Conciliation is a confidential process in which the parties to a dispute, with the assistance of a neutral third party (the conciliator), identify the disputed issues, develop options, consider alternatives and endeavour to reach an agreement about their dispute.
The conciliator cannot impose any decision upon the parties. However, through their facilitation and technical skills the mediator is able to assist the parties explore the issues in depth and reach the best possible joint decisions that the circumstances allow. The conciliator may have an advisory role on the content of the dispute or the outcome of its resolution. The conciliator may advise on or determine the process of conciliation whereby resolution is attempted, and may make suggestions for terms of settlement, give expert advice on likely settlement terms, and may actively encourage the participants to reach an agreement.
