Building the Foundations for a Resolution First Approach at Oxfam
Client: Oxfam
Sector: International Charity and Not-for-Profit
Our Expertise
Resolution Policy Development | Practical Mediation Skills | Internal Capability Building | Early Resolution | Workplace Conflict Resolution
Services Provided
The TCM Group worked in partnership with Oxfam to strengthen the foundations of its Resolution First approach, supporting the development of resolution-focused policies and practical mediation skills. Drawing on the principles of TCM’s Resolution Framework™, our work focused on moving beyond unnecessarily adversarial workplace procedures towards a more compassionate, constructive and people-centred approach. By combining policy development with internal capability building, TCM helped Oxfam connect its organisational values with the skills and processes needed to encourage early dialogue, manage disagreements fairly and support positive working relationships.
What We Did
As a values-led international charity, Oxfam recognised the importance of managing workplace concerns and conflict in a way that promotes fairness, constructive dialogue and early resolution.
Working alongside Oxfam, The TCM Group supported the development of its Resolution First approach, focusing on two complementary areas: strengthening resolution policies and building practical mediation capability within the organisation.
Resolution Policy Development
TCM supported Oxfam in developing its resolution-related policies, helping to align its approach to workplace concerns with the principles of early intervention, constructive dialogue and fair, proportionate resolution.
This work encouraged a shift away from relying solely on traditional, adversarial procedures towards approaches that prioritise people, relationships and organisational values.
Building Internal Resolution Capability
Alongside the policy work, TCM delivered practical mediation skills development to strengthen Oxfam’s internal capability to manage workplace disagreements constructively.
Participants developed skills to approach difficult conversations with confidence, listen to different perspectives, navigate disagreements and help colleagues identify mutually acceptable solutions.
By bringing together policy development and practical skills, TCM supported Oxfam in translating its Resolution First principles into everyday workplace practices.
The Outcome
TCM’s work provided Oxfam with two important foundations for its Resolution First approach: resolution-focused policy development and enhanced internal mediation capability.
The programme supported Oxfam’s ambition to encourage earlier, more constructive conversations about workplace concerns, while equipping colleagues with practical skills to manage disagreements and support positive working relationships.
Together, these elements provided a basis for embedding a more compassionate, fair and restorative approach to workplace conflict, aligned with Oxfam’s organisational values.
Conclusion
Oxfam’s journey demonstrates how organisations can begin transforming their approach to workplace conflict by combining values-led policies with practical resolution skills.
By strengthening both the procedural foundations and the internal capability needed to support constructive dialogue, Oxfam has taken steps towards a workplace culture where concerns can be addressed fairly, relationships are valued and resolution is encouraged at the earliest appropriate opportunity.
The work highlights how Resolution First principles can support charities and not-for-profit organisations in creating healthier, more collaborative and resolution-focused workplaces.
