guide to
single dispute resolution
employers are under increasing pressure to manage disputes effectively. The Government now encourages business to move away from bureaucratic procedures in favour of early dispute resolution. However, merely bringing parties together in the hope of reaching a solution is unlikely to be effective without a trained mediator.
our UK-wide team of independent, qualified, experienced mediators are accredited by recognised national bodies and come from a variety of backgrounds with experience of working in a wide range of sectors.
our guiding principles
a mediator will at all times respect
the confidentiality of everyone involved – the discussions within mediation remain confidential to the parties involved -the mediator cannot divulge them outside the process. The parties will agree the contents of the final agreement, which will then be made available only to the appropriate manager(s).
the authority of management - mediation must not undermine disciplinary procedures or structures of accountability.
the rights of employees – no solution can be allowed to go against employment law, the terms of a contract of employment or equality legislation.
mediators are independent and neutral. They do not take sides or give advice, and they do not make judgements or take decisions. Their role is to manage the process and reach a workable solution.
starting the process
mediation can be initiated by an employee or the employer. Initially, you can contact us for an informal discussion. If you are an employee you will need authority from your employer to proceed, but we will be happy to contact them on your behalf. Similarly, if you are an employer wishing to make a referral we will ask you to obtain permission from the employees concerned so that we can contact them directly in order to start the process.
what happens next?
an experienced mediator will contact everyone involved to arrange confidential individual meetings. These provide an opportunity to discuss the issues that need to be resolved and to discuss any further questions about mediation. They will last up to 90 minutes and are held in a private, informal setting.
once we have an agreed agenda we will invite all parties to a face to face meeting at a neutral venue, and at a mutually convenient time and place. The mediator will manage the meeting in order to ensure that everyone has full opportunity to express their points of view and be heard. We encourage everyone involved to contribute possible solutions before deciding a way forward that everyone can agree with.
what happens to the agreement?
once an agreement has been reached, the mediator will record it and everyone present will be asked to sign. This written agreement will be shared with the referrer.
what happens if an agreement can't be reached?
if no agreement can be reached, the discussions and contents of the mediation meeting cannot be used elsewhere, either at tribunals, courts, or in disciplinary proceedings. Nor can the mediator be required to attend, be a witness or express an opinion for any further proceedings.
if you decide not to continue
if at any stage one party decides not to continue with mediation, the process will be halted. Mediation is voluntary and there will be no record kept of any discussions held.
how much will it cost?
our costs are based on a daily rate of £950. We will give an initial estimate of costs when you make the referral.
testimonial
“I found Mediation Works to be highly responsive and supportive when I contacted them to seek help in resolving issues between two members of my team. Since the intervention provided the team continue to work together successfully, where as prior to the intervention there had been a lot of stress and anxiety within team members about the way forward. As a result, the service we are required to provide has been delivered professionally and without disruption. The representative from Mediation Works kept me fully informed at each stage of the process whilst maintaining individuals’ confidentiality. I would certainly use Mediation Works again if faced with a similar situation.”
Sara Vale, Deputy Director, Child and Family Support Services, Community Health Services, NHS Telford and Wrekin