M4CI’s founder is Christopher Reeves. Except in the case of Mr Reeves, all mediators that appear on the M4CI Mediator Panel and/or are appointed as an M4CI mediator are independent of M4CI and are not agents or employees of M4CI.
All mediators who appear on the M4CI Mediator Panel and/or are appointed as M4CI mediators are independent of each other.
The mediator must not act, or, having started to do so, continue to act, before having disclosed (although always preserving confidentiality) any circumstances that may, or may be seen to, affect his or her independence or give rise to an actual or apparent conflict of interest. The duty to disclose matters relating to independence or conflict of interest is a continuing obligation throughout the process.
Such circumstances shall include:
- any personal or business relationship with one of the parties, or
- any financial or other interest, direct or indirect, in the outcome of the mediation, or
- the mediator, or a member of his or her firm, having acted in any capacity other than mediator for one of the parties.
For the avoidance of doubt:
- A firm does not include a barristers’ chambers and M4CI mediators who are barristers will not disclose where another member of their chambers (whether past, present or future) has acted or does act in any capacity for any party.
- Mediators appointed as M4CI mediators are independent of each other and will not disclose any association or involvement of any kind in any dispute by another M4CI mediator or their firm, chambers or place of business.
Where the mediator makes a disclosure, the mediator may only accept or continue the mediation provided that he or she is certain of being able to carry out the mediation with full independence and neutrality in order to guarantee full impartiality and that the parties consent.
Further details on M4CI’s terms about conflicts are contained in the M4CI Contract for the Appointment of a Mediator.