Mediation support services at the University

03 Jun 2019

Mediation allows those involved to generate solutions to resolve their issues. How does a session work at the University?

Our mediation services, based here at the university, offer a great resource for staff and students in difficult situations they haven’t been able to resolve by other means.  Mediation can be helpful when a working relationship has broken down, there’s a communication problem between colleagues, or when an individual feels they’re being bullied or harassed. 

We have 16 accredited mediators and they are all university employees in a variety of different roles.

What can staff who wish to use the mediation services expect? 

• In order to access our services, colleagues should first email mediation@manchester.ac.uk. One of our mediators will then arrange a suitable time to call you to further understand the issue 
• We run a co-mediation model – each case is assigned two mediators to work on it. Both mediators will call both parties individually to discuss the case. It will then be decided whether mediation will go ahead
• Once the parties involved are happy to take part in mediation, a date is arranged for them to speak to the mediators individually 
• A joint meeting is arranged where the parties concerned come together with both mediators

How do our mediators approach a conflict?

• Mediators don’t tell colleagues what to do to resolve issues. Solutions are generated by those involved in the conflict 
• Everyone is given the opportunity to express their concerns, look at the problems they’re facing and then try to move towards a mutual solution. It’s the mediator’s job to encourage and support that happening 
• All mediators are bound by strict confidentiality. No notes are taken during sessions, nothing is held on file and nothing is recorded. Anything discussed during mediation – whether that’s prior to the meeting, in emails and calls, during a session, or afterwards – will not be used in any other form 

If any member of staff is unsure whether a situation will benefit from mediation, it’s always worth getting in touch with the mediation services team to discuss it. 

Don't be a bystander, call it out and report it

If you or someone you know has experienced any form of harassment, discrimination or bullying you can report it anonymously or report it and get support from one of the University’s Harassment Support Advisors.  

For more information, visit:

Dignity at Work and Study Policy February 2019

Dignity at Work and Study – Procedure for Staff February 2019

Dignity at Work and Study – Informal Procedure for Staff & Students February 2019