Written Question · S2W-05355 · Session 2
How much it has spent on alternative dispute resolution and other mediation services in each of the last four years, broken down by departm…
The question
To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has spent on alternative dispute resolution and other mediation services in each of the last four years, broken down by department.
The answer
Information is not availablein the format requested.
There are a variety ofalternative dispute resolution processes, including direct negotiation,arbitration, mediation and conciliation, and the use of Ombudsmen andregulators. The Executive has recently legislated to establish a new ScottishPublic Sector Ombudsman, providing a “one stop shop” in place of severalprevious bodies.
Other recent initiatives bythe Executive in this area include:
SE funding for familyMediation Scotland (c. £700,000 per annum);
SE funding for the EdinburghIn-Court Advice and Mediation Service (£22,000 p.a.). The Executive iscurrently considering whether to extend funding for mediation, possibly throughfurther pilots;
Changes to Sheriff CourtRules in Glasgow to allow sheriffs to refer commercial actions foralternative dispute resolution where appropriate;
SE Procurement Directoratehas issued guidance for contractors endorsing the use of alternative disputeresolution in Scotland;
Justice Department iscurrently updating a booklet containing general information about resolving disputeswithout going to court, and officials are in discussion with the ScottishMediation Network to examine how best the Executive can support the furtherdevelopment of mediation services and encourage greater use of alternative disputeresolution generally;
A working group has been setup by Health Department to look at the use of mediation in clinical negligencecases;
The Education (AdditionalSupport for Learning) (Scotland) Bill will require local authorities to establishmediation services to help to avoid or resolve disagreements between theauthority and parents.
There are a variety ofalternative dispute resolution processes, including direct negotiation,arbitration, mediation and conciliation, and the use of Ombudsmen andregulators. The Executive has recently legislated to establish a new ScottishPublic Sector Ombudsman, providing a “one stop shop” in place of severalprevious bodies.
Other recent initiatives bythe Executive in this area include:
SE funding for familyMediation Scotland (c. £700,000 per annum);
SE funding for the EdinburghIn-Court Advice and Mediation Service (£22,000 p.a.). The Executive iscurrently considering whether to extend funding for mediation, possibly throughfurther pilots;
Changes to Sheriff CourtRules in Glasgow to allow sheriffs to refer commercial actions foralternative dispute resolution where appropriate;
SE Procurement Directoratehas issued guidance for contractors endorsing the use of alternative disputeresolution in Scotland;
Justice Department iscurrently updating a booklet containing general information about resolving disputeswithout going to court, and officials are in discussion with the ScottishMediation Network to examine how best the Executive can support the furtherdevelopment of mediation services and encourage greater use of alternative disputeresolution generally;
A working group has been setup by Health Department to look at the use of mediation in clinical negligencecases;
The Education (AdditionalSupport for Learning) (Scotland) Bill will require local authorities to establishmediation services to help to avoid or resolve disagreements between theauthority and parents.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S2W-05355 by reference.