with Bianca Keys
Tuesday, 4 June & Wednesday, 5 June 2024 | 10am – 1pm AEST each day | Online
Mediating within organisations - Specific considerations, preparation, and facilitation skills for mediators
This workshop is tailored for mediators seeking a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in establishing and facilitating workplace mediations. Why is this crucial? Because the workplace is where people spend the majority of their waking hours, and their professional identity often defines a significant part of who they are. When this identity feels threatened, or when communication styles and expectations clash, the consequences can be profound and widespread.
As mediators, it's essential to recognise the profound impact on those directly involved as well as on others indirectly affected. Moreover, we must navigate the delicate balance of being paid by an organisation while assisting individuals within it who may not be financially invested in the process. This dynamic can influence how we're perceived, our engagement in the process, and the parameters of confidentiality.
Additionally, we must consider the timing of mediations. Are they initiated before or after a formal complaint? Are they integrated into a complaints handling procedure or the resultant recommendations? Understanding these nuances is crucial for effective mediation management.
This workshop aims to guide participants through the entire mediation process, from initial contact by HR or a manager to subsequent follow-ups or reviews. Key topics covered include:
• Managing HR expectations
• Being briefed - What is helpful and what is not
• Supporting HR to manage the expectations and “buy in” of those involved
• The logistics - setting up the mediation
• Managing push back from those involved
• When the timing or the process isn’t right
• The importance of direct communication and joint session
• Process decisions regarding when and whether to go to separate sessions
• Navigating confidentiality concerns - with HR, the parties, the broader work team
• Outcomes and drafting
• The safety net of building in a review
• Follow up and further support
A maximum of 15 attendees are able to participate in a given workshop. These events are not recorded and can only be attended live.
About the trainer
Bianca Keys
Bianca Keys is a highly experienced mediator, facilitator, trainer and conflict management coach. She is dedicated to the professionalisation of mediators in Australia and was an elected Director of the Mediator Standards Board between 2014-2022.
Bianca operates her own consultancy, specialising in conflict management and resolution for commercial, workplace and healthcare disputes.
In addition Bianca has diverse experience designing and implementing industry dispute resolution schemes. She has held Federal Government and Industry appointments including for the Australian franchising, horticulture, retail, petroleum, film exhibition, and wine making industries.
Over the past 19+ years Bianca has delivered mediation training in Australia, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, Hong Kong, China, Thailand, and Bahrain. This variety has given her the opportunity to develop a broad and comprehensive understanding of learning styles and best training practice. Bianca currently trains, coaches and assesses mediators under the NMAS for a number of organisations, and designs professional development programs for practicing mediators. She is passionate about developing, supporting, and mentoring a new generation of dispute resolution practitioners.
Bianca has been appointed to a number of mediation and conciliation panels, including statutory appointments to the NSW Health Care Complaints Commission, the NSW Workers Compensation Commission, and the NSW Small Business Commission. She is also a mediator with the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (Franchising, Horticulture, Small Business), the NSW Rural Assistance Authority (Farm Debt), and a Conciliator under the Code of Conduct for Australian Winegrape Purchases.
Bianca facilitates in-house conflict management and effective communications workshops. She is a frequent contributor to industry publications and conferences and is consulted for her expertise in effective communication, negotiation, conflict management and mediation.
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