8th March: The next Globis webinar is scheduled for 10.00am on 25th March 2010. The webinar will look at the role that mediation can play in UK places of work and will include presentations from the CIPD and EEF. To register, please click here:

2 February 2010: News Release

On 26/27 January 2010 Globis ran its first Workplace Mediation Conversion Course for civil and commercial mediators. The groundbreaking course has received excellent reviews. There is an ongoing debate in the mediation industry about whether there are any differences in mediating civil/commercial and workplace disputes. Delegates attending the course seemed to think so.

Antony Sendall of Littleton Chambers said “I found the Globis Workplace Mediation Conversion Course both very valuable and highly stimulating. I especially enjoyed the way in which the learning was achieved primarily through dialogue and discussion. The group size was perfectly balanced as it was large enough to result in a diverse range of backgrounds and experience, yet small enough to give everyone sufficient time to say their piece, to exchange thoughts and experiences and to play an active part in the role play scenarios. Despite being an employment lawyer already, I learned a lot and now feel much better equipped to conduct effective workplace mediations”.

Immediately after announcing the course, Globis was contacted with enquiries from civil/commercial mediators who have an interest in adding workplace mediation to their portfolio. The 2 day course, held at the International Dispute Resolution Centre, Fleet Street, London, deals with both the theory and practical aspects of workplace related disputes, looking at key themes such as:

• The 7 step commissioning process
• Understanding key phrases and terms used in workplace disputes
• How to draft a workplace related settlement agreement
• How to follow up after mediation workplace disputes, and
• Providing delegates with an opportunity to practice workplace mediation skills by using real-life case studies
• How to calculate the cost of conflict for an organisation

Jack Fallow, Globis Director said “I am delighted that the first course has been such a great success. We thought long and hard about the design for the programme and it seems that we struck the right balance”.

Due to the continuing demand for the course, new dates have now been added for March. For more details click here:

  Note to Editors:

• Globis director, Clive Lewis is the author of ‘The Definitive Guide to Workplace Mediation’
• Globis is a Board member of the Civil Mediation Council
• A new ACAS Code of practice introducing the concept mediation for the first time was introduced in April 2009
• Globis recently trained 16 mediators at East Sussex County Council leading to the implementation of an in-house mediation scheme which has delivered cost savings of just under £1million in just over one year. East Sussex County Council was on the short list for the CIPD 2009 awards for the introduction of the scheme.

31 January 2010: Recent research indicates that Monday February 1st is likely to be a popular day for throwing a ’sickie’ – pretending to be too ill to go into work. To see the BBC news item click here:

Globis helps many organisations reduce absenteeism and increase presenteeism.  To subscribe for the Globis webinar on sickness and well-being on February 25th,  click here:  

14 January 2010: Today, Lord Justice Jackson published the final report of his review of civil litigation costs.

For copies of the report please click here:

For a brief summary of the report please click here:

8 January 2010: The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) have reviewed ‘The Definitive Guide to Workplace Mediation’ written by Globis MD, Clive Lewis.

The book review states

The Business Case for conflict management is clearly set out and would be a useful background in seeking to convince those considering commissioning mediation (management or HR functions).

For more of the book review, click here: Clive Lewis RICS  Book Review

11 November 2009: One of the most exciting developments in the mediation world during 2009 has been the emergence of workplace mediation. Helped by the Gibbons review and the introduction of the news ACAS Code of Practice, employers and lawyers are commissioning more mediation. Globis was one of the organisations invited to advise the Gibbons panel during the review. Globis MD, Clive Lewis, is author of the widely-acclaimed “The Definitive Guide to Workplace Mediation”.

Globis has seen a sharp increase in the number of civil/commercial trained mediators who want to add workplace and employment related mediation to their portfolio. So much so, that they have launched a Workplace Mediation Conversion Course specifically tailored for this group.

The 2 day course will deal with both the theory and the practical aspects of workplace related disputes, looking at key things such as:

• The 7 step commissioning process,
• Understanding key phrases and terms used in workplace disputes,
• How to draft a workplace related settlement agreement,
• How to follow up after mediation workplace disputes, and
• Providing delegates with an opportunity to practice workplace mediation skills by using real-life case studies.

