I have found the experience of coaching extremely positive. From the initial assessment of my traits (using the CDP Model) to working one to one with Naomi, I have managed to identify personal development objectives and have been provided with new techniques and support to achieve them. I cannot recommend this service more, especially for people in the Veterinary industry that often do not receive these skills within their training. I feel much more confident in completing my job role with minimal personal stress.

Emma Martin, Head RVN and JVP, Vets4Pets

The University has worked with Mediation at Work over a number of years. They have trained our internal mediators for student and staff matters and we have also used them for mediating and supporting particularly complex or challenging inter-staff matters. I have found their input to be helpful and worthwhile and to have consistently led to improved outcomes.

Based on the feedback that I have received from those with whom they have worked, I have found John and Liz’s approach to be professional, confidential, trustworthy, calm, sensitive and empathetic as well as being insightful, confidence-instilling and able to challenge and facilitate individuals appropriately to make important progress.

I particularly value the consistency and thoughtfulness of Mediation at Work’s input and how their independence from our organisation enables them to achieve more. I would recommend them to other organisations.

Peter Eley

Thank you for the mediation, I am feeling optimistic going forward that we will be able to move on.

Although I was very nervous and upset, I wanted to say I found the first session extremely helpful and you did put me at my ease.  You also helped me to focus on what I wanted to say and how I wanted the mediation meeting to flow.  I think this helped immensely for the actual mediation, it did make me focus on what I wanted to achieve and how we would achieve it rather than the vitriolic he said/she said which would not necessarily move the relationship forward.

The discussion we had would not have happened in the work place, and if I had attempted it, I don’t think it would have been as focussed or productive.

Public sector participant in mediaiton

I would like to reiterate how valuable I found the mediation process and just as importantly how well you led the sessions and helped both myself and my colleague through the issues we faced.

I felt you were at all times incredibly professional, unbiased and didn’t judge and handled what was an extremely sensitive subject perfectly. I would not hesitate to use your services again if required or indeed recommend you to anyone who needed help in terms of professional mediation services.

Local Government participant in mediation

From my perspective the whole process has gone very smoothly, from my initial call with Alison through to Sarah your office manager completing our new supplier paperwork and of course John for being proactive in contacting me. Both individuals  have also asked me to pass on their thanks to you, and they also mentioned that they were very impressed with the service that has been provided.

HR Manager

It’s always been an absolute pleasure to work with Dionne.  She is always professional, prompt to respond and looking for a constructive outcome in every situation.  We have greatly appreciated the work she has done for us. Working with witnesses in what can often be challenging circumstances requires a high level of emotional intelligence and skill.  Throughout Dionne managed every meeting with professionalism and sensitivity, working towards a constructive outcome for all parties.  Her communication was prompt and focussed and allowed the company to entrust her with managing a complex situation greatly enhancing the value to the business and to managers involved.  This is an incredibly challenging environment and Resolution at work and, Dionne in particular, have delivered for the company without fail. The value gained from being able to trust Dionne/Resolution at Work to manage complex casework has been immensely valuable to the organisation.  It gives an independent and professional credibility to the process and enhances the reputation of the business as a result.

Andy Perry, Head of HR, Radioactive Waste Management Limited

Using the neutral assessment as a tool to really understand the issues in particular areas of our organisation has been really powerful.  Non- judgmental and transparent this approach allowed us to work with our staff to address concerns, celebrate what was working and move forward in a structured way.  Listening and acting on the results have made a huge difference and impacted on performance, retention and engagement levels.

Angela Lewis, Director of People Transformation, Companies House

Alison quickly positioned herself as the ideal choice due to her obvious experience and pragmatism. Alison instantly picked up on the issues and clearly demonstrated her approach to dealing with our problem.

Despite a very tricky, emotive situation, the success of Alison’s work resulted in the retention of an individual who would otherwise have left the company and their successful reintegration into their department.

Through Alison’s subsequent training, our HR team is now equipped to instigate informal mediation processes to head off future issues before they start to fester.

I relied on Alison to deliver an empathetic service and desired result, and she 100% delivered on both aspects.

Senior HR Professional, Major Financial Services Company, South Wales

When I engage Alison’s services it’s not only for her mediation skills but also her understanding of how leaders think and her pragmatic approach that achieves results.

No one else I know has her combined experience from being an employment lawyer, HR professional and a successful business leader.

I can rely on Alison to manage each situation in a way that is congruent with both our company and me,

As a direct result of Alison’s mediation, two senior people have re-established a working relationship and we have safeguarded highly valued expertise. Alison delivers results.

That’s why she is one of my most trusted advisors who I readily refer to others.

HR Director, Major UK Subsidiary of International Conglomerate, Wales

Alison’s speed of response was excellent and this was very important to us. Alison adopted a very straightforward approach, she was immediately receptive and asked the right questions; it was clear that she knew what was needed to be done and we quickly established a rapport. I was looking for a mediator who could work well at senior level, it was important that we had an external view and that we had the right level of capability and experience. Alison clearly had the credentials and she immediately gave us confidence that she had the right capability to work at a senior level. She demonstrated that she was able to work in an environment that was quite political and provide an holistic and objective perspective. Alison clearly presented and articulated the facts on which we could then make a decision.

Alison provided precisely what we wanted and we achieved the right outcomes. Alison did a fantastic job and was lovely to work with. I would highly recommend Alison to my contacts and network and look forward to working with her again in the future.

