Before you report a grievance

Try to resolve problems informally before moving to formal steps. This includes open discussions and mediation.

Informal discussions

Most grievances should be settled informally with your line manager. Open communication is encouraged as many problems can be resolved quickly during everyday working relationships.

If the grievance involves your manager

If the grievance concerns your line manager, you can:

• speak to the next level of management
• in schools, meet the headteacher or their nominee
• contact the Chair of Governors if the grievance involves the headteacher
• approach the Director of Children’s Services if the issue relates to the Local Authority and cannot be resolved at school level

Keep records

A record should be kept of the meeting and the outcome of the informal discussion.

If misconduct is suspected

If the manager or headteacher believes the issue may involve misconduct:

• pause the grievance process
• investigate under the disciplinary procedure
• keep the employee informed

Mediation or facilitated discussion

Sometimes it helps to involve an independent third party or mediator to resolve problems. Mediation is a voluntary process where an impartial person helps those in dispute reach an agreement.

How mediation works

Key principles of the mediation process:

• it is voluntary and cannot be imposed
• does not prevent an employee from pursuing the formal grievance procedure
• encourages all parties to consider mediation before formal steps

Role of the mediator

Mediators may be formally trained and accredited or may carry out this role alongside their day job. The mediator manages the process but not the outcome.

How mediation is different

Mediation is:

• less formal
• flexible
• voluntary
• normally has no legal status
• generally unaccompanied
• owned by the parties

Your rights during mediation

There is no formal right to be accompanied during mediation, and both parties are generally unaccompanied. However, you may wish to be accompanied by a trade union representative or co-worker.

If informal resolution doesn't work

If informal discussions and mediation do not resolve the concern, you may raise the issue formally.