DVLA holds its first mock mediation event

Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency recently held their first mock mediation event. Mediation is an informal, confidential, process of shared decision making. It involves one or more impartial persons, called mediators, helping people sort out workplace disputes.

Mediation is a great way to resolve disputes without filing a formal complaint. It provides a non-public forum in which the dispute can be discussed and all parties feel that they are being heard. It can help everyone involved gain insight and understanding into the perspective of the other party, and voluntarily work out conflicts with an informal approach early on.

I led the event along with the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS), who demonstrated the mediation process. ACAS is an organisation which provides free and impartial information and advice to employers and employees on all aspects of workplace relations and employment law.

The event was held to highlight the mediation process the DVLA has in place. We wanted to make both managers and staff aware of this informal process which could be more appropriate than a formal process when a conflict occurs.

Mediation offers the chance to talk about the situation in their own words in a safe, confidential environment. Staff feel valued and listened to, and while this is an informal process, they do not lose rights to other procedures. This approach is often less stressful as it is less formal.

It was fantastic to have ACAS deliver this seminar. The Mock Mediation exercise was a great opportunity for colleagues to see mediation in action. The feedback we received showed that staff felt this event was really worthwhile as it demonstrated how mediation works. It was also a chance to tackle any myths and pre-conceived ideas people had around what mediation is.

DVLA is committed to supporting staff; we feel better and work better if our environment is pleasant and free from conflict. It’s important that we make sure staff know all the options available to them when a workplace relationship breaks down.

I’d also like to say a huge thank you to my team for organising a great event and providing support throughout the day.

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