Empowering Mediation Skills at the University of Wolverhampton

At The TCM Group, we are committed to equipping professionals with the skills needed to foster positive workplace relationships and resolve conflicts effectively. The delivery of our five-day National Certificate in Workplace Mediation course at the University of Wolverhampton was a testament to this mission. Through expert training and hands-on assessments, we empowered participants from a range of internal teams with the confidence and capability to become skilled mediators and communicators.

As a leading higher education institution, the University of Wolverhampton is dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace culture. With a diverse workforce and a commitment to professional development, equipping staff with mediation skills plays a crucial role in maintaining positive workplace dynamics and resolving disputes constructively.

A Learning Journey from Novice to Confident Mediator

Participants from various departments within the university, including HR, digital operations, and communications, engaged in an intensive, hands-on mediation training programme, led by our expert consultant, Thoralf Kretzschmar. This cross-departmental participation highlighted the university’s commitment to embedding mediation skills across its workforce.

For some, the journey began with uncertainty, but by the end, they emerged with a newfound confidence in their ability to mediate workplace disputes effectively.

Sharon McKoy, Assistant Director & Head of Digital Ops, reflected on her experience: “I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but I have really enjoyed this course. I began as a complete novice, feeling very much in the dark, but I completed it feeling so much more confident in my potential as a mediator. Thank you, TCM!”

A Structured and Supportive Training Experience

Our programme’s effectiveness lies in its structured approach, expert trainers, and personalised feedback. We ensure that every participant receives tailored guidance, making the learning experience as practical and impactful as possible.

Donna Johal, Senior HR Advisor, shared her thoughts on the structured support: “TCM have been brilliant from the start of the course to the end. The trainer and the additional assessors on the day really helped with setting the scene and gave clear, constructive feedback, which was great for me.”  

The Power of Human-Centred Mediation

Mediation is more than a process — it is a people-focused approach that gives individuals a voice in workplace disputes. Our training provided participants with deep insights into the mediation process, allowing them to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics with confidence and empathy.

Margaret Winthrop, Head of Digital Content and Communications, captured this sentiment: “I found the entire experience invigorating and really rewarding. From a people perspective, this is a very human approach to giving humans a voice. The course offered fascinating insights, a full-on exploration and study, including adventurous role-playing. The emphasis on active listening and the various ways to reach conflict resolution was impactful. There was also some very considered coaching on offer.”

Ongoing Development: Embedding Learning for Long-Term Impact

The delegates were very pleased with the training delivery, with 100% rating it as meeting or exceeding their expectations.

To ensure the lasting impact of our training, TCM offer ongoing aftercare and support to help embed key learnings, reinforce best practices, and provide further guidance to participants as they apply their mediation skills in real-world scenarios. The University of Wolverhampton provided feedback that it was this continued support that helped to set us apart from other providers; it has been a significant factor in building trust and satisfaction among the delegates that attended.

We look forward to gaining further insights into how mediation training continues to benefit the team and positively shape workplace relationships.

Key Takeaways: What Made This Training a Success?

  • Confidence building – Participants transitioned from uncertainty to confidence in their mediation skills.
  • Expert guidance – Our trainers and assessors provided constructive, personalised feedback.
  • Engaging, practical learning – Role-playing and real-world scenarios made the training impactful.
  • A human-centred approach – Mediation as a tool for fostering open dialogue and resolution.
  • Continued learning and growth – Ongoing support through refresher courses and guidance ensures long-term success.

The Lasting Impact of Mediation Training

Our work with the University of Wolverhampton highlights the transformative power of effective mediation training. By equipping professionals with the skills to resolve conflict constructively, we help organisations create healthier, more collaborative work environments.

Looking to develop mediation skills in your organisation? At TCM, we offer expert-led mediation training tailored to your organisation’s needs; in fact, we were named the National Mediation Awards’ Mediation Training Provider of the Year 2024. Whether you’re an HR professional, manager, or team leader, our courses provide the tools needed to foster workplace harmony.

Get in touch today to learn more about our customisable training programmes and how we can help your organisation truly thrive.