The landscape of workplace dispute resolution in the UK is undergoing its most significant shift in nearly two decades. Under the proposed updates to the ACAS Code of Practice on disciplinary and grievance procedures, resolving workplace conflicts informally is fast becoming a primary, statutory expectation for both employers and workers. When these changes take effect, an unreasonable failure by either party to attempt informal resolution could give employment tribunals the grounds to adjust financial compensation payouts by up to 25%.
Workplace Resolution, often referred to as workplace mediation, is informal. It provides a structured and confidential way of resolving conflict before these formal, costly procedures become necessary.
KeystoneHR Workplace Resolution helps organisations address conflict early and informally. We restore working relationships and reach practical solutions before issues escalate into costly grievances, damaged relationships, lost productivity, and employee turnover.
Delivered by an accredited Mediator and experienced Chartered MCIPD consultant specialising in conflict resolution, grievance handling, and people-centred practice, our service provides a confidential, voluntary, and impartial route to resolving workplace disputes. We help employees and managers have constructive conversations, rebuild trust, restore working relationships, and move forward positively.
By addressing issues early, organisations can avoid the time, expense, disruption, and emotional strain associated with formal investigations and grievance procedures. The result is a healthier workplace culture, improved employee engagement, and a faster return to business as usual.
Don't let workplace conflict become a business problem. Resolve issues early, protect your people, and focus on running your organisation.
When Should You Consider Workplace Resolution?
Many employers wait until a formal grievance has been submitted. In reality, workplace resolution is most effective before positions become entrenched. Recognising this, ACAS has now added informal resolution directly into the statutory text of their new draft Code, making early intervention a critical step in compliance.
Consider Workplace Resolution when:
- Communication has broken down between colleagues.
- A manager-employee relationship is deteriorating.
- A grievance appears likely or is imminent.
- Team tensions are affecting daily performance.
- An employee is considering resignation due to friction.
- A return to work following conflict-related absence is proving difficult.
- Internal HR teams or a business requires an independent third party.
What is Workplace Resolution?
Workplace Resolution is a voluntary, structured conversation facilitated by an impartial mediator to help employees resolve conflict, repair working relationships, and agree on practical ways forward. It is particularly effective for:
- Interpersonal conflict — tension, miscommunication, and personality clashes.
- Breakdowns in trust — before or after grievances, complaints, or difficult feedback.
- Team friction — collaboration issues, role confusion, or competing priorities.
- Return to work challenges — reintegration after sickness, maternity, or conflict-related absence.
Resolution is future-focused, not about blame. It gives people a safe, supported space to talk openly and agree on how they want to work together going forward.
Why Choose KeystoneHR for Workplace Resolution?
We bring a rare blend of HR, employee relations, workplace investigation, and conflict resolution expertise, ensuring our workplace resolution is both legally informed and people-centred.
What sets our workplace resolution apart:
- Impartiality with depth — We’re not there to judge, but we understand the legal and relational context.
- Trauma-informed practice — We create psychological safety so people feel able to speak honestly.
- Flexible approach — Practical, time-sensitive, and focused on restoring productivity quickly. We support organisations directly, as well as working alongside in-house HR, ER, and People teams that require an independent external mediator.
- Early intervention mindset — We help organisations prevent grievances, sickness absence, and escalation.
- Clear, structured process — Employees know exactly what to expect at every stage.
Working with HR Teams and Legal Advisors
KeystoneHR regularly supports organisations that have established HR or Employee Relations functions but require an independent external mediator.
We can work alongside:
- HR and People teams
- Employee Relations specialists
- Internal investigators
- Senior leaders
- Employment solicitors
- Legal advisers
Our independent role helps organisations demonstrate fairness, objectivity, and a genuine commitment to early resolution—crucial for aligning with the updated Acas expectations—while allowing internal teams to remain focused on managing wider business priorities.
For employment solicitors, Workplace Resolution provides a practical and cost-effective option for clients seeking early intervention before formal legal processes become necessary. We support employment solicitors seeking practical workplace solutions for clients before positions become entrenched. This helps preserve employment relationships, reduce legal costs, and demonstrates a proactive commitment to resolving concerns fairly.
How the Workplace Resolution Process Works
A typical Workplace Resolution includes:
- Initial individual meetings — confidential conversations to understand perspectives and desired outcomes.
- Joint Resolution session — facilitated dialogue in a safe, neutral environment.
- Agreement building — practical commitments both parties co-create.
- Follow-up support — optional check-ins to ensure the agreement is working.
Everything is confidential, voluntary, and designed to help people move forward constructively.
The Benefits for Your Organisation
Workplace Resolution helps businesses:
- Reduce conflict-related costs — cutting down on grievances, investigations, and absence.
- Improve team morale — restoring trust and open communication.
- Retain valued employees — preventing resignations and talent loss.
- Strengthen leadership confidence — giving managers a constructive route to resolution.
- Protect organisational culture — modelling fairness, respect, and accountability.
Who Delivers the Workplace Resolution?
Workplace Resolution is delivered by Susi, a Chartered MCIPD HR professional and Accredited Workplace Mediator. Susi has extensive experience supporting employers through complex employee relations matters, workplace conflict, grievance processes, investigations, organisational change, and culture improvement initiatives.
Her approach combines commercial understanding, HR expertise, and skilled facilitation to help people have difficult conversations constructively and reach sustainable agreements.
How to Book and Pricing
Get in touch to have a no-obligation, exploratory conversation about your needs.
We offer transparent pricing based on the complexity of the matter, the number of participants involved, and the level of support required. Following an initial discussion, you'll receive a clear proposal outlining the scope and costs, with no hidden fees.
What’s Included
Every workplace resolution package typically includes:
- Initial assessment and case review.
- Confidential pre-resolution meetings with each participant.
- A professionally facilitated joint session.
- Support in exploring concerns, improving understanding, and identifying mutually acceptable outcomes.
- Advice for managers on creating the conditions for successful resolution.
- A trauma-informed, psychologically safe, and impartial approach throughout the process.
How to Book
Booking Workplace Resolution with KeystoneHR is simple and discreet.
- Get in touch: Share a brief outline of the situation and your preferred timescales.
- Initial consultation call: A short, confidential call to confirm suitability and agree on the scope.
- Scheduling & agreements: We arrange pre-meetings, confirm logistics, share resolution information, and secure agreement from everyone before moving forward.
- Resolution Sessions: A calm, structured process focused on rebuilding trust and moving forward.
- Optional follow-up: A check-in to ensure the outcome is working in practice.
Ready to Resolve Workplace Conflict Constructively?
Whether you're a business owner, HR professional, People manager, or employment solicitor seeking support for a client, KeystoneHR can help you address workplace conflict quickly, confidentially, and professionally.
Contact us for a confidential, no-obligation discussion to explore whether Workplace Resolution is the right approach for your situation.
