Our Approach
Use of the service is voluntary and is not a required step in any grievance procedure or organisational policy. A number of principles are adhered to by the service, including the following:
Independence
Mediation Services is independent of other offices in the university, including the Human Resources Office. The Director of Mediation Services does not report to, and is not affiliated with, any compliance office or function of the university.
Neutrality and Impartiality
The Director of Mediation Services is neutral, impartial, and unaligned. In respect of any matter under consideration, the Director may have regard to the legitimate concerns and interests of any individual who might reasonably be affected by the matter under consideration.
Confidentiality
The Director of Mediation Services holds all communications with those seeking assistance is strict confidence and does not disclose confidential information to any person or body, unless given permission to do so by the person concerned and then only at the discretion of the Director. The only exception to the guarantee of confidentiality is where there appears to be imminent risk of serious harm, or where the law requires disclosure of information that would otherwise be regarded as confidential.
Informality
The Director of Mediation Services functions on an informal basis, using a non-adversarial approach to resolving issues and does not conduct investigations, adjudicate on issues, or represent staff members in any formal process.