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. She joined the Legal Services Team as Assistant Solicitor in 2017 and is based on the Paisley campus. Kayleigh is responsible for the day to day running of the Mediation Service and also mediates both staff and students cases. 

Janice is the Mediation Coordinator and is responsible for providing administrative support for the Service. Janice is also a trained mediator, handling the full spectrum of mediations. She joined UWS in 2007 and commenced her post as Legal Services Coordinator on the Paisley Campus in 2018.

In addition to being a mediator, trained to facilitate both staff and student cases, Alison is also the University’s Compliance Officer. 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.

Coming soon

Coming soon

Emma is based on the Ayr Campus and is the Timetable Officer and Admissions Officer for the Division of Education, within the School of Education and Social Sciences. In these roles, Emma is responsible for a range of activities including producing timetables for all Programmes and dealing with applications, interviews and offers. She is available to mediate issues involving staff and students.

Jenny has worked at UWS since 2008 and is currently Customer Service Manager in the Library.  Her main responsibilities include ensuring all students and staff know about the Library and how to get the most out of the space, resources and service on offer.  Jenny works with colleagues to ensure we deliver an excellent student experience at UWS and enjoys looking at ways to improve this.  Jenny is based at Paisley campus, and could also be available at Ayr or Lanarkshire 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 but 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: 22/11/2023