Mediation process

If the case is suitable for mediation there are a number of steps that are usually followed once a request has been made, these include:

Initial Meeting

The Mediation Service will contact you to arrange, separate, introductory meetings with your mediator(s). This meeting usually last around 1 hour and gives you the opportunity to explore the issues that are causing the conflict.

The mediator(s) will ask you to discuss how things could be improved and what you want to get out of mediation.

You will be able to ask any questions about the joint mediation meeting. If you decide to go ahead, the Mediation Service will contact you to make the necessary arrangements.

Joint Meeting

A joint meeting, facilitated by the mediators, usually lasts around three hours. This meeting brings you both together to talk through the issues you’ve highlighted and work on a mutually agreed agenda.

The mediator(s) will provide an overview of how the session will work and give both of you some uninterrupted time, which will give you the opportunity to put forward your key issues.

Following this the mediator(s) will facilitate a discussion where you will explore the key points raised. These discussions will take place in a confidential environment with firm ground-rules set by you and the mediator(s).

An Agreement

The mediator(s) will ensure that both of you are given space and time to talk about your issues and concerns. There will be plenty of opportunity for you both to clarify how you feel and what you would like to see changed.

The intention is that you work toward a joint agreement which focuses on the future of your relationship whilst at the University.

At the end of the mediation session there will be an agreed plan of action. This plan is developed by you and can take many forms, a formal statement with actions and timescales or simply a couple of points you both agree to undertake.

This will remain confidential and will not be shared with anyone else without your agreement.

After Mediation

After mediation, the mediator(s) will contact you at an agreed time to follow up and see how things are progressing. At this point you will be asked if you would like to provide feedback on the mediation process.

This feedback will be kept anonymous and confidential, it is intended only for us to improve our service to you.