A new pilot scheme managed by CEDR (Centre for Dispute Resolution) for certain Court of Appeal cases has been launched. The pilot applies to all personal injury and contract claims up to the value of £100,000 for which permission to appeal is sought and obtained (or adjourned). Unless a judge exceptionally directs otherwise, the parties in such cases will be informed that case papers are automatically recommended for mediation to CEDR. If the parties agree to mediate, a panel of accredited mediators will be nominated by CEDR. The selected mediator will bring the parties together to try to reach a settlement. If there is a settlement, the case will not go back to the Court of Appeal. The pilot will run for a year.
http://www.judiciary.gov.uk/media/media-releases/2012/news-release-mediation-pilot-court-of-appeal