Workplace Mediation is a confidential way to resolve disagreements or disputes between people who work together. The process is facilitated by a trained mediator and works by encouraging the parties to speak to each other and reach mutually acceptable agreements. It offers the parties a chance to talk about the situation, express their concerns, and come up with practical suggestions about how things could work better in future. The dispute could be between two or more people, wherever they are in the organisation.
It only works when all parties agree to mediate. It is therefore essential that no-one is put under pressure to attend mediation or feel that it will count against them if they decide not to participate.
The parties will be asked to identify their issues and concerns and from this an agenda will be set to help them jointly work toward acceptable agreements. The mediator will encourage open communication helping the parties to generate options and ideas that will improve the situation. The aim of mediation is to achieve a win/win outcome with the parties taking responsibility for making changes and agreeing a more positive way of working in the future
The process is carried out on the basis of agreed confidentially between the parties and the mediator. The exception to this would be if a party raised issues of harm to self or others or issues of serious misconduct.
The mediator will spend time with each party individually before commencing the joint meeting. Separate meetings can be held during the joint mediation session where appropriate.
The mediator’s role is to act as an independent and impartial facilitator. They will not take sides or judge what is right or wrong. They will manage the process by making sure that each party has an equal voice, is heard and is able to respond.
The mediator will encourage the parties to discuss their issues of concern and help them look for realistic solutions. Where appropriate, the mediator will assist the parties to draw up a mutually acceptable agreement that is signed at the end of the meeting.
Please contact us on 01424 446808 for further information.