WARWICK NETWORK DAY – MEDIATION AT WARWICK Thursday 15 December 2011 Sharon Neal or Bob Thomson The University has established an informal mediation process to help members of staff caught up in conflict to talk through their situation and find a way forward that they themselves identify. Mediation is not intended to replace formal processes but rather to be offered alongside these. Taking part in the process is voluntary, and the conversations are confidential. The mediator is impartial, and will not adjudicate on what needs to happen next. Their role is to facilitate an agreement chosen by the parties themselves. The session will explain how the process works and the principles underpinning it. It will also consider when mediation is appropriate and the skills needed to mediate effectively. Welcome What do you understand by mediation? What is mediation? Key principles Skills of mediation: listening to understand asking open questions playing back your understanding helping participants to voice managing the conversations building rapport and trust maintaining confidentiality Outline of process at Warwick When might mediation be appropriate? Any questions