• Home
  • Coaching
  • Consultancy
  • Mediation
  • Funeral Celebrancy
  • Reflections
  • More
    • Home
    • Coaching
    • Consultancy
    • Mediation
    • Funeral Celebrancy
    • Reflections
  • Home
  • Coaching
  • Consultancy
  • Mediation
  • Funeral Celebrancy
  • Reflections

workplace mediation in newcastle and the north east


Mediation offers a calm, confidential space to work through conflict with clarity and respect. I help people navigate difficult conversations, rebuild understanding and move towards practical, workable solutions — even when things feel stuck or emotionally charged. My approach is steady, fair and grounded in dignity for everyone involved.


Learn More

what mediation with me offers


Mediation creates the time, space and structure for constructive conversations in challenging circumstances. I work impartially and supporting everyone to be heard, lowering the temperature and helping people explore options for moving forward.


Through mediation, you can expect:


  • A calm, impartial space to discuss sensitive or complex issues
  • Dignity and respect for everyone involved
  • A structured, steady process to clarify what’s really going on
  • Support to explore solutions that feel workable and fair
  • A focus on preventing escalation, where possible avoiding formal complaints or HR processes

when mediation can help

peer‑to‑peer tensions

manager–direct report challenges

peer‑to‑peer tensions

Strained working relationships that are getting in the way of collaboration or day‑to‑day work.

team conflict

manager–direct report challenges

peer‑to‑peer tensions

Breakdowns in trust, communication or cooperation within a team that need calm, structured support.

manager–direct report challenges

manager–direct report challenges

manager–direct report challenges

Situations where expectations, communication or working styles have become difficult or unsustainable.

communication breakdown

communication breakdown

manager–direct report challenges

When conversations feel stuck, emotions run high, or issues feel too sensitive to resolve alone.

preventing escalation

communication breakdown

preventing escalation

Supporting people early so challenges don’t develop into formal complaints, grievances or disciplinary processes.

my mediation approach

my mediation approach


My mediation approach is calm, steady and impartial. I’m trained in ACAS Internal Workplace Mediation and draw on this structured, respectful process to help people speak openly, feel heard, and work through difficult issues safely.


The process is structured but gentle. I guide conversations at a pace that feels manageable, helping to lower the temperature, rebuild understanding and move towards practical, workable agreements that feel fair for everyone involved.


Mediation isn’t about deciding who’s right or wrong. It’s about restoring dignity, finding clarity and creating a way forward that people can commit to.

who I work with


I work with people in a wide range of roles and situations, including:

  • colleagues experiencing tension or misunderstandings
  • managers and direct reports whose relationship has become strained
  • teams navigating conflict or communication challenges
  • leaders seeking impartial support during a difficult moment
  • organisations wanting to resolve issues early and constructively

If a working relationship feels stuck, uncertain or uncomfortable, mediation can help create the clarity and confidence to move forward.

Get in Touch

how mediation works – the process

how mediation works – the process


Mediation is a structured but flexible process that gives people time and space to talk openly and safely. I guide the conversation at a pace that feels manageable, supporting everyone to be heard and helping to bring clarity to what’s really going on. 


The aim is to understand the issues, rebuild trust where possible, and explore practical next steps that feel fair for everyone involved.


In most cases, mediation follows a clear three‑stage structure.  I explain each step clearly so people know what to expect and feel supported throughout.


Where conflict is rooted in unclear roles, decision‑making or structures, mediation may sit alongside broader consultancy support.

the key steps

individual conversations
Before any joint session, I meet each person separately to understand their perspective and what they need from the process.


joint conversation
If appropriate, we come together for a supported conversation focused on understanding, clarity and exploring options for moving forward.


confidentiality
Everything shared in mediation is confidential within the process. I explain clearly how this works at the start.


sessions
Individual meetings usually last around 60 minutes. Joint sessions vary depending on what feels useful.


outcome
Where helpful, we agree practical, realistic commitments or actions to help people work together more comfortably and confidently.

I'd like to learn more

frequently asked questions

Please contact me at kay@forsterjonesconsulting.com if you can't find an answer to your question.


Yes. Mediation is a private, confidential process. I explain clearly how confidentiality works at the start, including what will and won’t be shared with managers or HR. Nothing is fed back without agreement.



Mediation happens in stages. The initial 1:1 meetings usually last around one hour each. The joint mediation session depends on the complexity of the situation, but most people need to set aside at least 3–4 hours. More complex issues may need longer or may be split into two sessions. I’ll talk you through what to expect so the process feels manageable for everyone involved.



Yes. Mediation is an informal, voluntary process. It sits outside formal procedures and is focused on understanding, clarity and finding ways forward — not blame or judgement.



No. Mediation does not replace a grievance process, but it can often prevent issues escalating to that stage. Many organisations use mediation early because it can resolve concerns quickly, safely and more constructively.



Yes. Mediation only works if everyone is willing to engage in the process. Participation is voluntary.



If mediation isn’t the right route or we can’t reach agreement, I’ll explain what the options are. Sometimes clarity alone helps people decide next steps.



You’ll receive high‑level confirmation of whether mediation took place and whether an agreement was reached. The content of the conversation remains confidential unless the participants agree to share anything further.



Mediation is often highly effective at de‑escalating tensions, improving communication and helping people rebuild working relationships. Even when issues are complex, having a structured, supported conversation can bring significant clarity and relief.



An open mind, a willingness to talk, and a hope of finding a better way forward. I guide the rest.


what people say about working with me


⭐ Calm, impartial, steady

“Kay brings calm, clarity and balance to difficult situations. Her steady, impartial approach helped us rebuild understanding and move forward with dignity and respect.”
Senior Manager
 

⭐ Skilled at complex, emotionally charged issues

“Kay helped us navigate a complex and emotionally charged issue with real care. She listened deeply, supported everyone to be heard and created a safe space for honest conversation.”
Team Leader
 

⭐ Practical and constructive

“Kay’s mediation made a huge difference. She helped us talk things through in a way that felt safe and constructive, and we left with clarity and a realistic way forward.”
Operations Manager
 

fees and getting started

 

Mediation is shaped around the people and situation. I’m always clear about pricing before we begin, and I’m happy to talk through options to find an approach that feels right for your organisation and the people involved.


If you’d like to explore whether mediation could help, you’re welcome to book a short, no‑obligation call.



book an exploratory call

Forster Jones Consulting Limited is a company registered in England and Wales (14076236)

Our registered address is in Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 3BU

 

kay@forsterjonesconsulting.com



Trustee & Director, Humanists UK | Chair, Eating Distress North East


Serving Newcastle upon Tyne, the wider North East, and national clients



 COPYRIGHT © 2026 

 All Rights Reserved.



  



This site uses essential and anonymous analytics cookies to function and to help us improve it. By continuing to use this site, you agree to our Privacy & Cookies Policy.

  • Privacy Policy

Powered by

This website uses cookies.


We use cookies that help us understand how our site is used and improve your experience.
These cookies are optional and will only be set if you choose Accept.

DeclineAccept