Resolving Workplace Disputes With Mediation
“Mediation is a non-adversarial way of resolving difficult situations. It is used as an alternative to formal or legal processes. At TCM, we describe mediation as a mind-set; a framework; and a competence.
The mediator is an impartial third party. They help the two or more disputing parties to have an open and honest dialogue so that they can secure a mutually acceptable outcome. A win/win outcome. Mediation is different because it is about collaborating rather than blaming.
Any agreement in mediation comes from those in dispute, not from the mediator. The mediator is not there to judge, to say one person is right and the other wrong, or to tell those involved in the mediation what they should do. Mediation is both voluntary and confidential“
How to find out more about workplace mediation?
Please call TCM’s National Mediation Helpline on 0800 294 97 87
You are welcome to contact us with any type of mediation related enquiry. We are passionate and knowledgeable about mediation and we welcome any questions that you have.
Free workplace mediation consultation days and workshops
If you would like to know more about mediation, we can visit you to deliver a free ‘Mediation Eye Opener’ workshop for up to 16 delegates. During the workshop we will explain how mediation works and we will answer any questions that you have. For more information call 0800 294 97 87 or email us here.
Did you know that we also run complimentary mediation and conflict management workshops at The TCM Academy in London? Click here for more details
What issues are suitable for mediation?
Mediation is suitable for every single complaint, quarrel, disagreement and feud.
Every dispute that you could imagine, and probably a few that you couldn’t, are suitable for mediation. There is no conflict that can occur in the workplace that mediation could not help with. TCM has been delivering mediation services for a wide array of organisations since 2001. We were recently awarded ‘Mediation Provider of the Year‘ by the Civil Mediation Council during the National Mediation Awards.
TCM designed and delivers a highly effective workplace and employment mediation process called FAIR Mediation™ – see below. FAIR Mediation™ is suitable for a wide range of issues.
Listed below are just some of the cases that we regularly and successfully mediate:
- Conflicts and disagreements between employees and within teams.
- Conflicts between managers and employees or between senior managers.
- Allegations of bullying, harassment or discrimination.
- Boardroom and executive level disputes.
- Disputes between business partners.
- Disputes with customers or along the supply chain.
- Issues arising from mergers and acquisitions.
What are the benefits of mediation?
Save time, money and stress with mediation.
Last year, the team at TCM achieved a successful resolution in over 90% of the disputes referred to us*. This is an unprecedented success rate in mediation and is due to the commitment that we have at all stages of the process.
Mediation begins from the minute that you contact us and continues way beyond the parties reaching that all important resolution:
- Mediation places responsibility for the resolution of a dispute directly with the parties.
- Mediation creates a safe place for all sides to have their say and to be heard.
- Mediation stops disputes escalating out of control.
- Mediation reduces the stress and anxiety commonly associated with conflict.
- Mediation reduces the cost of conflict and reduces the risk of litigation.
- Mediation contributes to a more harmonious and productive working environment.
- MEDIATION WORKS!
*our success rate is based on the parties achieving a signed agreement by the end of mediation.
How does mediation work?
Over 90% of disputes resolved in just one day
TCM’s mediation process is simple and highly effective. We will supply you with an online referral form plus TCM’s Guide to Mediation. Once we have received the completed referral form, mediation will then commence:
- One of the TCM business support team will liaise with you to agree dates and logistics.
- The case is allocated to one of our expert mediation consultants.
- They will contact both parties by phone or videocall to introduce themselves and to answer any questions that they may have.
- On the day of mediation, the mediator will meet each party separately for about an hour. This meeting is to explore the past and the present.
- The mediator then meets the parties a second time to help them prepare for the joint meeting.
- The joint mediation meeting follows the following stages:
- Mediator opens the meeting.
- Parties make an opening statement followed by questions and summary by the mediator.
- Parties have an open and free flowing exchange of views.
- The mediator shifts the focus from past to the future. The parties are encouraged to begin problem solving and developing their resolution action plan (RAP).
- The mediator will test the RAP to ensure that it is resilient and sustainable.
- The mediation is closed and all parties agree what happens next.
- We will contact you to make sure that you are happy with how mediation proceeded and we will clarify the aftercare and follow up arrangements.
How can I become a trained mediator?
TCM runs three incredibly popular and highly regarded workplace mediation skills training courses:
The National Certificate in Workplace Mediation™
This course is the flagship training for workplace mediators. It is accredited by the Open College Network (OCN). Since 2001, we have trained mediators from all over the world who have used their skills to resolve complex workplace conflicts, complaints and disputes. The course is available for delivery onsite at your organisation from groups of 8 or more. We also run the course regularly through the award winning TCM Academy in Central London.
For more information about the National Certificate in Workplace Mediation™, please click here
Practical Mediation Skills™
This is a two day course and it is ideal for HR, managers, union reps and others who may mediate occasionally as part of their roles. We provide the vital skills and strategies that delegates need to set up and run a facilitated conversation between two people in a dispute. The course is best suited to in house delivery so that we can tailor it to meet the unique needs and context of your organisation However, we also run it as an open course through The TCM Academy
For more information about Practical Mediation Skills™, please click here
Core Mediation Skills™
This is a fantastic one day course. It is designed for line managers, supervisors, complaints handlers, union reps and HR and ER advisers who may benefit from using mediation skills as part of their everyday jobs. The skills that we teach are universally valuable and include empathy, applied positive psychology, communication skills, assertiveness, problem solving and negotiation skills. This is a wonderful way for delegates to learn from some of the worlds top mediators. Delegate feedback from this course is always outstanding. Like Practical Mediation Skills™, it works best as an in-house course which means that we can tailor it to your specific needs and context. However, we also run it as an open course through The TCM Academy.
For more information about Core Mediation Skills™, please click here
Frequently asked questions about mediation.
For a more detailed list of mediation FAQs, please click here
- Is mediation confidential? Yes, whatever is said during mediation goes no further. All notes taken in mediation are destroyed.
- Is mediation voluntary? Yes it is. Although, more and more of our customers are making it clear that they expect their employees to act in a reasonable way to secure a constructive resolution to a complaint or a grievance.
- Does mediation work in a team? Yes, mediation is highly effective at resolving team or group conflicts, click here for more details.
David Liddle’s book ‘MANAGING CONFLICT‘, published by Kogan Page and the CIPD, includes a significant amount of resources for organisations interested in using mediation.
The FAIR Mediation Model™
TCM’s FAIR Mediation Model™ has been designed specifically for use in resolving workplace and employment disputes. It is a highly effective and well regarded model used by some of the UK’s biggest names including: Royal Mail, HSBC, Aviva, Network Rail, BA, London Ambulance Service, Lloyds Banking Group, The Metropolitan Police, BT, The DWP along with numerous universities, hospitals, councils and police forces.
The FAIR Mediation Model™ is unique because it addresses the underlying root cause of a conflict whilst bringing a pragmatic and highly effective problem solving approach. It also includes a substantial amount of post-mediation support for the parties for a full year after mediation concludes.
After all, Rome was not built in a day.
Workplace Mediation Courses
Videos and recordings from The TCM Group
Below are a selection of relevant videos.
