Rowan Mediation

What is Mediation?

Mediation is a structured process whereby an impartial mediator facilitates communication between those in dispute in order for them to understand each other better and for them to come up with mutually acceptable solutions that will improve the working relationship in the future.

Principles of Mediation

• Confidentiality
• Voluntary
• 'Solution/Agreement' focussed
• Disputants offer the solution themselves
• Mediator is impartial

Benefits of Mediation

• Reduce staff turnover
• Less costly than tribunals
• less acrimonious and time consuming than formal dispute resolutions
• Improved workplace morale
• Improved working relationships

When is Mediation Appropriate?

Mediation is appropriate at the early stages of a dispute, to prevent conflicts escalating into a formal grievance, disciplinary, or tribunal. Equally though, it can be entered into after a formal grievance or disciplinary, when colleagues need to find a new way to work.

How Mediation Works

The mediation process can be broken down into three stages:

Stage 1 - Individual Meetings with Disputants

The mediator meets with the individuals concerned on their own for about one hour each. The purpose is to put them at ease and allow them a safe space to explore what they see as the main issue, their feelings, the impact the situation is having on them, their motivation for seeking a solution and what they want from Stage 2.

Stage 2 - Meeting Together and Making Agreement

The mediator meets with both the individuals together for about 2 hours. The aim of this meeting is for each side to hear the point of view of the other person. We work hard to promote understanding on both sides and to help them realise that it is in the interests of all to come up with a workable solution. We do not dwell on past events, but on behaviour patterns. At the end of this stage each asks the other what they want of them and states what they are prepared to offer. Each individual signs a behaviour agreement.

Stage 3 - Review Progress

The mediator meets with both parties to review progress. This happens 1-4 weeks later, depending on the workplace situation. At this stage the agreement may need to be adjusted.