Facilitation is a conflict resolution technique where a neutral, trained third party acts to insure that NominalGroupTechnique is followed. A facilitator acts to be sure that the parties to the conflict understand each others' point of view, and steers the conversation to keep it noncircular and focused on the issue. A facilitator may act as a referee to keep overzealous parties from interrupting each other.
Unlike a mediator, a facilitator is not active in the discussion itself. A mediator may propose compromises and suggest solutions while a facilitator does not.