Linda Asamoah

Alison’s non-partisan approach helped resolve issues between two parties and my department in several ways. Both individuals valued Alison’s integrity, being able to say how they felt without worrying about what or how it was said.

They were also happy to explore any options that would help to achieve an acceptable outcome. Knowing effective mediation can take some time, I and my colleagues appreciated your involvement to deliver the ideal outcome without adversely impacting our limited resources.

The two people concerned are working well together many months later. This success is a testament to Alison’s expertise in mediation.

Sarah-Ellen Stacey, Organisational Development Director, RCT Homes

Of all the mediation training providers we contacted, your refreshing approach shone through. Where others sent a proposal, you insisted on visiting us to understand our challenges and culture.

I believe this is why your bespoke accredited mediation training programme proposal addressed all our needs. You also made it clear that the best outcome of us held equal importance to you.

You and your colleague worked hard to make our training programme relevant and valuable. Each day flowed naturally into the next, which made it easy for us to absorb new information. Your lively style and patient support throughout kept everyone engaged.

The many real-life examples showed us how to apply our new knowledge in everyday situations. All eight of our team who attended your course now feel comfortable to use mediation methods. This is demonstrated by the quick wins achieved much sooner than expected.

Mark Hendy, Head of HR Operations, Shaw Healthcare

Alison recently ran a series of training programmes for 137 academic and support staff. Her Managing Conflict and Difficult Conversation, Performance Management and Employee Engagement sessions gave participants the confidence and determination to take a more pro-active management approach.

Many reported that they will be implementing some of the models, tips and techniques Alison introduced. Participant feedback such as “All courses were well delivered” , ” Alison is a very warm and approachable facilitator” and “I really like her delivery and ability to adapt to our circumstance” reflect a consistently high level of praise.

Alison’s 30 years practical experience as an HR practitioner, employment lawyer and business leader gives her a definite edge. She is always professional, creative and responsive and a pleasure to work with.

I would not hesitate in recommending Alison to other companies other than the fact that it is sure to make her less available to us!

Allison O’Reilly, Head of Staff Development, Cardiff Met

Alison is an accomplished professional; she is a firm and principled leader when taking difficult decisions or when challenged.

She is consistent and fair in her treatment of others. Alison demonstrates strong self belief through her quietly authoritative style gaining commitment and agreement through the power of her argument.

Alison is innovative in her approach both at the strategic and operational level. Alison is a strong advocate of mediation and has successfully brought about settlements in workplace conflicts through pragmatism, facilitation, and tenacity.

She is an attentive listener and gives others the opportunity to present their issues and potential solutions before responding. Alison consistently keeps calm in a crisis and shows a great deal of empathy and understanding of others. She is consultative in her approach and is an excellent motivator.

Alison is an outstanding communicator both written and spoken. She has excellent business networking skills and builds relationships that last.

John McManus – HR Consultant

Alison and her associate gained the trust of everyone through their non-confrontational, non-judgemental style.The staff realised that they could speak to either of them without reprisal, enabling them to get to the crux of the matter.

Immediately, everyone felt so much better from the opportunity to raise issues with someone independent. I valued the format of the assessment report. It clearly detailed the issues together with practical solutions. Although there was some shock at the issues raised, no blame was apportioned.

This ensured a collective responsibility among the team to put things right. The neutral assessment process provided a new platform from which all can progress, delivered quick wins and allowed us to develop on-going plans. It led to far better outcomes for everyone.

It is because Alison really “gets” people and people “get” her.

Angela Lewis, Head of HR and Estates, Companies House

Using the neutral assessment as a tool to really understand the issues in particular areas of our organisation has been really powerful.  Non- judgmental and transparent this approach allowed us to work with our staff to address concerns, celebrate what was working and move forward in a structured way.  Listening and acting on the results have made a huge difference and impacted on performance, retention and engagement levels.

Angela Lewis, Director of People Transformation, Companies House

Alison was very responsive and I was able to speak to her very quickly following our initial enquiry which was very important to us at the time. When we met with Alison, she actively listened to our views and explanations of the situation and asked the right questions to ensure that the right solution was identified without making any presumptions. Alison was very quick to gain our confidence that she was the right person to commission as a mediator in the situation; we had confidence that our staff employees would feel comfortable to meet with her.

The information that we were provided with was clear and the timelines were well laid out. It was also clear what role we needed to play; again this was important as we then understood what day to day support might be needed in addition to the mediation itself. There were good suggestions regarding possible follow up actions such as conflict coaching and it was clear that there was a continuing relationship and backup should we need it.

The individuals concerned have provided feedback that they found the whole process helpful. They now have some direction on how to work together and there is a real sense that their relationship is much more professional and productive both for them and those around them.

Alison was professional but personable throughout and I would have no hesitation in using her services again.

HR Manager

Thank you for the mediation, I am feeling optimistic going forward that we will be able to move on.

Although I was very nervous and upset, I wanted to say I found the first session extremely helpful and you did put me at my ease.  You also helped me to focus on what I wanted to say and how I wanted the mediation meeting to flow.  I think this helped immensely for the actual mediation, it did make me focus on what I wanted to achieve and how we would achieve it rather than the vitriolic he said/she said which would not necessarily move the relationship forward.

The discussion we had would not have happened in the work place, and if I had attempted it, I don’t think it would have been as focussed or productive.

Public sector participant in mediaiton