You've submitted your defence. The intention to proceed is normal. When you competed your N180 DQ, did you notify them of any dates you will not be able to attend the call? If not, why not? I suggest you get back in touch with the mediation service and ask them to make another date when you will be available or else appoint someone else to take the call for you.
This is the advice for the mediation call:
For the mediation call, the only requirement is for you or someone to "attend" the call. It is not part of the judicial process and no judge is involved.
This is what I advise you to say when you receive the call from the mediator:
“
Before I set out my position, please confirm from the claimant’s side:• the full name of the person attending for them;
• their role/position at their legal representative’s firm; and
• whether they hold written authority to negotiate and settle today.
Please relay that back to me before we continue.”
After the mediator calls back...
If identified and authority confirmed:
“Thank you. I’m content to proceed on that basis. My settlement offer is £0, or I invite the claimant to discontinue with no order as to costs.”
If no/unclear authority:
“Please record that the claimant’s attendee has not confirmed settlement authority. My position remains that liability is denied and my offer is £0, subject to prompt approval by an authorised solicitor if they choose to discontinue.”
All you need to know is the name and the position of the person acting for the claimant and report that back to us. It will be over within minutes. Complete waste of time otherwise.