We understand that resolving workplace conflict can be difficult and a little scary. As experienced mediators, we will support each party every step of the way.
By listening carefully to what everyone has to say, we will encourage parties to talk about their concerns constructively and safely. We will not make judgments or determine who is right or wrong. Instead, we will maintain a neutral and impartial approach throughout the process and support parties before, during and after mediation.
The FAIR mediation model™ can guide parties through a full range of disputes, including:
- Conflicts between employees/within teams
- Conflicts between managers and employees
- Allegations of bullying, harassment or discrimination
- Executive-level disputes
Mediation packages designed around you
Conflict is complex and we understand that flexibility is key. We have a range of Mediation packages designed to support the varying needs of parties and the organisation. At times, individuals may benefit from coaching support, or even a further mediation in the future to reinforce the agreement made. The essence of mediation is to restore a positive and productive working relationship, one that allows all parties to feel heard, understood and respected.
Mediation is not easy, and it can be challenging, frustrating, complex and tiring. However, by meeting one another and talking with honesty and openness about the situation, parties are making a real and sustainable contribution to the dispute resolution process. Our TCM mediators consider the process of direct communication as the most effective and worthwhile form of mediation available.
Each of our packages places dialogue at the centre and include one full day of mediation, with added extras thereafter, as follows…
This involves everything included in the Mediation First package, plus: Coaching for both parties either pre or post mediation.
An additional half-day mediation session after one month which helps to reinforce the agreement and look further into the future.
The process
- Both parties meet with the mediator individually.
- This meeting provides an opportunity for both parties to identify the root cause of the conflict.
- This meeting is also held individually.
- Both parties understand and decide how they want to explain their situation within the joint meeting.
- Both parties are together in a room with the mediator.
- They both have uninterrupted speaking time and are encouraged to listen and understand each other’s perspectives.
- This part of the process can completely change the dynamic and is hugely powerful.
- The exchange takes place, after which mutual agreement is made for resolution.
- Parties are invited to reflect on the process and the outcome.
- They decide on future action to be taken if a further conflict arises.
- The mediator remains in contact with the parties involved for a year after mediation.
“As a mediator, you can see the weight come off people’s shoulders as they begin to trust the process and open up – it’s so rewarding. All the hurt that people have held inside just falls away.”
All of our mediation packages include, as a minimum:
- Preparation and introductory calls with the referrer to build a clear terms of reference.
- Introductory calls with each party and the mediator to build rapport, answer queries and calm any nerves.
- A first meeting with the parties to discuss perspective, expectations of mediation and potential outcomes.
- A second meeting with each party to prepare for the joint meeting.
- The joint meeting – this phase of mediation is flexible but will include time for problem solving, achieving consensus, and working towards an agreement/action plan.
- Follow up at 4 weeks by the mediator, and again at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months (by phone/email).
- A project impact meeting (PIM) via an online platform once the mediation concludes with the referrer and TCM Mediation services coordinator.
How we've helped
“A very successful meeting, very constructive and explored all of my concerns. I felt listened too and was able to voice any issues that I had wanted to raise. A very positive outcome was reached.”
“I am very satisfied with the outcome. The mediator explained things well and the mediation was very well structured.“
“The mediator was wonderful – I would strongly recommend The Mediation Company to anyone who is experiencing workplace conflict. Thanks to HR for funding this process – it was remarkably helpful.”
“It was better than expected – I felt relieved with the outcome. We have a plan to more forward which should aid in relationship. Very professional, and would highly recommend.”
“The mediator was excellent! Very positive, I feel that we have already taken some steps forward. I felt that the mediator was fully aware of the issues and did not pass judgement.”
“The mediator listened carefully to my views and acted in a very professional manner. I was very happy with the mediators approach and outcome as she helped us to identify and evaluate a variety of constructive options.”
“They really are the experts in this field. I have used The Mediation Company several times and always get good results from them. David and his team always go that extra mile for you. If you do a cost-benefit analysis, TMC are able to save organisations considerable amounts of money. It is also highly rewarding to see staff working together again in a really positive way (in the majority of cases). TMC have a 92% success rate and I would not go anywhere else.”
“Great organisation and great people passionate about mediation and resolution. We have worked with The Mediation Company for 5 years and have recommended their mediation and training services to many.”
“I would wholeheartedly recommend The Mediation Company to anyone looking to implement mediation into their workplace. They are extremely professional, incredibly knowledgeable and very welcoming and relaxed in their approach.”
“Just a quick line to thank The Mediation Company for the recent mediation service provided to RCPCH. A very successful day and working relationships improved enormously. I have always believed in restorative processes and the service offered by TMC really is excellent and evidences that this this really is the right approach to resolving conflict.”
“After looking at several companies I attended one of TMC’s taster sessions. Following that I booked to attend the full course. The service overall was outstanding, and the professionalism of the trainers was outstanding. I still use the supporting material today as a guide. Since I became trained my Trust has now invested in three further Workplace Mediators and we have just completed an 18-month report on the cases we have had referred. We also meet monthly for a debriefing session to discuss cases. We are in the process of reviewing our Grievance Policy and Mediation is already listed as an early intervention before moving to a full-blown investigation. To be completely honest I have always found my interactions with TMC very positive. I feel that I can approach the team at any time for advice and linking into the Webinars is always a good reminder of why we take the steps to resolve issues at the lowest possible level.”
“A one-day mediation, which hopefully results in a positive outcome, is a lot less time consuming than having to undertake a grievance investigation and everything that goes with it.”
“Royal Mail introduced mediation as part of the Agenda for Growth Agreement (our Industrial Relations Strategy) in partnership with the CWU, the Royal Mail Union. We use mediation to resolve cases of bullying and harassment and industrial relations disputes. TMC have been a critical partner in the development of mediation within Royal Mail and they have been a pleasure to work with at every stage – from the design to the roll out of mediation across the entire company. Mediation has been incredibly effective. In the first two years of using mediation, we had undertaken 329 mediations of which 118 were industrial relations cases and 211 were in bullying and harassment cases. 88% of all cases were resolved through mediation. The cost savings to Royal Mail are measured in terms of tens of millions of pounds. That does not include the less visible benefits of a more collaborative and adult relationship in the workplace and between Royal Mail and its unions partners.”
“I have had the best experience with The Mediation Company, and I will be recommending TMC to colleagues interested in mediation.”
GOT A QUESTION FOR US? GET IN TOUCH.
We’d love to hear from you if you have a question, need some guidance in booking one of our courses or are looking for a bespoke package, tailored to your organisation. Please provide your details in the form and one of our experienced team will be in touch.
