Useful information for schools, workplaces, and families — whether you are considering mediation or just trying to understand your options.
Mediation is a structured conversation facilitated by a neutral third party — the mediator. The mediator does not decide what happens. They help the people involved to hear each other clearly and, where possible, reach an agreement they have made themselves.
It is voluntary. No one is required to participate, and no one is required to reach an agreement. It is also confidential — what is said in mediation cannot be used in court proceedings.
Because it is faster, less formal, and considerably cheaper than tribunal or legal proceedings, mediation is often the most practical option for disputes in schools and workplaces.
Mediation is not arbitration — the mediator does not make a ruling. It is not counselling or therapy, and it is not a formal investigation. Agreeing to mediate does not mean admitting fault or accepting any particular version of events.
If a formal finding is required — for disciplinary, legal, or regulatory purposes — mediation is not the right tool. But in most situations that reach mediation, a formal finding is not what either party actually needs.
In Australia, mediation is regulated through the National Mediator Accreditation System (NMAS). When you work with a nationally accredited mediator, you can be confident they have met a defined standard of training, practice, and professional conduct.
The Australian Mediation & Dispute Resolution Accreditation Scheme. Taz Stephens is accredited through AMDRAS, one of Australia's recognised mediator accreditation bodies under NMAS.
Visit AMDRAS →The Mediator Standards Board (MSB) administers the National Mediator Accreditation System. The NMAS sets out the practice standards and approval criteria for all accredited mediators in Australia.
Visit MSB →Australia's peak body for dispute resolution practitioners. Provides information on mediation, arbitration, and other alternative dispute resolution processes, including guidance for people considering mediation for the first time.
Visit Resolution Institute →Free legal information for people in NSW. Includes plain-English guidance on dispute resolution options, mediation, and community justice centres — useful for families navigating a dispute with a school or employer.
Visit Law Access NSW →Conflict in schools involves specific relationships, obligations, and constraints that general dispute resolution frameworks do not always account for. These resources are relevant to principals, school leaders, and systems navigating complaints, staff disputes, or parent concerns.
Sets the professional standards for teachers and school leaders in Australia. Relevant when disputes involve professional conduct, performance management, or leadership responsibilities.
Visit AITSL →A national resource from the Australian Government for school communities. Includes frameworks for managing conflict affecting student wellbeing, relationships, and school culture.
Visit Student Wellbeing Hub →Information on the NSW Department of Education complaints process, including how to raise a concern, what happens next, and when to escalate. Useful for families and schools in NSW who want to understand the formal process before deciding whether mediation is a better path.
NSW Education complaints →Supports Catholic schools across NSW. Relevant for principals and system leaders in the Catholic sector navigating complaints, employment matters, or parent disputes within their schools.
Visit Catholic Schools NSW →Australia's national workplace relations tribunal. Handles unfair dismissal, general protections, and workplace bullying applications. Mediation is often required before a formal hearing — understanding the process helps employers and employees prepare.
Visit Fair Work Commission →National policy on workplace health and safety, including psychological safety and the employer duty of care around workplace conflict, bullying, and stress. Useful for employers assessing risk exposure before or after a dispute.
Visit Safe Work Australia →The first call is free. If you are not sure whether mediation is right for your situation, we will tell you honestly.
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