Is mediation or conciliation a more formal method of dispute resolution?

[William1103]

Would it be correct to say that conciliation would a more formal procedure than mediation as the third party that is actively involved in helping to resolve the dispute is usually from the Fair Work Commission?

[Poet]

Out of the two procedures, which one is considered to be more formal?

Hey William1103!
Typically, conciliation is seen as the more formal of the two. This is due to the fact that a conciliator is a trained third party who listens to and proposes a settlement. This is opposed to mediation, where the mediator can be anyone and does not have to be trained, but still has the role of empowering both parties and keeping it fair. A conciliator can propose a settlement, and a mediator cannot suggest anything.
Note that they are both classified as 'informal' dispute resolution methods; it's just that conciliation is the more formal of the two.
Hope this helps!
~poet

[William1103]

Hey William1103!
Typically, conciliation is seen as the more formal of the two. This is due to the fact that a conciliator is a trained third party who listens to and proposes a settlement. This is opposed to mediation, where the mediator can be anyone and does not have to be trained, but still has the role of empowering both parties and keeping it fair. A conciliator can propose a settlement, and a mediator cannot suggest anything.
Note that they are both classified as 'informal' dispute resolution methods; it's just that conciliation is the more formal of the two.
Hope this helps!
~poet

Thank you