Mediation
Mediation is a process that complements the University’s formal arrangements for dealing with all types of conflict including grievances and complaints, relationship issues and communication difficulties as well as harassment, discrimination, victimisation and bullying. It offers early assistance before problems escalate into major issues for all concerned and will help you consider options to resolve your situation. The role of mediator is to facilitate a process that will lead to a resolution which all parties are able to agree on, and creating ‘win/win’ outcomes.
Mediation is voluntary – it’s your choice if you go ahead or not. Mediation is impartial – mediators will not work in the same work areas as you and will not be associated with your day to day work. They have no vested interest in the outcomes and won’t take sides. Mediators will provide you with opportunities to describe the causes and impacts of conflict on yourself and others, before helping the parties to decide how the situation can be improved. The focus is on the future.
Mediation is a process where the parties have the decision-making power.
The Mediation Service is offered in a confidential manner and no one will be informed that you have accessed the Service without your agreement. What you say will not be passed onto your line manager or tutor or kept in your personal file either within your School/Service, Human Resources or Student Services.
By taking part in mediation you do not give up your right to access formal procedures or take other action.
The Mediation Service can be accessed at any time, regardless of whether other procedures have been entered or not, by any member of staff, student, supervisor or manager.
When can Mediation help?
Conflicts arise in the workplace and the following gives an indication of when mediation could help:
- Disputes/conflict between colleagues or peers
- Disputes/conflict between staff and managers
- Disputes/conflict between student and tutors
- Perceptions of discrimination
- Repairing working relationships
- Communication difficulties
What happens first?
You will be offered an informal advisory session by one of the Mediation coordinators and will be referred for mediation where all those involved in the conflict agree to participate and your situation is one in which mediation can assist.
What happens in the mediation process?
Mediators will be sensitively matched to work with you and the other party(ies). Mediators are from different backgrounds and come from a variety of roles across the University. They will be able to relate to your situation as they also work for the University. Usually, a whole day will be set aside during which:
- They will meet you in private to listen to your situation without judging or criticising you
- They will accept what you say and have no role to investigate “the facts”
- They will help you to prepare for a joint meeting with the other party(ies)
- They will facilitate the joint meeting
Are the Mediators trained?
All mediators and coordinators have undertaken an Open College Network accredited programme which develops the mediator’s skills and a full understanding of the mediation process resulting in the National Certificate in Workplace Mediation. Mediators also receive support and supervision through the coordinators and continually develop their skills.
How do I access the Service?
Your first contact point will be the Mediation Coordinators:
Mary Siddall, Corporate Services, ext. 23774
or
Kamaljit Kerridge-Poonia, Diversity Manager, ext. 22945
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