Frequently Asked Questions
General FAQs | Mediation FAQs | Mediation Training FAQs
General FAQs
Frequently asked questions about the Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria (DSCV).
What is the DSCV?
The Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria (DSCV) is a free dispute resolution service funded by the Victorian Government. The DSCV provides mediation services, as well as training and accrediting mediators to national standards.
Using DSCV services to resolve your dispute is a cheaper and simpler alternative to taking civil disputes through the courts.
How can the DSCV help me?
When you contact DSCV, our Dispute Assessment Officers (DAOs) will:
- listen to your concerns
- help you clarify your issues
- answer your questions
- suggest options, strategies and negotiation techniques to help you resolve your dispute
In some circumstances, our DAOs will refer you to other services such as councils, police, lawyers and courts. Contact details for many of these services are available on our Useful Links page.
What types of dispute can DSCV help with?
DSCV can help you resolve all sorts of disputes, including:
- common neighbourhood disputes involving fences, trees, animals, noise and drainage
- disputes about difficult or anti-social behaviour
- workplace disputes
- disputes within committees, clubs or Incorporated Associations
- matters referred to mediation by a Magistrate
DSCV does not deal with disputes under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) or involving family violence.
Is there a DSCV office near me?
There are DSCV offices located throughout Victoria. Find your local representative on our Contact Us page or simply telephone 1800 658 528 and ask to speak to one of our Dispute Assessment Officers.
Is my phone call confidential?
Yes. Nothing you say to our assessment officers will be revealed to the other party unless you say it can. DSCV will only contact the other party if you ask us to.
Do I need a referral to the DSCV?
No. You can contact the DSCV without a referral.
Mediation FAQs
Frequently asked questions about mediation.
What is mediation?
Mediation involves a meeting between the people in dispute. The mediation is conducted by a trained and nationally accredited impartial mediator who helps parties discuss the issues, identify solutions and work towards a mutually acceptable agreement.
Is mediation a confidential process?
Yes. The mediation sessions are private. Staff and mediators at DSCV are required by law to keep all discussions confidential. Matters discussed in mediation cannot be used as evidence in court legal proceedings, unless all parties consent.
What do the mediators actually do during the mediation?
Mediators remain neutral and do not take sides. The mediators will:
- create an environment where parties have a chance to be heard equally
- help keep emotions in check
- guide parties through discussions about the issues
- make sure all relevant issues are covered
- help parties explore a variety of options
- help parties write down details of any agreement reached
Who attends the mediation?
All people involved in the dispute are encouraged to attend and participate in person. It is important that people who are involved in making the decisions attend the mediation.
Mediation is a voluntary process and no one can be forced to attend.
Can I bring a support person to the mediation?
Yes. Any party in a dispute can bring a support person to their mediation. Our intake officers will ask you if you want to do this. We will also inform you if the other party is intending to bring a support person and ask whether you agree to this.
Do I need to get legal advice?
For our standard mediations, you will not require any legal advice or representation. Our intake officers will explain the mediation process in great detail to prepare you. If necessary, our intake officers may refer you to an external organisation for some legal advice.
What will it cost?
There is no charge. The DSCV mediation service is free.
Mediation Training FAQs
Frequently asked questions about the DSCV mediation training program.
Why would I want to train to be a mediator?
There are many reasons why you might want to train as a mediator.
- mediation is recognised as an effective way of resolving disputes and conflict
- mediation has applications in the workplace, in business, at home, at school, and even in clubs and other organisations
- mediation skills are life skills
What sort of people make good mediators?
People with the skills to make a good mediator are those who have:
- excellent communication skills
- well developed analytical skills
- patience and ability to remain neutral and impartial
- commitment to principles of empowerment
Being a mediator is not for everybody. It requires a great deal of concentration, ability to think ‘on your feet’ and constant attention to the parties throughout the session.
What will I learn from this course?
You will learn to:
- recognise your own conflict resolution style
- develop successful communication strategies
- assist parties in their negotiations
- minimise conflict within your organisation
- conduct a mediation, in partnership with another mediator (co-mediation)
Specifically, you will learn about:
- the concept of mediation as an alternative dispute resolution option
- the nature of conflict and how conflict affects our daily activities
- how to implement various negotiating techniques
- various ethical issues that may present to the practising mediator
- power imbalances in mediation – including how to identify possible difficulties for particular groups and how to implement strategies to combat possible power imbalances in the mediation process
How do I become a DSCV mediator?
DSCV recruits mediators in accordance with the needs of its clients and existing projects. Recruitment needs are widely advertised and applicants must meet the criteria and undergo a selection process.
People selected must successfully complete the DSCV course and undergo a skills audit, police check and provide a commitment to be available for mediations, before their names can be submitted for publishing as 'DSCV mediators' in the government Gazette.
DSCV only uses gazetted mediators as they are afforded the protection of confidentiality under the Victorian Evidence (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1958.
If you have successfully completed the DSCV mediation training, you may be invited to join our mediator panel. However, there is no guarantee that this will occur.
