Mediation
Stirling Council’s workplace mediation service is available through the Council’s Code of Conduct or Dignity at Work policy.
Many of the workplace disputes that arise in an organisation are from unintentional actions, miscommunication or misunderstandings. In Stirling Council employees (and Elected Members) can redress these by referring to the Council’s Code of Conduct or Dignity at Work policy.
Any colleague can resort to mediation through the Code of Conduct when they are not confident that they can discuss an issue (that is Code related) on their own. This informal route is not a substitute for any contractual agreements or disciplinary/grievance procedures.
In 2005 Stirling Council implemented a Dignity at Work policy. This policy applies specifically to a situation or circumstances where there are allegations of harassment or bullying. As part of the informal stage of the policy, colleagues may consider mediation as a way of moving forward.
What is mediation?
Mediation is a process by which impartial, trained people assist 2 or more colleagues resolve a disagreement /conflict. They do so in an informal but supported and structured way that aims to help these colleagues work out, for themselves, an agreement/solution that is satisfactory to both/all parties. The focus is on future behaviour.
Mediation tends to works most effectively if it is used early in a dispute/disagreement. However it can also be effective in resolving longer term situations or issues.
Within Stirling Council, Mediators, who are trained volunteers, tend to work in pairs. Independent of any Service, they are neutral and have no stake in any outcome. The Council’s Mediators are non-judgemental and will not make decisions for the parties or decide who is right or wrong. Their role is to help the parties to listen, understand and identify issues and help them decide for themselves what is important and what will satisfy their needs and expectations.
Whilst the aim of mediation is to find agreement before reaching the level of formal grievance proceedings, employees retain the right to raise a grievance without recourse to mediation.
