Mediation is increasingly being used to resolve disputes in the workplace and involves a neutral third party bringing two sides together with the aim of reaching a mutual agreement.

Conflict between individuals or groups of people can severely affect organisational performance and can have a damaging and lasting impact on employees well being.

Mediation is an effective form of alternative dispute resolution and is a structured process. The impartial mediator facilitates communication between those in dispute in order for them to understand each other and to come up with mutually acceptable solutions that will improve the working relationship in the future.The 2009 ACAS Code of Practice for Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures actively encourages the use of mediation ‘it may be helpful to consider mediation at any stage’.

The use of a professionally trained external mediator like Siân can prevent disputes ending up in:

• Time consuming and damaging disciplinary processes.
• Lengthy and expensive Employment Tribunals.
• Valuable employees leaving an organisation.
• Continuing harassment and bullying.
• Damaging personality clashes.
• Low productivity.
• Increased absence rates.
• Poor PR for the organisation.