The National Mediation Helpline (NMH)
National Mediation Helpline
What is the National Mediation Helpline?
In conjunction with the Civil Mediation Council HMCS set up The National Mediation Helpline, which provides civil court users in England and Wales with information and advice on mediation. If requested, the Helpline can put callers in contact with an accredited mediation provider who can provide low cost mediations.
The Helpline can be accessed by phoning 0845 603 0809 (local rate) between 8.30am and 6.00pm. The Helpline advisers provide callers with information on the potential benefits of mediation and they will talk parties through the mediation process. The Helpline does not provide advice on individual cases or mediators. If the call is a request for a mediator then the Helpline adviser will ask a series of questions and pass the enquiry to a mediation provider accredited by the Civil Mediation Council.
The mediation provider will then contact the parties to discuss the suitability of the dispute for mediation. If all parties agree to proceed a mediator will be appointed and a date and time of mediation will be set.
Mediation fees charged by the National Mediation Helpline.
| Amount of dispute | Fees** | Time allowed | Additional time |
|---|---|---|---|
| £5,000 or less – Small Claim* |
£50 + VAT £100 + VAT |
1 hour 2 hours |
£50 + VAT per hour |
| £5,001 to £15,000 – Fast Track | £300 + VAT | 3 hours | £85 + VAT per hour |
| £15,001 to £50,000 – Multi Track | £425 + VAT | 4 hours | £95 + VAT per hour |
* The mediator/mediation provider should agree in advance whether the Small Claim should be dealt with in one or two hours. For the one-hour rate the option is available to facilitate settlement over the telephone if appropriate, and if the parties agree.
** Free mediation by LawWorks
LawWorks Mediation is an independent charity, offering free civil and commercial mediation to those unable to afford to pay for a commercial provider and without other means of paying. This service is available throughout England and Wales and is free to both parties if one party qualifies.
Where a claimant/defendant has demonstrated to the court that they are eligible for a fee remission in their current case, they will automatically be eligible for a free mediation. In other cases LawWorks will assess whether the applicant can afford to pay.
To access a free mediation through LawWorks, you must be in receipt of a means-tested benefit or your gross annual income is below a certain amount. Please tell the Helpline advisor if you think you may be eligible.
Fee remission: Leaflet EX160A provides guidance on qualifying for fee remission.
If the claim is for more than £50,000, the fees will need to be agreed with the organisation providing the mediation.
If you have any questions about mediation generally, or the National Mediation Helpline in particular, the Helpline provides a list of frequently asked questions.