Mediation is a completely voluntary and confidential form of alternative dispute resolution. It involves an independent, impartial person helping two or more individuals or groups reach a solution that's acceptable to everyone. The mediator can talk to both sides separately or together. Mediators do not make judgments or determine outcomes - they ask questions that help to uncover underlying problems, assist the parties to understand the issues and help them to clarify the options for resolving their difference or dispute.

The overriding aim of workplace mediation is to restore and maintain the employment relationship wherever possible. This means the focus is on working together to go forward, not determining who was right or wrong in the past.

Many kinds of dispute can be mediated if those involved want to find a way forward. It can be used at any stage in a dispute but is most effective before positions become entrenched. You might want to think about writing a mediation stage into your individual grievance procedure.

Agreements reached through Acas facilitated mediation are not intended to be legally binding or enforceable, but binding in honour only. However, where both parties agree, legally binding agreements can be drawn up in some circumstances, and these are set out below. You are strongly advised to take legal advice before entering into any legally binding agreement.

In about 80% of mediations undertaken by Acas, an agreement is reached. 

You can find out more about using Acas mediation services in our Acas mediation questions and answers.

Collective mediation

Collective mediation is a specific term used to refer to talks between representative groups (often trades union) and employers, facilitated by an independent third party.

Can Acas help?

Acas may be able to help you with our mediation services. With over 30 years of experience, working with organisations of all sizes, we have expert advisers and services to suit your situation. You can find out more by visiting our services (See: Mediation).

Mediation guide for employers

Acas has launched a new employers guide on mediation. This guide can be downloaded at the bottom of this page. A short summary of the guide can be found on the CIPD's website in the form of a factsheet.

Further information

Advisory booklet

• Advisory booklet - Managing conflict at work

Advisory handbook

• Advisory handbook - Discipline and grievances at work

Tools

• Disputes & discipline

Other Sites

• Resolving disputes (BERR website)
• Mediation, conciliation and arbitration (directgov website)
• The Acas (Flexible Working) Arbitration Scheme (England and Wales) Order 2003 (OPSI website)
• The Acas Arbitration Scheme (Great Britain) Order 2004 (OPSI website)
• Employment tribunals service

Acas Publications

• Mediation: An Employer's Guide [486kb]
  Mediation: An Employer's Guide
• Getting it right factsheet - Dealing with grievances [52kb]
  In the Written Terms and Conditions of Employment you must specify the person to whom a worker should go with any grievance.