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Mediation FAQs

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I'm a Line Manager

Q: Can I make a referral for my team?
A: Yes, as long as you have obtained the agreement of the party(ies) concerned.

Q: Can I make a referral for my team and myself?
A: Yes, as long as you have obtained agreement from the party(ies) concerned.

Q: Can mediation be used before formal procedures have been started?
A: Yes, mediation is at its most effective when resolving disputes soon after they have arisen. However, it can also be used at any stage in an underway issue to improve working relationships providing there are no formal procedures currently taking place.

Q: What are the requirements before I make a referral? 
A: To best support staff as they go through the mediation process, managers referring should:

  • Confirm that there are no formal procedures currently taking place, e.g. formal complaint, grievance.
  • Discuss mediation with the staff you are referring either in a group or separately.
  • Ensure that all parties are willing to participate in mediation.
  • Provide guidance on where to obtain further information on mediation e.g. from our website.
  • Ensure that the staff you are referring are aware of the reasons for the referral.
  • Support the staff you are referring to clear time in their diaries for the mediation to take place.

I'm a HR Manager

Q: Can I make a referral?
A: Yes, as long as you have obtained the agreement from the party(ies) concerned.

Q: Can mediation be used before formal procedures have been started?
A: Yes, mediation is at its most effective when resolving disputes soon after they have arisen. However, it can also be used at any stage in an underway issue to improve working relationships providing there are no formal procedures currently taking place.

Q: What are the requirements before I make a referral?
A: To best support staff as they go through the mediation process, managers referring staff should:

  • Confirm that there are no formal procedures currently taking place e.g. formal complaint, grievance.
  • Discuss mediation with the staff you are referring either in a group or separately.
  • Ensure that all parties are willing to participate in mediation.
  • Provide guidance on where to obtain further information on mediation e.g. from our website.
  • Ensure that the staff you are referring are aware of the reasons for the referral.
  • Support the staff you are referring to clear time in their diaries for the mediation to take place.

I'm a Member of Staff

Q: Can I refer myself or do I need to go through a line manager or HR manager?
A: You can make a self referral or, if you would prefer, you can ask your manager or HR Manager to make a referral.  If you are finding difficulty with a working relationship you can contact the mediation co-ordinator who will talk you through the various support pathways, including mediation.

If you ask your manager or HR manager to make a referral they will be required to discuss mediation with everyone involved prior to making a referral.

Q: What if the person I have an issue with does not wish to participate in mediation?
A: The co-ordinator will speak to them to explain what mediation is, how the process works and discuss any concerns. They will be encouraged to meet with the mediators but if they really do not want to take part we cannot proceed with mediation.

Q: If I make a self referral, does my manager need to know I am using mediation?
A: No. You can inform them if you want, but it is your choice.

Q: Do you or I have to tell my manager what happened in a mediation session?
A: No, not unless you have agreed this with your colleague and the mediators.

Q: What happens if the HR manager or trade union ask the mediation service about my session?
A: As the service is confidential, no details will be divulged about the content of your sessions or your agreement.  However, we are permitted to say whether mediation went ahead.

I'm a Trade Union Representative

Q: Can I refer a case?
A: Yes, as long as you have obtained the agreement from the party(ies) concerned.

Q: Can I recommend mediation to someone?
A: Yes.

Q: Can I accompany someone to mediation?
A: Although we appreciate that mediation can be daunting and parties may feel more comfortable if they have someone with them, it may be counter-productive to have a third party present. Mediation relies on parties taking responsibility for their issue and working through their difficulties with each other. The mediators will create a safe environment so that parties feel able to be open and honest in their discussions.

Is Larger Group Mediation Available?

Yes - however if there are three or more parties taking part, the process may differ slightly. All parties will be offered an individual meeting.

From these meetings, based on their understanding of the situation and assessment of what will produce the most helpful outcome, the mediators may decide to hold several smaller joint sessions with selected parties before moving onto a larger joint session.

How long does it take to set up mediation from the date of referral?

Mediation is arranged to take place as quickly as possible, ideally within 2-3 weeks. Please note that our mediators carry out mediation in conjunction with their full time University employment, but they will be as flexible and accommodating as they can.

Individual and joint meetings are arranged as closely together as possible as this is beneficial to the process and minimises stress on parties.

If numerous dates have been offered and declined, we may decide not to continue with the process.

What is the ‘One Day’ Model of Mediation?

All individual meetings and the joint meeting take place during one day. This is suitable for some cases.

Please note that one day mediations are subject to the mediators’ availability.