INDEPENDENT  IMPARTIAL  SUCCESSFUL

Mediation Assessment for Housing Organisations 

Many Local Authority/Mediation partnerships experience difficulty in tackling anti social behaviour (ASB) issues, however, during the past six years NFS Mediation (NFS) has successfully resolved 90% of the 2350 ASB and neighbour dispute cases referred by Southampton City Council’s housing department. 

Our success is due to the use and development by ourselves of a specialised housing mediation model named Mediation Assessment. The following brief overview demonstrates why Mediation Assessment works:  

• It is independent and impartial—delivered by trained specialists in mediation and ASB.

• It is used in policy as a first step—to identify the most appropriate response and to prevent escalation.

• Parties are seen quickly and the case is usually completed within 15 working days.

• There is a full, narrative report—that gives a balanced picture, contains practical strategies with measurable outcomes.

• Residents feel safe - Parties do not have to see or speak to each other. They are seen in own homes or some other safe place and can even remain anonymous.

• All parties are listened to equally and identify realistic solutions themselves.

• Everyone is given the opportunity of mediation, informal resolution and formal strategies. Everyone is given the chance to change behaviour even if as part of necessary formal action.

• Deals with malicious complaints.

• Housing resources targeted to where they are most needed.

• Delivers successful and lasting results.

• Positive feedback from satisfied clients.

• Is cost effective.

NFS is nationally recognised as a leader the field in Mediation Assessment.  Between NFS and Southampton City Council a comprehensive service has been developed that covers all the  “what ifs,” is cost effective and in the words of Steve Smith, Senior Housing Manager for SCC “is one of the most successful interventions purchased by Southampton City Council housing.” 

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