Mediation Process for Referrers

At Van Opstal & Partners, we understand this better than anyone. Since 2005, we have specialized in workplace mediation. Every year, we facilitate hundreds of mediation processes for clients including company physicians, occupational health and safety services, insurers, HR service providers, employers, and legal aid providers. We combine the expertise of experienced MfN-registered mediators with a professional organization that prioritizes quality, transparency, and personalized support. 

We believe that a well-organized mediation process helps build trust, shorten turnaround times, and lead to lasting solutions.

Our Approach

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Step 1 – Registration

A mediation case can be referred by various parties, such as a company physician, an occupational health and safety service, an insurer, an HR service provider, or an employer. Upon receipt of the referral, one of our case managers will contact you to briefly discuss the situation. During this discussion, we will address the following topics, among others:

• The nature of the labor dispute; 
• The parties involved; 
• Any special circumstances, such as illness or return to work; 
• The desired schedule; 
• Practical considerations. 

From that point on, we guide you through the entire process.

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Step 2 – Personal contact with both parties

Before a mediator is brought in, our case manager contacts both the employer and the employee. During this conversation, we explain the following:

• What mediation entails; 
• How the process works; 
• What role the mediator plays; 
• What the parties can expect; 
• What principles apply, such as voluntariness, confidentiality, and self-determination? 

Hierdoor starten partijen goed geïnformeerd aan de mediation en wordt vooraf duidelijk of voldoende bereidheid bestaat om met elkaar in gesprek te gaan.

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Step 3 – Selecting an Appropriate Mediator

Every mediation case is different. That is why we select a mediator who is suited to the nature of the conflict, the region, and the specific situation.

We work exclusively with experienced MfN-registered mediators who specialize in labor mediation and follow the Van Opstal & Partners methodology. This allows us to guarantee consistent quality and a uniform approach.

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Step 4 – Individual preliminary interviews

The mediator usually begins by holding a preliminary meeting with each party separately. These meetings provide an opportunity to:

• Introduction; 
• Explanation of mediation; 
• Questions and expectations; 
• Preparing for the joint meeting. 

This helps ensure that the mediation gets off to a careful and effective start.

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Step 5 – Joint Mediation

During the joint sessions, the mediator guides the communication and negotiation process. Depending on the situation, mediation may focus on:

• Restoration of the employment relationship; 
• Improving cooperation; 
• Support for reintegration; 
• Agreements about the future; 
• Of een gezamenlijke beëindiging van het dienstverband. 

The mediator oversees the process, while the parties themselves remain responsible for the substance of the solution.

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Step 6 – Conclusion

When the parties reach an agreement, the terms are carefully documented. Depending on the outcome, this may result in:

• A settlement agreement; 
• Work arrangements; 
• Reintegration agreements; 
• Or a settlement agreement. 

Once the process is complete, the file will be closed administratively.

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Eén aanspreekpunt. Altijd inzicht in de voortgang.

A key difference between Van Opstal & Partners and many other mediation firms is the way we are organized.

Upon registration, each case is assigned a dedicated case manager. The case manager oversees the entire mediation process and serves as the link between the referring party, the parties involved, and the mediator. While the mediator focuses entirely on facilitating the discussions, the case manager ensures that the process runs smoothly from an organizational and procedural standpoint. This keeps the lines of communication short and ensures you always know who to contact.

Our mediators work in a secure digital process environment, where every important step in the process is recorded. As a result, the case manager always has up-to-date information on the progress of the case. Within the limits of confidentiality, we will keep you informed about the progress of the mediation process. You will not receive any details about the content of the discussions, but you will be kept informed about the current stage of the process. For example:

• Intake completed; 
• Preliminary interviews scheduled or completed; 
• Joint mediation has begun; 
• Follow-up appointment scheduled; 
• Mediation temporarily suspended; 
• Mediation successfully concluded; 
• Mediation beëindigd. 

This allows you to continue to effectively coordinate your own counseling, absence management, or reintegration process without compromising the confidentiality of the mediation.

The mediator facilitates the discussion. The case manager oversees the process. Together, they ensure a thorough, transparent, and efficient mediation process.

Why Referrers Choose Van Opstal & Partners

We understand that you’re not just looking for an expert mediator, but also an organization you can trust. That’s why many referring professionals choose Van Opstal & Partners.

• Specializing in workplace mediation
  Since 2005, we have focused exclusively on workplace mediation. As a result, we understand the dynamics of workplace conflicts, absenteeism, and return-to-work.
• 
  ’s Nationwide Coverage: With a nationwide network of experienced MfN-registered mediators, we can quickly assign a suitable mediator.
• 
  's Efficient Approach We strive for short turnaround times and a carefully organized process to prevent unnecessary delays.
• Transparante procescommunicatie
  Wij houden u —binnen de grenzen van de vertrouwelijkheid —op de hoogte van de voortgang van het traject.
• Eén vast aanspreekpunt
  Uw casemanager begeleidt het dossier van begin tot eind en is beschikbaar voor vragen over de voortgang.
• Quality and Expertise
  We work exclusively with carefully selected MfN-registered mediators who specialize in labor mediation and adhere to the quality standards of Van Opstal & Partners.

Working Together on Sustainable Solutions

A carefully organized mediation process requires more than just a good mediator. It requires a professional organization, clear communication, and effective management of the process. That is why we combine experienced MfN-registered mediators with a dedicated case manager, a nationwide organization, and a transparent approach. In this way, we support not only the employer and the employee, but also you as the referring party.

Would you like to file for mediation or discuss whether mediation is appropriate in a specific situation? Our case managers would be happy to help you explore your options.

Frequently Asked Questions from Referring Physicians