The DOE Headquarters Mediation Program began in 1995. We believe that most workplace conflicts are based on miscommunication, and that it is best to resolve them as early as possible before they enter a formal and adversarial process. We encourage referrals of conflicts at as early a stage as possible, believing that this offers the best opportunity for a lasting resolution.
The program uses professional mediators under contract with the Department of Energy. Both parties must voluntarily agree to participate in mediation, and may bring with them a family member, colleague, union representative, or attorney. Mediations are strictly confidential, and information is shared only with those within the agency who need to know in order to implement a settlement.
Guidance Documents
- Confidentiality Confidentiality: "Protecting the Confidentiality of Dispute Resolution Proceedings: A Guide for Federal Workplace ADR Program Administrators" April 2006
- Guide issued by the Federal Interagency ADR Working Group Steering Committee
- Confidentiality: Guide to "Confidentiality in Federal Alternative Dispute Resolution Programs" (guidance to assist federal agencies in developing ADR programs)
- December 29, 2000
- A Guide for Federal Employee Mediators: A Supplement to and Annotation of the Model Standards of Conduct for Mediators Issued by the American Arbitration Association, the American Bar Association, and the Association for Conflict Resolution May 9, 2006, Guide issued by the Federal Interagency ADR Working Group Steering Committee
- Federal ADR Program Manager's Resource Manual
- Federal ADR Program Manager's Resource Manual: Attachments
- Neutrals: Finding Neutrals Handbook May 2005