The first course kicks off on 26^th – 27^th January 2010 and will be held at the IDRC, Fleet Street, London. Spaces are likely to be filled quickly.

The business case suggests that conflict in the workplace is costing UK employers £24bn per year. With 2010 likely to bring tighter budgets to most organisations, mediation represents a cost effective alternative to an ongoing workplace dispute or going to tribunal. The indications are that there will be a continued soar in the number of organisations referring case to mediation.

This course attracts Law Society and Bar Standards Board CPD points.

For more information about the course and to book a place, please click here.

Note to Editors:

• Globis is one of the UK’s leading providers of workplace mediation services.
• Globis founder and director, Clive Lewis is the Author of ‘The Definitive Guide to Mediation at Work’.
• A new ACAS code of practice introducing mediation for the first time was introduced in April 2009.
• Globis recently trained 16 mediators at East Sussex County Council leading to the implementation of an in-house mediation scheme which has delivered cost savings of £500,000 in one year. East Sussex County Council is on the short list for the CIPD 2009 awards for the introduction of the scheme.

5 November 2009: The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has advised employers to do more to tackle the effects of stress in the workplace.

The cost of work-related mental illness is reported to be £28bn per year – a quarter of the UK’s total sick bill. Nice advised that there are a number of simple steps that organisations can take to prevent stress levels increasing. Part of the problem, they said, lay with the relationship between line managers and direct reports.

Globis MD, Clive Lewis said “Poor working relationships can have a negative impact on productivity and can cause employees to regularly call in sick. Giving feedback, praise, setting objectives and reviewing performance can all help to manage the stress levels faced by today’s workers. Globis has been working hard to help organisations understand more about building better relationships and managing stress in the workplace”.

The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development recently produced a survey which revealed that a quarter of UK workers describe their mental health as moderate or poor, yet nearly all continued to work regularly.

Dame Carol Black, the government national director for health, who produced a report calling on employers to take more of an interest in the health of their workforce, welcomed the recommendations.

The Confederation of British Industry said that many organisations have set up staff support schemes in recent years.

To view a clip from Professor Mike Kelly, director for Public Helath, NICE please click here.    

30 October 2009 – News Release:

This week, Clive Lewis, Globis founder and MD was interviewed for an article on the BBC’s website. The article, entitled “Doing deals between angry parties” outlines what mediation is and explains some of the key tactics employed to get a successful outcome.

After negotiations between Royal Mail and the Communication Workers Union (CWU) failed to reach agreement despite three days of talks being attended by the TUC’s Brendan Barber, the latest postal strikes are in full swing. Clive, an experienced mediator himself, who has settled hundreds of cases, said that disputes can have several different issues, some not entirely related to the main bone of contention. Pay, working hours and plans for modernisation might all play a part. Something like the issues among the CWU and Royal Mail.

Mediation is used to solve thousands of cases across the UK. There are a number of important key points to follow for a mediation to be successful. Neutral venues to both parties have obvious advantages in creating the right atmosphere; the mediator also operates neutrally in their role. The mediator does not express any views as to the merits of a case being put forward by each side. Their role is to ensure that the parties reach as full an understanding as possible of the strengths and weaknesses of their own and their opponent’s cases. The mediator will guide parties to a point where ideally they reach a settlement.

To view the full article click here

Note to Editors:

•  Globis is one of the UK’s leading providers of workplace mediation services
•  Globis founder and director, Clive Lewis is a Board member of the Civil Mediation Council and author of ‘The Definitive Guide to Mediation at Work’
• A new ACAS code of practice introducing mediation for the first time was introduced in April 2009
• Globis recently trained 16 mediators at East Sussex County Council leading to the implementation of an in-house mediation scheme which has delivered cost savings of £500,000 in one year. East Sussex County Council is on the short list for the CIPD 2009 awards for the introduction of the scheme.

For more information please call Clive Lewis or Jack Fallow on 0800 345 7703 or email info@globis.co.uk

29 October 2009 – News Release:

This morning, Globis founder and MD Clive Lewis, was interviewed live on BBC Radio 5’s Wake Up to Money show. Yesterday, the Communication Workers Union (CWU) informed its members that strikes would be going ahead from today. Both sides have indicated a willingness to engage in dialogue, but sticking points appear to be preventing progress.

