This is a checklist of rules and procedures which you can get each side to agree on before you start to run a mediation session:

• Trust and respect for the chairperson (who will be the mediator) and the mediating team (if there is more than one person)
• Should there be translation and who should do it?
• Is the venue secure and neutral?
• Do the chairs and tables have to be re-arranged?
• Size and leadership of delegations.
• Should observers be allowed?
• Agree to behave in a polite and disciplined manner.
• No interrupting of other speakers.
• No verbal abuse and shouting.
• No physical intimidation (for example, pointing) and violence.
• No presence and carrying of weapons.
• Should smoking, drinking and eating be allowed?
• No distracting behaviour, for example, caucusing while the other side is speaking.
• How long should the sessions be?
• Equal time for each side to speak and who should speak first.
• Opportunity to caucus and consult when necessary.
• How should the mediation be minuted?
• What parts of the discussion should be confidential?
• How should the agreement be reported back to members?
• Should the outcome of the mediation be publicised and how?