A mediator is impartial does not impart opinion, the process is confidential.
How do I prepare for a mediation?
Take some time to think about and make notes of the main factors that have caused the dispute from your viewpoint. Clarify what you want to achieve from the process. Thinking through what the alternatives might be if you don’t get your desired outcome.
Your mediator will spend time with you before the mediation to establish these points and to ensure you feel comfortable and happy to proceed.
What are the 5 steps of mediation?
There are essentially 5 steps to a successful mediation. They are comprised of:
- The introduction;
- Statement of the problem;
- Information gathering;
- Identification of the problems; bargaining; and finally,
- Settlement / plan to move forward positively.
What happens if I refuse mediation at work?
Employers can’t be forced to implement mediation, because it has to be a voluntary process, but if an employer unreasonably refuses to instigate a mediation when one is requested, a tribunal might well take a rather dim view.
We have a 90% success rate and take on complex conflicts and sensitive issues, including mediation between Senior Management, whistleblowing issues, reinstatement, equality & diversity issues, international staff and cultural conflict, sexual harassment, and breakdown of personal relationships at work.
Mediation during COVID-19
With many online video platforms available to everyone we are successfully continuing to offer full mediation services for individuals and groups to keep people safe, yet deal with issues that arise in the workplace or even from remote working situations.
Because mediation is already carried out remotely in some circumstances, the systems are already in place and have been tried and tested. This means that during social distancing, disputes can still proceed smoothly through an alternative resolution process.
Documents can readily and confidentially be shared through online systems and the mediator will be able to set up virtual meetings for all parties together or for a single party with the mediator as needed. They will also ensure that no recordings are made, preserving confidentiality.
Online meetings are easier to arrange than court hearings and travel and waiting times are eliminated. Costs are substantially reduced because of this and the process is entirely more flexible than litigation.
