Mediation Service

You won't be asked to agree to anything that you don't want to! There are two stages to the process:

Stage 1: The mediators meet each person individually and confidentially to hear their concerns and issues, and talk through with them how mediation can help.

Stage 2: Provided both individuals agree a joint meeting takes place, again facilitated by the same two mediators.  This gives each person the opportunity to explain their concerns to the other and for the mediators to facilitate their joint discussion.

The service is informal i.e. outside the University's formal processes and is confidential - we do not keep any named records.

How can mediation help me?

• Reduces levels of stress around a difficult relationships
• Improves communication and working relationships
• Provides a solution which works for you and which is flexible and enduring and meets the needs of all involved
• Is used before, during or after or as an alternative to a formal procedure
• Is relatively speedy.

Are you considering trying mediation but are wondering what it is like? The videos shown below have been produced by UK Mediation. They are a specialist mediation training company. They depict a typical mediation, in the video Andy is a mature student who has come into the Local Authority on the graduate entry scheme. Letitia, his colleague, has worked her way up to her current post over the last 15 years. Although they work at the same level, Andy has taken the lead on a report they are supposed to be producing together. Letitia has been working late to get her part of the work completed. Watch the videos to see the situation develop and how mediation is used to resolve the conflict.

Episode 1 | The Spark
Many workplace disputes come to a head with an angry exchange or 'spark' between the parties. Here, Andy & Letitia meet in the tea room, where they discuss their joint report.

Episode 2 | The Manager's Input
Mediation skills aren't just used by mediators! Here, the manager, Jackie, tries to resolve the situation using some key skills.

Episode 3 | Meeting the mediators
Jackie has realised that she can't be impartial this time, and so has suggested the parties contact the mediators. They attend in turn for a private session.

Episode 4 | The joint mediation session begins
The joint mediation session begins with some rule-setting, and then each of them takes some time to say their piece.

Episode 5 | Making an agenda
The mediators get the parties to agree on the key issues

Episode 6 | Negotiating the issues
Once the issues are clear, the mediators encourage a more direct exchange between the two, while carefully managing the conversation.

Episode 7 | Making an agreement
The parties' improved understanding is summarised in writing.

Episode 8 | Andy and Letitia return to the department
The interpersonal problems resolved for now, the two colleagues are able to pick up the report again with the manager's support.