In-house mediation services

Build the mediation capability to resolve workplace conflict earlier.

Build in-house mediation capabilities

Without the right support, workplace conflict can escalate into formal grievances, legal claims, absence and resignations. In turn, this can drain resources, affect morale, and deter talent.

An in-house mediation service gives employees access to specialist expertise that helps to resolve conflict early, rebuild working relationships, and reduce the need for formal processes. It can be a key part of a wider conflict management strategy.

Consensio helps you develop a mediation service that matches your organisation’s needs – now, and as they change. Whether that’s setting up a new internal mediation scheme, strengthening an existing one, or adopting an outsourced or blended model, it can transform how you manage workplace conflict.

Setting up an internal mediation service

Consensio helps you to establish the internal mediation service that best fits your organisation, from building the business case and engaging stakeholders, to advising on policies, selecting mediators, and launching the service.

We also provide accredited workplace mediation training, which gives your mediators the skills and confidence to manage a wide range of workplace disputes.

Setting up an internal mediation service

Outsourced mediation services

Many organisations choose to outsource their mediation service, giving your employees access to experienced, independent workplace mediators without the need to train and maintain an internal pool of mediators.

Consensio can also provide expert support while you explore, set up and pilot an internal service, and provide continuity while you refresh or rebuild your mediation service.

A blended mediation service

Many workplace disputes can be resolved by internal mediators. However, access to external mediators can be valuable in particularly sensitive or complex cases, where impartiality is especially important, or when one or both parties requests it.

Consensio can provide experienced external mediators to complement your internal service, giving you additional expertise and capacity whenever it’s needed.

Refreshing your mediation service, CPD and supervision

Internal mediation services benefit from regular review to ensure they continue to meet your organisation’s needs. As structures and staff change, this can highlight opportunities to refresh your service. Continuous professional development (CPD) helps internal mediators maintain their skills and confidence.

Consensio can help you review and enhance your in-house mediation service, train new mediators, and provide refresher training, CPD and supervision.

In-house mediation FAQs

What are the benefits of workplace mediation?

Mediation is an informal alternative to formal processes, offering those experiencing conflict an opportunity to communicate more directly and openly with another, and jointly agree a way forward.

Workplace mediation can reduce the time and cost associated with more formal procedures, improve working relationships, address absence, and support employee retention. It’s also helpful in developing a more constructive approach to managing workplace conflict.

What’s the difference between internal and external mediators?

Internal mediators are employees who’ve been trained to mediate workplace disputes within their own organisation. Their value lies in their familiarity with the organisation’s culture. Internal mediators who’ve completed accredited mediation training are trained to work impartially, maintain confidentiality and help parties reach mutually acceptable agreements.

External mediators are independent professionals who bring extensive experience from working across different organisations and sectors. They may be particularly appropriate for complex or sensitive cases, where independence is key, or when internal mediation capacity is limited.

Many organisations choose to combine both approaches, using internal mediators for some cases while drawing on external mediators when required.

How does Consensio help organisations to build sustainable mediation capability?

Consensio can provide support through consultations with relevant stakeholders, guidance on policies and procedures, and by raising awareness of the service amongst employees. We can also recruit and train mediators internally, and monitor and evaluate the service as it develops.

Our in-house workplace mediation training, refresher training, supervision and CPD all help internal mediators to maintain their skills and confidence. Through quality assurance and ongoing support, we help organisations develop mediation services that remain relevant and effective over the long term.

If you’re still considering whether creating or enhancing a mediation service is the best option, we can help you develop a conflict strategy, run a conflict audit to help you understand where your gaps are, and provide large-scale conflict skills training to support that strategy.

Can Consensio provide external mediators when needed?

Yes, of course. Whether you need additional capacity during busy periods, support with particularly serious or sensitive cases, or a longer-term outsourced or blended mediation model, our experienced workplace mediators can help.

We work with organisations across the UK and internationally, and bring experience from a wide range of sectors and professional backgrounds. This enables us to match the right mediator to your organisation, and each case’s unique requirements.

Do you provide ongoing support and CPD for internal mediators?