Mediation

Mediation is a confidential, voluntary process that you agree to. It's a quick way to resolve a dispute and is less formal and more flexible than our grievance process. We can't force you to take part (and it would be counterproductive to do so). 

We may offer mediation to deal with:

• personality clashes

• differences of opinion

• communication issues

• grievances

• relationship breakdowns

Mediation isn't intended to resolve disputes over contract terms or policies, or objections to us fulfilling our legal obligations and it doesn't replace our disciplinary and grievance procedures.

An impartial person acts as mediator. They don't take sides, but are there to help both parties find a solution that everyone can agree on. They'll:

• always keep things confidential

• co-ordinate the process and facilitate any meetings

• encourage all parties to be open and express their views

• help both parties communicate their wants and needs effectively

• meet with parties individually where necessary

• suggest ways to resolve the situation

The outcome of any mediation is agreed on by both sides, but possible outcomes might be:

• an acknowledgement of each party's views

• a commitment to change behaviours

• a commitment to review the agreement regularly

• an agreement to review a policy or procedure

• an agreement to share work more fairly or provide more responsibility

it will help you get the most out of mediation if you prepare beforehand the problems you want the mediator to help with and a list of events. If you do agree to take part in the mediation process, we ask you to:

• approach the process positively

• respect the views of other parties involved

• act professionally throughout

There's no statutory right for you to be accompanied during mediation, but we know you might need support so we'll not unreasonably refuse any request to be accompanied.