Workplace Mediation

Background

Workplace Mediation provides an opportunity to provide local solutions to local problems before they get out of hand and involve the parties with time consuming and expensive outside agencies like industrial tribunals. Mediation can work when the parties want a solution. The mediator aims to work with them to find a way forward which is equitable and mutually agreeable. The mediator is impartial, meets with the parties individually, and then, if the parties are willing, brings them together. The parties agree ground rules for their meeting, issues are clarified and summarised to confirm understanding. The parties then work with the mediator to identify win/win solutions. When there is a mutually agreeable outcome, the mediator writes it up in a way that both sides regard as fair and workable. There can be a follow up meeting later.