How It Works?

Consilia workplace mediators follow a tried and tested structure that ensures confidentiality, impartiality and the safety of all participants throughout the mediation process whilst ensuring the highest probability of a successful outcome.

The Workplace Mediation Process

1

Individual Conversations: This is the first critical step in the process and it involves the mediator meeting in a confidential setting with each of the parties individually. Introductions are made, the mediation process is explained and the ground rules are clarified. It’s important to build rapport and to put people at ease, it gives people the chance to express themselves without fear of judgement and explain the situation that has brought them to mediation. The mediator will discuss emotions and acknowledge difficulties, establish what the individual wants to achieve from the mediation and seek agreement to proceed with the process. If all parties, or the mediator, are not happy to continue with the mediation it doesn’t go ahead, it has to be a voluntary process for it to be effective.

2

Preparing Work on Dispute: Mediation is hard work and it isn’t the right solution for every situation. During this stage the mediator will reflect upon the case and decide if it is possible to proceed and if so what the best approach would be. This may mean shuttle mediation, co-mediation or group mediation. The mediator will also decide whether they are the best mediator to lead the case and where and when would be the best time to do it. Once these decisions are made, diaries can be booked and the mediation progresses to the next stage.

3

Group Conversations: This is the first time that all of the parties are brought together and it can be highly charged. The mediator controls the meeting with clear objectives in mind. They remind everyone of the ground rules, especially around keeping the conversation professional and giving each other time to speak by not interrupting. Each person has an equal amount of time to express their opinion and expectations and to listen to the other persons point of view. This can be very difficult and it is usual after this stage to take a short break.

4

Exploring & Working on the Issues: The mediator will lead the conversation, summarising the points made by both parties and developing an agenda for discussion that both parties can agree upon. It can take quite a long time to decide what the agenda points are, which ones are important to both parties and which can be left for now. Usually there would be three or four key agenda points. It is during this step that people tend to stop talking through the mediator and start talking to each other, however briefly. For many people in this situation this may be the first time they have spoken to each other directly for weeks, months, or even years. Getting to this step is great progress.

5

Building Agreements: Working from the agreed agenda the mediator now facilitates the negotiation and discussion. Ideas are discussed, offers or concessions are made and options are considered. It isn’t all plain sailing though and the mediator does need to keep everyone on track, holding the ground rules and checking the reality of any decisions. There can be sticking points and the mediator checks with the parties about alternatives and encourages solutions. It is useful here to reflect on what might happen if there is no agreement on the point. The consequences of not reaching agreement often spur the parties on to find new ideas or make compromises. Having worked so hard through the sessions it is usual, though not guaranteed, for people to finally reach agreement about most or all of the points that they need to. The mediator helps them to draft an agreement to put all of the decisions in writing, which they each sign up to.

6

Closure & Follow-up: In writing the agreement there is a discussion about who the details will be shared with, for example HR or the line manager, and what specifically will be shared, if anything. The parties also decide if a follow-up period is required and what they will do if either of them stop honouring the agreement. The mediator will advise the sponsor of the mediation about the overall outcome, i.e. if an agreement was reached, if the details of the agreement are being shared and when they will be following up with both parties to see if agreement is working or if further support is required.

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What will it cost?

We offer a range of fixed fee packages on a pay as you go basis so that you can budget and costs are kept to a manageable level.

A Trusted Name In Mediation, whether in your personal or professional life

At Consilia Mediation we recognise that the process of the breakdown of a relationship, whether in your personal or work life, is stressful and can be a very traumatic time. Our accredited mediators are sensitive in approach and highly skilled at dealing with difficult and challenging situations.

What our clients say about Consilia Legal on


  • Received a really good service from Marie and the team including Emma, who offered valuable support throughout. I contacted Consilia following a recommendation from a union representative. Was given great advise through her trusted associate who offered an accurate and professional assessment. Marie secured a really good outcome due to her knowledge, perseverance, conscientiousness and genuine desire to try and get the best outcome on my behalf. A lot of genuine empathy and respect expressed and a brilliant negotiator. Very well informed, experienced and brilliant communicator. True to her word re costs as discussion was upfront and honest. Very reasonable rate compared to other firms. Would recommend to others Thank you very much!

    Elaben Mistry Jackson Avatar Elaben Mistry Jackson
    May 26, 2019
  • Marie and her staff have been very helpful. Marie had assisted me previously with an employment law issues so I had no hesitation in engaging her again. She helped me through an unpleasant job related matter when I was at a low ebb and feeling unable to fight my own corner. As before Marie gave sound, straight forward advice and took over the handling of communication with my employer until the matter was resolved. When I had to take action myself Marie was always there to consult if I was worried about something. I would thoroughly recommend Consilia Legal to anyone.

    Amanda Keers Avatar Amanda Keers
    June 24, 2019
  • Marie, Andy, Victoria and Emma were exceptional in their help, advice and support – all done with a non-nonsense super friendly approach. Really took the stress out of a difficult corporate employment process. I felt safe and confident in their capable hands, recommending them highly.

    Sophie Webb Avatar Sophie Webb
    June 3, 2019
  • Very professional and got the right result for me in a very timely abs efficient manner. Great service, good advice and an excellent result I couldn’t have got on my own

    Jon Geldart Avatar Jon Geldart
    May 23, 2019
  • Excellent service from Laura Clapton guiding me through a difficult divorce process. Super efficient, professional and carries out the work with understanding and compassion for your situation. Would highly recommend and have already recommended.

    Jo Allan Avatar Jo Allan
    April 9, 2019

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