Checklist

Neutral Mediator Preparation Checklist

Interactive checklist and intake form to prepare neutral mediators for safe, impartial, and well-documented interventions. Covers logistics, confidentiality and consent, risk and power-imability mitigation, accessibility, conflict-of-interest checks, documentation templates, and post-session follow-up.

Interactive Tool

Neutral Mediator Preparation Checklist

Purpose: Help neutral mediators prepare thoughtfully and consistently before conducting mediated conversations or third‑party interventions. Use this checklist to record key facts, confirm consent and confidentiality limits, identify safety or power concerns, plan mitigation steps, and capture post‑session documentation requirements.

Instructions: Complete required fields before the session. If a safety risk or unresolved conflict-of-interest appears, pause and follow your organization’s escalation protocol.

Who will serve as the neutral mediator?
Use YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM or paste a calendar event link.
Physical room, phone number, or video link.
List all parties, their roles/titles, and any support persons.
Brief summary of the issue(s), requested outcomes, and any intake notes.
Confirm parties understand confidentiality and its limits (e.g., imminent harm, legal obligations).
Are all parties participating voluntarily? If not, note concerns.
Mediator should disclose and manage conflicts. If unresolved, consider reassignment.
Mediator confirms they will remain neutral and not advocate for any party.
Indicate if any party has a power advantage, authority differential, or vulnerability.
Examples: separate caucuses, allow support person, adjust seating, clarify process, provide pre-session coaching.
If yes, stop and follow safety protocols; do not proceed without a safety plan.
Emergency contacts, law enforcement notification, protective measures, and who will be informed.
Language interpretation, mobility access, sensory or neurodiversity accommodations.
Mark documents you reviewed before the session.
E.g., speak for yourself, no interrupting, confidentiality reminders, respectful language.
Most mediations avoid recording; document consent if used.
Who will document agreements, outline next steps, responsible parties, deadlines, and where records will be stored.
Record anything else relevant, including recommended next steps or referrals.
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