Setting up a mediation service at Lancashire Teaching NHS Foundation Trust

An internal, formal mediation scheme was set up in January 2014 within Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Foundation Trust. Mediation within the Trust is a voluntary process that supports people in resolving workplace disagreements in a way that is fair and agreed by both parties. The mediator works with people to help them find a solution and reach an agreement about how best to proceed to tackle the situation. The aim is to repair and maintain the working relationship by sorting out the problem, and early constructive discussion through mediation can help people find solutions to improve their situation. Mediators are not management representatives, they do not take sides or judge who is right or wrong and will never impose a solution.