Mediation Provisions at LSE

Mediation is a voluntary and confidential process which, if agreed upon by the parties involved, can be used as an alternative to formal procedures and/or may be undertaken after the commencement of a formal procedure. As defined by ACAS, mediation is “a quick way to resolve disagreement at work” which “helps to mend workplace relationships by finding solutions that everyone agrees to, improving communication and allowing everyone involved to have control of what’s finally agreed to”.

Mediation involves the appointment of an impartial third-party mediator who will discuss the issues raised with all parties involved in a workplace dispute and seek to facilitate a solution that all can agree to. 

In many cases, it can help to resolve disagreements around workplace relationships or difficulties involving two or more people. Mediation can be used at any stage; it may be discussed as an option during the informal stage of grievance resolution but can also be suggested at any point of a formal grievance process, in addition to being a reasonable recommendation following a formal grievance procedure.

Mediation can be internal or external. 

Currently, the School has seven in-house mediators, who have successfully completed nationally accredited training. A list of the names of the mediators can be found below: 

- Imran Iqbal, Department Manager, Government Department

- Michelle Batten, School of Public Policy

- Sally Madley, Student Counselling 

- Sarah Greene, Management 

- Jo Ward, CPEC

- Samantha Da Costa, RCSD

- Venitia Stoby, Student Services Team

Whilst LSE expects the in-house mediators to be used in most situations, it is recognised that there may be circumstances where external mediation is required, for example where it is not feasible to use internal mediators due to conflict of interests or where the nature of the workplace dispute is particularly delicate. Should the services of an external mediator be agreed upon, local areas are normally expected to meet the costs of the service. However, the HR Division has a small budget to contribute towards the cost, where needed.

Click below to download the mediation forms:

- Mediation Referral Request Form

- Post-Mediation Evaluation Form 

The mediation itself is split into three stages. The individual and joint meetings take place on different days, as close together as possible.

1. Individual meetings of up to 2 hours
Mediators may already have some information about the situation, but it’s important that they hear from each of you your own perspective on what’s led to mediation happening.

2. In-person joint meeting of up to 4 hours
By the end of this stage you will have created a written agreement, facilitated by the mediators. The agreement is confidential and together you decide whether to share the contents of the agreement. All notes from the mediation day are destroyed. 

3. Follow up joint meeting
4 – 6 weeks after the joint meeting to see how the agreement is working.