After successfully mediating a dispute, can the MEDIATOR subsequently act as an ARBITRATOR, or be compelled to give evidence in subsequent proceedings concerning the dispute? Under the Mediation Act, 2023:

The Mediation Act, 2023 expressly provides that a MEDIATOR shall not, without the express consent of all the parties, act as an ARBITRATOR or a JUDGE (or otherwise adjudicate) in the same dispute or a related one, and the CONFIDENTIALITY protections extend to all mediation communications - statements, admissions and offers made during mediation are not admissible in evidence, nor can a mediator be compelled to disclose them (Section 23, and the disqualification under the Act). This impartiality and privilege backbone lets parties mediate candidly. Breach risks invalidity and professional consequences. The mediator is hence barred from a later adjudicatory or testimonial role.