Mediation is a very positive and cost-effective way of resolving conflict in the workplace and is highly recommended by ACAS in the resolution of grievances and other workplace conflicts.

We can support you through:

• Undertaking independent mediation and conflict resolution for you delivered by our team of trained and experienced mediators.  This can be officer to officer mediation, officer to Councillor or Councillor to Councillor.
• Helping develop your policies and approach to mediation
• Delivering training to your managers to encourage them to adopt a mediation approach in the workplace
• Training internal mediators 
   

What is Mediation?

Mediation is an optional informal process offered to staff in dispute to help them reach an agreement on positive actions that will help to improve working relationships. It can also be used to support a positive return to work at the end of long formal procedures where staff may still be required to work together following a difficult disciplinary  or grievance hearing for example. Mediation helps individuals to move on from the ‘process and outcome’ of past difficulties and establish a ‘new start’ in terms of their future working relationships.

Mediation is a voluntary and confidential process and individuals must participate willingly, as it requires them to face the other party with whom they are in dispute. 

Mediation is not a mechanism to address capability issues and should not be used to avoid managerial responsibilities.

Undertaking Mediation

Our experienced team of trained mediators can provide mediation services for you, please contact HR@SWCouncils.gov.uk or call 01823 270101.

Mediation Training

SW Councils can also deliver one day training for managers giving them a practical overview of the skills and techniques needed for dealing with workplace conflict and an understanding of how mediation can be used to prevent and resolve issues (details here).

We can also support you in training in-house mediators with a three-day ILM endorsed  Mediation Course (details here).
 

More information about mediation can be found on our website including research and case studies looking at best practice, the value of mediation in resolving conflict between Councillors and officers, and issues arising from employee personal problems.

“Mediation is an important tool that enables us to resolve natural dissonance without losing focus and momentum or descending into less healthy conflict” Penny James, Chief Executive, Taunton Deane Borough and West Somerset Councils