HR, legal & training · Short course
Mediation and Arbitration
Exploring two approaches to resolving disputes through an independent third party.
The programme
Programme overview
Expanded indicative outline. The subject areas are described below; proposed activities and final delivery requirements are confirmed with Ratomac before booking.
Exploring two approaches to resolving disputes through an independent third party.
The programme brings together resolution approaches, case preparation, hearing and dialogue and resolution records. The expanded outline below shows how these areas can be explored through explanation, discussion and the preparation of relevant work products.
A proposed workshop runs through the programme: Parties in a fictional employment dispute disagree both about the facts and about the preferred resolution. Participants would examine the situation in stages, use the information provided and explain the basis of their decisions. The workshop is fictional and can be adapted when the final training plan is agreed.
Who should attend
Is this programme for you?
This outline is relevant to the following roles. Suitability and any formal entry requirements should be checked for the selected programme.
- HR professionals, employee representatives and managers studying dispute resolution.
- Individuals preparing to take on responsibilities in this area.
- Teams seeking a shared approach to the work described in the programme.
Purpose of the learning
Intended learning outcomes
- Compare the roles of mediation and arbitration in the scenario.
- Organise the issues and evidence each party needs to prepare.
- Role-play a structured discussion that explores possible agreement.
- Draft a neutral record of the agreed or determined outcome.
- Combine the module outputs into a reasoned response to the programme’s workplace scenario.
5 learning blocks
Detailed programme outline
01Resolution approaches
This part of the programme examines resolution approaches, with attention to roles and differences between processes. The practical task connects the subject to the programme’s workplace scenario and gives participants a specific output to discuss.
Topics to explore
- Roles.
- Differences between processes.
- Applied work: compare the roles of mediation and arbitration in the scenario.
Illustrative practical exercise
Compare the roles of mediation and arbitration in the scenario. Explain the information used, identify any assumptions and take part in a review of the proposed approach.
02Case preparation
This part of the programme examines case preparation, with attention to issues, interests and supporting information. The practical task connects the subject to the programme’s workplace scenario and gives participants a specific output to discuss.
Topics to explore
- Issues.
- Interests.
- Supporting information.
- Applied work: organise the issues and evidence each party needs to prepare.
Illustrative practical exercise
Organise the issues and evidence each party needs to prepare. Explain the information used, identify any assumptions and take part in a review of the proposed approach.
03Hearing and dialogue
This part of the programme examines hearing and dialogue, with attention to participation and procedural structure. The practical task connects the subject to the programme’s workplace scenario and gives participants a specific output to discuss.
Topics to explore
- Participation.
- Procedural structure.
- Applied work: role-play a structured discussion that explores possible agreement.
Illustrative practical exercise
Role-play a structured discussion that explores possible agreement. Explain the information used, identify any assumptions and take part in a review of the proposed approach.
04Resolution records
This part of the programme examines resolution records, with attention to agreements, decisions and communication. The practical task connects the subject to the programme’s workplace scenario and gives participants a specific output to discuss.
Topics to explore
- Agreements.
- Decisions.
- Communication.
- Applied work: draft a neutral record of the agreed or determined outcome.
Illustrative practical exercise
Draft a neutral record of the agreed or determined outcome. Explain the information used, identify any assumptions and take part in a review of the proposed approach.
05Integrated workplace workshop
Parties in a fictional employment dispute disagree both about the facts and about the preferred resolution. The final workshop connects the earlier work rather than treating each topic as an isolated activity.
Topics to explore
- Bring together the outputs from the earlier modules into one coherent response to the scenario.
- Check that the recommendation addresses the original problem and is supported by the information available.
- Identify responsibilities, dependencies and matters that require specialist input or further evidence.
- Present the proposed response and revise it after questions from the facilitator and other participants.
Illustrative practical exercise
Prepare a concise presentation for the fictional organisation. Include the proposed response, the evidence supporting it and the decisions still required. Finish with a reflection on which aspects could be relevant to your own work.
From discussion to application
How the programme could be delivered
The proposed learning approach combines facilitator-led explanation, discussion of the subject areas and guided work on the fictional scenario. Each module produces a practical output that can be reviewed and improved.
Participants can work individually or in small groups to compare interpretations, explain their decisions and identify missing information. Feedback focuses on the connection between the task, the evidence used and the proposed response.
The final workshop brings the module outputs together. Ratomac will confirm the delivery format, learning resources, entry requirements and any formal assessment or certification arrangements for the selected programme.
Discuss your requirements
Dates, duration & arrangements
Contact Ratomac to agree the final programme, duration and delivery format. Include your preferred timing, location and whether the enquiry is for yourself or a team.
Discuss this programme ↗Indicative outline for discussion. The final syllabus is agreed with Ratomac before booking. The expanded learning activities and workplace scenario are original proposals for discussion with Ratomac.