Code of Conduct
For Mediators, Clients and Parties Engaging Our Mediation Services
Introduction
The Miracle Partnership provides workplace mediation services to organisations, teams and individuals. This Code of Conduct ('Code') sets out the ethical principles and professional standards that govern how our mediators conduct themselves and how our mediation process is run.
This Code applies to all mediators engaged by The Miracle Partnership (whether as founder, associate, or panel mediator), and forms part of the terms on which mediation services are offered to clients and parties. It is intended to give clients, HR partners and legal counsel confidence in the integrity, competence and neutrality of our mediation practice.
1. Self-Determination
Mediation at The Miracle Partnership is a voluntary, party-driven process. Our mediators respect the right of all parties to make their own free and informed decisions throughout the process, including the decision to reach, or not reach, a settlement. Mediators do not impose outcomes, and any agreement reached must be the product of the parties' own choices.
2. Impartiality and Neutrality
Our mediators conduct every session without favour, bias or prejudice toward any party. Mediators will:
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Treat all parties with equal respect and attention throughout the process.
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Refrain from advising, advocating for, or representing the interests of any one party.
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Withhold personal judgement, values and beliefs from influencing the substance of the mediation.
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Withdraw from a mediation if they can no longer act impartially, and inform the parties accordingly.
3. Conflict of Interest and Disclosure
Before accepting any mediation engagement, our mediators will disclose any relationship, financial interest or prior dealing with any party, their organisation, or legal representatives that could reasonably be seen to affect impartiality. Where a conflict is identified, The Miracle Partnership will either decline the engagement or proceed only with the informed, written consent of all parties.
4. Confidentiality
Confidentiality is central to effective mediation. Our mediators will:
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Keep all matters disclosed during mediation confidential, save where disclosure is required by law, necessary to prevent harm, or agreed to in writing by all parties.
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Maintain the confidentiality of private sessions ('caucuses') and not disclose information shared in caucus to the other party without express permission.
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Ensure that mediation notes and records are stored securely and destroyed or archived in line with our data retention practices.
All parties, and any accompanying legal counsel or HR representatives, will be asked to agree to equivalent confidentiality obligations before mediation begins, typically via a signed Agreement to Mediate.
5. Mediator Competence
The Miracle Partnership mediators hold recognised mediation accreditation (including SIMI accreditation and/or Certified Mediation Advocate status, as applicable) and only accept engagements that fall within their training, experience and sector knowledge. Where specialist knowledge is required (for example, complex employment law, industry-specific regulatory issues, or family and matrimonial matters), mediators will disclose the limits of their expertise and, where appropriate, recommend co-mediation or referral to a suitably qualified colleague.
6. Quality and Integrity of the Mediation Process
Our mediators are responsible for the fair and orderly conduct of each mediation session, including the opening, information-gathering, problem-solving and closing phases. Mediators will manage the process with appropriate pace, structure and attentiveness to the emotional and practical needs of the parties, while preserving the parties' authority over the substance of any resolution.
7. Informed Consent
Before mediation commences, parties will be given a clear explanation of the mediation process, the mediator's role, the voluntary and non-binding nature of the process (until any settlement is signed), and the extent and limits of confidentiality. Parties confirm their informed consent by signing The Miracle Partnership's Agreement to Mediate.
8. Advertising, Solicitation and Representation
The Miracle Partnership and its mediators will represent their qualifications, experience and the likely outcomes of mediation accurately and without exaggeration in all marketing, proposals and client communications. We do not guarantee settlement outcomes, as mediation outcomes are determined by the parties themselves.
9. Fees and Charges
The Miracle Partnership will provide clients with a clear, written explanation of fees and payment terms before mediation begins, including any cancellation or rescheduling policy. Fees are set independently of the outcome of the mediation, so that mediators have no financial incentive to influence the substance of any settlement.
10. Diversity, Equity and Cultural Sensitivity
Our mediators are attentive to the cultural, linguistic and personal backgrounds of the parties involved, and will adapt their communication style, pace and approach accordingly, while maintaining consistent ethical standards and impartiality for all parties regardless of background, seniority or role.
11. Safety and Respectful Conduct
The Miracle Partnership is committed to providing a psychologically safe environment for mediation. Mediators will not tolerate abusive, threatening or discriminatory conduct during a session, and reserve the right to pause, adjourn or terminate a mediation where the safety or wellbeing of any participant is at risk. Where power imbalances, safety concerns, or allegations of harassment are present, mediators will assess suitability for mediation and may recommend alternative or complementary processes (e.g. formal HR investigation).
12. Data Protection and Record-Keeping
Personal data collected in the course of mediation (including intake forms, notes and settlement agreements) is handled in accordance with Singapore's Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) and The Miracle Partnership's internal data handling practices. Records are retained only as long as necessary for professional, legal or regulatory purposes, and are stored with appropriate access controls.
13. Independence from Legal and Advisory Relationships
Where The Miracle Partnership works alongside external law firms or advisers (for example, in referral arrangements), our mediators maintain independent billing and professional judgement. The Miracle Partnership does not accept fee-sharing arrangements that could compromise mediator independence or create a real or perceived conflict of interest.
14. Termination and Suspension of Mediation
A mediator may suspend or terminate a mediation session where continuing would breach this Code, where a party is unable or unwilling to participate in good faith, or where the mediator determines that mediation is no longer a suitable or safe process for resolving the dispute. Parties retain the right to withdraw from mediation at any time.
15. Continuing Professional Development
The Miracle Partnership mediators are committed to the ongoing advancement of mediation practice, including participation in continuing education, professional supervision and peer consultation, in order to maintain and develop the competencies set out in recognised mediator competency frameworks.
Acknowledgement
By engaging The Miracle Partnership's mediation services, clients and parties acknowledge that they have read and understood this Code of Conduct, and agree to participate in mediation in a manner consistent with its principles.