Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) launch major mediation initiative.

A ground breaking initiave at DWP

The DWP has identified two areas in which mediation will be used as an alternative to its existing formal dispute resolution mechanisms. One pilot area is within Job Centre Plus and the other pilot area is the Pension, Disability and Carers Service.

The pilot involves four key stages of mediation service design and delivery:

Stage 1 - Developing a policy and process framework for use within the 2 DWP pilot areas.
Stage 2 - Delivery of TCM's National Certificate in Workplace Mediation for a team of 24 DWP mediators.
Stage 3 - Ongoing evaluation of the 2 pilot areas plus the provision of a dedicated DWP mediator helpline.
Stage 4 - Providing ongoing support and continuing professional development for DWP mediators.

Mediation as a first step for the resolution of grievances and complaints

The DWP has defined mediation as a process by which a mediator helps two people to resolve a complaint by talking about their situation; exchange their concerns and come up with ideas about how to move forward. There are ground rules to help people feel confident and safe enough to communicate their needs, feelings and concerns.

TCM's FAIR mediation model has been adopted by the DWP for use within the pilot and all mediators will be trained to the benchmark OCN accredited mediator standard.

On the announcement of this contract, TCM Director David Liddle stated:

"TCM is gaining extensive experience of establishing mediation schemes within complex, large and diverse organisations. This contract to establish a pilot mediation scheme within DWP demonstrates that one of the largest UK Government Departments has confidence, not only in TCM's FAIR mediation model, but also our ability to design and deliver mediation and ADR services on time and to the highest quality standards."

This is a significant and very exciting initiative for both TCM and for DWP and more information will follow. If you are interested in establishing  an internal mediation scheme within your company or organisation, please contact us or call 0800 294 97 87.

TCM also runs regular free seminars and events.