Mediation

We were one of the first water boards to begin using mediation in resolving disputes, particularly in appeals.

What is mediation?

Mediation is a proven form of dispute resolution, in which the parties involved - with the help of a third party, the mediator - try to find a solution to their conflict themselves. So without a legally established procedure and without the intervention of an objection committee or a judge. An important feature is that both parties decide to do this voluntarily. Under the guidance of the mediator, they discuss their mutual interests and feelings. In this way, mutual understanding is created and then a solution can be found together.

Advantages

Mediation has many advantages over formal procedures. First of all, the true cause of the conflict becomes more visible, allowing a lasting solution to be reached. In addition, mediation makes it possible to reach a customized solution together. Finally, in many cases mediation is cheaper and can be faster than court proceedings. 

In what ways do we shape mediation?

In order to give structural shape to mediation, the Team Mediation is active within the Water Board. This team consists of four employees, two of whom have been trained as registered mediators.

Contrary to what the team's name suggests, cases are by no means always resolved through "real" mediation. The team's employees are primarily involved in so-called "premediation. This involves making contact with the parties between whom a conflict is imminent and exploring exactly what is going on. Follow-up steps may consist of providing information, organizing a meeting with the department involved or a 'real' mediation. In this way, (impending) conflicts are often resolved at an early stage.

When is mediation used?

We apply mediation in all kinds of conflicts. Often it concerns conflicts that have meanwhile entered the objection or complaint procedure, because then the conflict becomes clearly visible. However, mediation is also increasingly being used successfully in conflicts that have not yet reached this stage.

Our experience with mediation in recent years has been very positive. Approximately 70% of the objections we receive each year are now resolved through mediation.

Learn more

For more information about mediation, please contact the Mediation Team. They can be reached by phone at the general number 072 - 582 8282. You can also send an email to mediation@hhnk.nl.