Frequently asked questions
How long does mediation last?
Mediation generally lasts for one full day.
However, in more complex cases or in cases involving more than two parties, it may last for up to two or three days.
If your mediation is taking place online, it may be broken up into more manageable, shorter sessions on screen.
Mediation empowers parties to actively participate in crafting their own solutions. This sense of control over the resolution process can lead to more satisfactory and sustainable outcomes.
Mediation fact #1
Who are the mediators?
All of TCM’s mediators are fully trained, certified and experienced.
Each mediator works within TCM’s exacting quality and practice standards and the European Standards for Mediators.
Should you require a copy of our quality standards, please reach out to our Mediation Coordinator who will gladly provide you with a copy.
Mediation teaches transferrable life skills of compassion, active listening, collaboration and more.
Mediation fact #2
Do mediators tell people what to do?
No. Mediators do not tell parties what to do.
They do not judge who is right or wrong, nor do they impose a settlement or a solution.
At The TCM Group, over 93% of mediation cases result in mutual resolution.
Mediation fact #3
Is mediation confidential?
Yes. Parties sign an agreement to mediate at the first meeting. Mediators will not disclose anything that has been said during workplace mediation without the permission of the parties.
If agreed by both parties, mediators provide a copy or a summary of the final agreement to the person who requested workplace mediation to enable them to continue to manage and support the situation.
Mediators destroy all notes from mediation at the end of the process. Other than a copy of the agreement, we do not keep any records of the day and mediators will not provide evidence at any process or employment tribunal.
A study has proven that 80% of disputes have a significant impact on the smooth running of business.
Mediation fact #4
Where does mediation take place?
Mediation takes place in a neutral venue comprising of three rooms. Each party should have their own private room for the entire day and there is a separate room for the joint meetings.
More than 1/2 of employees believe managers could handle disputes more effectively by addressing underlying tensions immediately when they surface.
Mediation fact #5
Is mediation voluntary?
Yes. Mediators ask parties whether they have entered into the process freely and voluntarily. We do not force, trick or coerce parties to engage in mediation.
Almost 100% of those with mediation skills training report that it has helped them to positively navigate conflict.
Mediation fact #6
Can I have someone with me during mediation?
Whilst we recognise that parties may wish to have someone with them, the mediators will create an environment where parties do not need anyone else to support them.
If parties do wish to bring someone this is possible during the first individual meeting only, and that person must sign the agreement to mediate.
Mediators do not encourage anyone other than the parties to be involved during the later stages of mediation.
TCM has saved UK organisations nearly £500 million by mediating workplace disputes.
Mediation fact #7
What happens at the end of mediation?
Hopefully, parties will have reached a resolution to their dispute together with a number of points of agreement. These will be given to the parties (usually on the same day).
TCM offers ongoing support and will contact all parties at one, three, six and twelve months after the mediation. In some cases, we also offer further mediation meetings if required, as well as conflict coaching to help embed resolution.
We have a freephone number that all parties, their managers or HR officer can call if help is required to maintain the agreement: 0800 294 9787.
Mediation can resolve disputes in a fraction of the time it takes for a court case to go through the entire legal process.
Mediation fact #8
I thought mediation was about us meeting each other. Why do we have to meet the mediator separately first?
Having separate meetings with the mediator gives all parties the opportunity to talk about the conflict from their point of view.
The mediator listens to what each party says and explores how each party feels, what their concerns are, and what their underlying needs are.
Mediation sits at roughly 1/3 of the cost of a formal procedure, saving businesses a lot of money.
Mediation fact #9
Does mediation really work?
Yes. Last year TCM’s mediators achieved a resolution in over 94% of cases. However, for mediation to work it requires a commitment from all parties.
When parties enter into mediation with a willingness to listen and to respect each other, to challenge and to be challenged, and to seek a new way of working together, there is a good chance that mediation will work.