arbitrators]], the [[Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution]]. Alternatively, private panels co-exist and compete for appointments e.g., Savills Mediation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.savills.co.uk/mediation |title=Savills Mediation |publisher=Savills.co.uk |access-date=2012-05-02}}</ref>