Key Takeaways from the CMC Workplace Mediation Roundtable
Key Takeaways from the CMC Workplace Mediation Roundtable
Mediation is increasingly vital in workplace and community disputes, especially in the public sector. The CMC Workplace Working Group invited local authority lawyers to a roundtable event to explore its latest developments, challenges, and benefits. Expert insights and case studies highlighted how mediation fosters trust, creativity, and lasting resolutions.
On 26 February the CMC Workplace Working Group hosted an event for local authority lawyers at Doughty Street Chambers. Our deputy chief executive Victoria Harris attended and spoke at the event and summarises the key takeaways below.
Lawyers representing London Boroughs from across the Capital were provided with an update on the progress of mediation within the Civil Justice System and how those changes are relevant to the management of disputes.
Delegates also received an analysis from experts on the value of mediation in the workplace and there was further discussion about the role of community mediation to support Local Authority teams with responsibility for housing and community safety.
The wide-ranging discussion that followed the presentations looked at potential barriers to mediation and ways in which these could be overcome. With funding being a critical issue for the public sector, ways in which mediators could be engaged for a one-off case and also through service level agreements and tenders was also explored.
Case studies of conflict scenarios were discussed by the group and provoked reflection on the interplay between conflict and mental health with an acknowledgement of the growing need for those involved in dispute resolution to have a better appreciation of the psychology of conflict as well as the ability to safeguard and signpost vulnerable individuals
The value of the independence of an external mediator was emphasised with an explanation of how that independence could foster trust and help to resolve even the most entrenched case. The creativity and empowerment afforded by mediation and the positive impact of that to create a lasting settlement was also highlighted.
Our thanks to Doughty Street Chambers for hosting an excellent session, the organisers Geoffrey Milton, Camilla Palmer KC, and Sophy Miles, and to all those who contributed to the event.