Clive Lewis talked about the benefits that mediation brings when parties are in dispute. He discussed how mediators work hard to establish the interests of the parties and attempt to close any gaps.

What is the dispute about?

In 2007, the two sides agreed a Pay and Modernisation agreement. The agreement had 4 phases. The CWU says that Royal Mail has carried out 3 of the 4 planned phases. The 4^th phase is proving to be more difficult to work through. The main sticking points appear to be about the organisations plans for modernisation and the potential impact on job security. Royal Mail is losing £170m per year through a drop in the number of letters and parcels being delivered. To respond to this decline, a number of staffing cuts are being proposed. Royal made a profit in 2008 for the first time in 20 years.

What strike action is planned?

• At 4.00am today, 44, 000 staff in mail centres, delivery units in mail centres, network logistic drivers and garage staff walked out
• Tomorrow, staff at centres in Plymouth, Stockport and Stoke will go on strike
• On Saturday, 77,000 delivery and collection staff will walk out

Mediation is a process that is future focussed. It is less concerned about who is right or wrong. It is more concerned about solving problems so that they don’t occur again. Mediation is used to solve thousands of disputes in the UK every year and succeeds in around 90% of cases. You can listen to the live interview by clicking here. The interview starts 20 minutes into the programme.

Note to Editors:

• Globis is one of the UK’s leading providers of workplace mediation services
• Globis founder and director, Clive Lewis is a Board member of the Civil Mediation Council and Author of ‘The Definitive Guide to Mediation at Work’
• A new ACAS code of practice introducing mediation for the first time was introduced in April 2009
• Globis recently trained 16 mediators at East Sussex County Council leading to the implementation of an in-house mediation scheme which has delivered cost savings of £500,000 in one year. East Sussex County Council is on the short list for the CIPD 2009 awards for the introduction of the scheme.

For more information please call Clive Lewis or Jack Fallow on 0800 345 7703 or email info@globis.co.uk

9 October 2009:

News Release

Yesterday (8 October 2009), Sir Stuart Rose, Executive Chairman of Marks and Spencer, appeared on the panel of BBC Question Time.  A member of the audience asked the panel a question about Anton de Beke’s recent comments. In case you have missed the commentary on the case here is a summary. Anton de Beke is a current contestant on the BBC Strictly Come Dancing TV show. There have been calls for de Beke to be sacked after it was claimed that he called his partner Laila Rouass a “Paki”. A statement was issued saying that “The BBC does not condone offensive language in the workplace. Anton de Beke has apologised unreservedly to Laila Rouass who has accepted his apology. The BBC has received hundreds of complaints.

Sir Stuart Rose spoke about the many difficulties faced by organisations to manage relationships in the workplace. He went on to say that mediation is a useful tool to help solve workplace disputes. Sir Stuart is one of the UK’s most trusted, admired and respected business leaders. His comments will be of huge benefit to the industry where the business case for mediation is not yet fully recognised.

Globis has been one of the UK’s leading mediation providers to promote the business case for mediation. Conflict costs the UK in excess of £24bn per year. In many cases, line managers are spending 20% of their time managing issues associated with conflict.

Globis founder and director, Clive Lewis said “I welcome Sir Stuart Rose’s comments. Those in the mediation industry can talk about its benefits, but when a leading business man such as Sir Stuart Rose refers to mediation in such a positive way, it adds weight. Hopefully workplaces across the UK will respond to Sir Stuart Rose’s comments by beginning or increasing the use of mediation”. 

Ends:

9 October 2009

Note to Editors:

• Globis is one of the UK’s leading providers of workplace mediation services
• Globis founder and director, Clive Lewis is a Board member of the Civil Mediation Council and Author of ‘The Definitive Guide to Mediation at Work’
• A new ACAS code of practice introducing mediation for the first time was introduced in April 2009
• Globis recently trained 16 mediators at East Sussex County Council leading to the implementation of an in-house mediation scheme which has delivered cost savings of £500,000 in one year. East Sussex County Council is on the short list for the CIPD 2009 awards for the introduction of the scheme.

For more information please call Clive Lewis or Jack Fallow on 0800 345 7703