UWS Mediation Service

What is Mediation?

Mediation is an informal way of dealing with disputes. It involves an independent third party, a mediator, supporting the individuals in dispute to have a facilitated discussion. The purpose of mediation is to resolve conflict and to improve relationships. It is hoped that through the mediation process, individuals will be able to reach agreement on a way forward.

The process is completely voluntary and will only take place if both individuals wish to participate.

The UWS Mediation Service was launched in September 2019 to offer mediation to all UWS students and members of staff.

What are the benefits of Mediation?

Some of the benefits of mediation include:

  • It is highly effective, with approximately 80% of cases being resolved successfully
  • It is voluntary
  • You have more control over the outcome
  • It is confidential
  • It takes place on a ‘without prejudice’ basis which means that nothing said during mediation can be used in a future internal or external processes
  • It’s quick
  • You still have the option to go down a formal route if you wish to (e.g. a grievance)

The role of the Mediator

Our mediators are trained members of UWS staff who support people to discuss issues or problems. Find out more by taking a look at our ‘Mediator Profiles.’

A mediator:

  • Is a facilitator
  • Is impartial
  • Does not make judgements or decisions
  • Respects confidentiality

Meet our Mediators

Emma is a Co-Founder of the UWS Mediation Service and also leads the University’s Legal Services Team. She joined UWS in 2015 and is based on the Paisley campus. Emma is responsible for overseeing the effective running of the Mediation Service and also personally conducts both staff and students mediations.

Kayleigh is a Co-Founder of the UWS Mediation Service and a Solicitor in the Legal Services Team, based on the UWS Paisley campus. Kayleigh is responsible for the day-to-day running of the Mediation Service and also mediates both staff and students cases. 

In addition to being a mediator, trained to facilitate both staff and student cases, Alison is also the University’s Compliance Manager. In this role she ensures that UWS meets the requirements set by the UK Visas and Immigration Directorate to hold and maintain our Tier 2 and Tier 4 sponsorship licences. Alison is based on the Paisley campus.

Nick is a Lecturer within the School of Health and Life Sciences, based at the Paisley campus, where he teaches on the Undergraduate Adult Nursing programme. He is a Registered Nurse and qualified Counsellor with extensive clinical experience in critical care and addiction settings. Nick’s research interests focus on addiction and spirituality. He is available to mediate with staff and students.

Angela is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Health and Life Sciences and is available to mediate staff and student cases.

Cathy Lawrie staff picture

Cathy is part the Student Services team, providing Student Support at the Dumfries campus and specialising in Funding. She joined the Mediation Service in 2023 and mediates both staff and student cases.

Martin Murray staff picture

Martin is a lecturer in Adult Nursing in the School of Health and Life Sciences. He has been a lecturer in UWS since 2018 and joined the mediation service in 2023.

Jennifer Ellis staff picture

Jennifer is a senior lecturer in the Division of Education. She leads the PGDE Primary Education programme. She joined the Mediation Service in 2023 and mediates both staff and student cases.    

Melody Terras staff picture

Melody Terras is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology and BSc Psychology Programme Leader responsible for the running of the Psychology degree programme, quality assurance and Chairs the Staff-Student Liaison group. Melody teaches on core psychology modules e.g. Cognitive Psychology and also specialist electives such as Psychology and Education. Melody is trained to mediate staff and students cases.

Alison Fitzpatrick staff picture

Alison is based in Education and Social Sciences. She joined UWS in June 2002 and mediates staff and student cases.

Dean Armstrong staff picture

Dean is a lecturer and programme leader on the BA and Graduate Diploma in Childhood Practice programmes at the university. He is also a registered mediator with Scottish Mediation and has experience in mediating and resolving workplace issues and relationship challenges. 

Astrid Smallenbroek staff picture

Astrid is the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Consultant at UWS and joined the Mediation Service in 2023. She is trained to facilitate both staff and student cases and is based on the Paisley campus.

Nicola Henderson staff picture

Nicola is Organisational Development Consultant at UWS and joined the Mediation Service in 2023. She is trained to facilitate both staff and student cases and is based on the Lanarkshire and Paisley campuses. 

Is Mediation right for me? 

Mediation can be helpful if you want to resolve a dispute informally and to keep the matter confidential. It may be appropriate if:

  • You have been unable to resolve the issue with the other person directly
  • You need to continue to study, work or live together at UWS
  • The dispute relates to matters within your control
  • It does not involve a serious breach of the University’s policies, procedures or Regulatory Framework
  • You can reach an agreement without needing to involve anyone else

You can request mediation instead of a formal process (e.g. a grievance or complaint), before initiating a formal process or after a formal process has concluded to help rebuild relationships. 

How do I request Mediation?

You can request mediation by completing the Mediation Request Form and emailing it to mediation@uws.ac.uk. If you need a paper version of this form, please give us a call on 0141 848 3699.

We would encourage colleagues to promote the mediation service and to identify situations where mediation could be beneficial. Individuals should be encouraged to get in touch with the Mediation Service directly wherever possible. However, referrals are also welcome through P&OD, SAUWS, Student Administration or the recognised trade unions of the University.

Before making a referral, please discuss this with the individuals and make sure that they are happy for you to do so. 

The UWS Mediation Service will review all requests and referrals to ensure that the issue is suitable for mediation. Where we believe that another route would be more appropriate, we will discuss the reasons for this with you and signpost you accordingly.

Further information

To find out more about mediation at UWS, please take a look at our ‘UWS Mediation Service – Guide for Students’ or ‘UWS Mediation Service – Guide for Staff.’ You can also talk to a member of the Service by emailing Mediation@uws.ac.uk or calling 0141 848 3699.

Last updated: 22/10/2024