The mediator shall demonstrate and maintain a commitment to impartial regard by serving all participants at all times. The mediator shall not have any personal stake in the outcome of the mediation. Where the mediator's ability to give impartial regard is in question and that question cannot be resolved s/he shall decline to serve or shall withdraw from serving as mediator.
- Conflicts of Interest. The mediator shall disclose all circumstances that may raise a question as to the mediator's ability to give the participants impartial regard.
- Relationships. The mediator shall disclose any present or prior relationship, personal or professional, between the mediator and any participant or their representative that may affect or give the appearance of affecting the mediator's ability to give impartial regard.
- If the mediator has a prior relationship with any participant and has fully disclosed all information required in this Standard, s/he may proceed with the mediation with the consent of all participants.
- The mediator must exercise his/her judgment and discretion, and must decline to serve, even if the mediation has begun, when:
- The mediator's judgment is that a relationship with a participant or a participant's representative will compromise the fact or appearance of the mediator's ability to give impartial regard.
- The mediator believes that, apart from relationships, the fact or appearance of the mediator's ability to give impartial regard is compromised by the mediator's personal biases, views, or reactions to any participant, representative, or position.
