Legal News Wales and the Civil Mediation Council have launched a series of free, online events to help legal professionals, employers, HR professionals and others tackle workplace conflict in radically different and increasingly challenging environments.

The video of our second event is now available to view, below.

Workplace conflict appears to be on the rise and there are some very difficult and potentially contentious issues set to arise as employees return to the workplace and we transition into new and different ways of working.

This series of webinars offer vibrant, one-hour ‘in conversation’ with’ a panel of contributors comprising mediators and employers who will share their experience of the topics and how alternative conflict resolution can help.

Who are the events for?

The series is ideal for employers, legal representatives, HR professionals and employee advisors. Although all are welcome to join us and watch the recordings as we upload them after each event in the series.

About our workplace conflict series

The series, sponsored by the Civil Mediation Council, is designed to debunk myths and misunderstanding around mediation for employee conflicts and disputes by:

• Clarifying how mediation and conflict resolution options can help resolve workplace conflicts in a far better way than formal or legal process.
• Where to go for advice, and how and when to access mediation.
• Exploring the different types of mediation and when to access.
• Offering an insight into what other employers are doing and what is working well.

Our audience will gain an understanding and appreciation of the benefits to all in engaging in mediation and be better prepared to face difficult issues arising in the workplace.

Watch our third event in this series: The grievance is dead – should mediation be mandatory?

Our panel of speakers shared their experiences and insight to consider why mediation should be the first step to resolve disputes between employers and employees, rather than resorting to the formal grievance process, to create happy, transparent, positive workplaces that are sustainable and attractive to work in and with.

The case for mandatory mediation for commercial disputes seems to be gaining traction. Is it time for a similar approach in workplace and employment cases too?

All too often a formal grievance process seems to be the “go to” when employee disputes or conflicts arise. Despite the growing evidence of the success rates for mediation and other alternatives and the significantly reduced costs re for employees and businesses alike the take up of mediation is still far too low. Is it time to be disruptive?

This event explored:

• The damage caused by formal process and the benefits of a better way of doing things
• The case for a mandatory approach
• Ditching the Grievance procedure and adopting a strategic approach to informal resolution.
• How mediation and conflict resolution can help

Speakers

• Sarah Ellen-Stacey – Head of Organisational Development, RCT Homes
• Camilla Palmer QC – a solicitor specialising in employment law, founder of the legal partnership Palmer Wade, the forum Women’s Equality Network and the charity Your Employment Settlement Service (YESS) which arbitrates and negotiates employment disputes.
• Alison Love – Managing Director, Resolution at Work
• Nigel Tillott – Head of Employment and Regulatory Departments, Davies and Partners Solicitors

Chaired by: Emma Waddingham, Editor, Legal News Wales

Watch here

BOOK NOW for our final event!

Register now and join us online for: Episode 4: Team conflict on the rise: how to manage positively to avoid disputes

20 January 2022, 11-12pm (online)

CLICK TO BOOK your free place.

Watch our first event in this series: ‘dealing with employee concerns on return to work’, here.

Watch our second event in the series: ‘managing hybrid working – potential conflicts & how to intervene’, here.