Continuity arrangement

What happens to your mediation if something suddenly happens to me? For that situation I have a continuity arrangement with a fellow MfN-registered mediator. That way, in an emergency, you are informed straight away and helped further properly.

1. Purpose

This continuity arrangement has been drawn up so that, in an emergency:

1. clients can be informed immediately that a planned mediation cannot go ahead (first-line back-up by a caretaker); and
2. if the situation lasts longer than two weeks, clients are properly supported so that they can move temporarily or permanently to a fellow MfN-registered mediator (second-line back-up).

2. Definition of an emergency

A sudden and unexpected event as a result of which the mediator is no longer able to be in contact with their clients.

3. How it works

3.1 Access to the mediator's agenda by the caretaker

In the first two weeks after the emergency occurs, the caretaker is authorised to access the agenda, contact information and files as stored in the mediator's office and computer. This authority extends to looking up contact details and scheduled appointments, in order to let clients know that the planned mediations cannot go ahead. The caretaker also informs clients that, if the situation lasts longer than two weeks, the second-line fellow mediator will contact them about the further course of the mediation.

Ongoing mediation files are easy to identify on the work computer and all appointments can be found in the agenda. The mediator ensures that the caretaker, Rudy van der Linden, knows the access code for this situation.

3.2 Possible takeover of ongoing files

If the emergency lasts longer than two weeks, the second-line fellow mediator Rudy van der Linden (MfN number 15699) is authorised to access the agenda, contact information and files as stored in the mediator's office and computer. The access code is known through the first-line back-up. The fellow mediator consults with clients about the progress of the mediation. The options that may be discussed include:

• Takeover of the mediation by the fellow mediator, whether or not for the duration of the emergency. A new mediation agreement is then concluded with the parties, based on the hourly rate agreed earlier.
• Transfer of the mediation to another MfN-registered mediator or mediator of the parties' choice. The fellow mediator takes care of the written and financial completion of the mediation for the purpose of the transfer.
• Postponement of the mediation until further notice. The fellow mediator agrees a new moment of contact with the parties to discuss whether and to what extent the emergency continues and stands in the way of the mediation's progress.

4. Confidentiality

The parties declare that they respect the confidentiality that applies to mediations under Article 7 of the MfN Mediation Rules, and commit to confidentiality in writing by signing this continuity arrangement.

Contact details of the caretaker and second-line fellow mediator

• Name: Rudy van der Linden, Veluwe Mediation
• Address: Mussenkampseweg 11, 8181 PJ Heerde, the Netherlands
• Email: info@veluwemediation.nl
• Website: www.veluwemediation.nl
• Phone: +31 6 5121 6663