E1 — Mediation contactNo, the mediation service will only deal directly with the named party to the claim — i.e. the Registered Keeper (RK). You can, however, assist them in preparing for it, and if necessary, be present quietly in the background if it’s a phone call, provided the mediator and claimant agree. But formally, you cannot be the “named contact.”
E4 / F6 — Language or vulnerabilityYes, it’s appropriate to mention that English is not the RK’s first language and that they may be vulnerable to misunderstanding complex or pressured negotiations. Under the current mandatory mediation scheme, they should not be expected to take part unless an interpreter is available. You can word this clearly and neutrally, e.g.:
“The defendant’s first language is not English, and they would require an interpreter to participate meaningfully in mediation. Without one, there is a significant risk of misunderstanding or being disadvantaged in the process.”
That ensures the court and the Small Claims Mediation Service are aware that the defendant requires an interpreter rather than simply preferring written communication.
F1 — Nearest County CourtThat’s fine. It’s routine for a defendant’s “nearest County Court hearing centre” to be in the next county. The allocation process will assign the case to the most appropriate local court. There’s no need to comment or apologise for geography.
G — Other information / Welsh language rightsThe form’s question G allows for any extra notes, but you don’t need to mention the Welsh-language point unless it’s relevant. HMCTS will automatically provide that information if the case is in Wales or a party requests to use Welsh. It’s not something that must be advised before this stage, so you can safely leave that section blank.
