Adult Social Care 2017 LocalGovernmentLawyer 20 This research is being carried out by me, Charlotte May, a specialist mediator and solicitor in Court of Protection and adult social care. It is being encouraged by the UK Administrative Justice Institute (UKAJI) and the President of the Court of Protection, Sir James Munby. Aims and objectives The research aims to: gather case studies to illustrate the benefits, successes and challenges of Court of Protection mediation and to seek views on pertinent questions. The intention is for the research to act as an evidence-based springboard to raise awareness of mediation. It aims to identify what specialist expertise and training are needed for mediators working in this area as well as to develop an understanding of what issues are and are not suitable for mediation in this context. It is hoped that the research findings can serve as a basis on which to establish a working group with representatives from the Court of Protection, the Law Society, the Bar Council, practitioners, experts and other stakeholders with the aim of developing a practice framework and protocol. For the purposes of this study 'Court of Protection mediation' encompasses disputes regardless of whether or not they are the subject of Court of Protection proceedings. Participant data In Phase One of the survey there were 25 participants, including private practice and local authority solicitors, barristers, the Official Solicitor (health and welfare) and a local authority Mental Capacity Team Manager and mediators. Therefore, the results of this survey represent a snapshot of where we are in the UK based on the responses received. Twenty-five participants responded. Between them they had been involved in more than 80 mediations and submitted details of 25 case studies as part of the survey. This report sets out the initial findings of Phase One of the research, which will be ongoing. A more detailed report of Phase 1 with an analysis of the comments of participants will follow. Phase 2 of the research which will be open a new participants with experience of Court of Protection mediation and the judiciary will be launched later in the year. Section 1 asks pertinent questions, the charts below set out the responses to some of the questions. When is the best time to mediate? As soon as possible 44.0% Before proceedings 32.0% During proceedings 24.0% After proceedings 0.0% What are the obstacles to Court of Protection mediation? Awareness 80.0% Funding 68.0% Confidence 28.0% Insufficient legislation 28.0% Nature of Issue 20.0% Judiciary 16.0% Other 24.0% What are the obstacles to parties engaging in mediation? Awareness 72.0% Entrenched positions 72.0% Family dynamics 72.0% Cost 64.0% Lack of trust 44.0% Confidence 40.0% Other 24.0% Charlotte May outlines the initial findings of a research project into the use of mediation at the Court of Protection. Mediation at the Court of Protection