Neutral Interventions

Neutral Chairing

Fiona works as a neutral Chair facilitating dialogue between multiple stakeholders with outputs including agreed processes and action plans. She has also acted as a neutral Chair within mediations, where binding or non-binding recommendations are required. Fiona has also worked as a neutral Chair for challenging and difficult meetings, as well as a ‘neutral moderator’ at ‘strategy days’, ‘away days’ and group conferences. Additionally, Fiona has acted as a neutral Chair and adjudicator on disciplinary and general complaint matters, issuing determinations or independent judgements as required.

Neutral Chairing Assignments

  • Acting as a neutral Chair in matters involving disciplinary warnings, dismissals, grievances and complaints and in a variety of Appeals panels.
  • Independent Chairing (and reports) of a number of Appeals against dismissal. For example a Director of 25 years plus service dismissed for gross misconduct.
  • Independent Chairing of final stage grievance hearing, following long suspension resolved through subsequent on-going mediation.
  • Chair of two major Pension Trustee Boards.
  • Remuneration Committee Chair for Healthcare Trust.
  • Independent Chair of Appointment and Promotion Boards.
  • Neutral Chair of ‘difficult conversation’ meetings.

Independent reviews, Arbitrations and Investigations

Fiona has undertaken many independent investigations, reviews and assessments of a complex nature in all sectors. These are generally accompanied by independent reports with recommendations, mediations or other ADR processes following, thereby preventing further escalation of the conflict or dispute. Fiona has also dealt with a number of serious complaints from clients or other stakeholders against senior individuals and/or their organisations.

  • Independent reviews and reports following investigations of multi- faceted grievances against Senior Executives/Board Directors in organisations, including allegations of racism, corporate governance issues, constructive dismissal and authoritarianism.
  • Independent review and detailed assessment of multiple complaints and grievances, primarily related to employment and discrimination matters, against senior academics in a University environment. One particularly difficult case re alleged race discrimination involved interviewing 12 witnesses and 15,000 word plus report with recommendations.
  • Independent review and report following alleged sex discrimination and grievance against a senior Director and senior manager following the unfair dismissal of female trader in the banking industry. On-going mediation prevented a very protracted dispute for both parties.
  • Investigation and independent review of allegations of sex and disability discrimination and bullying behaviour against a high profile Chairman of a Charity from a former Chief Executive. Separate advisory report on resolution of the dispute also presented.
  • Independent review, report and recommendations on a collective grievance, alleging bullying and religious discrimination presented by three managers against their newly appointed Director. Report presented and recommendations implemented by the organisation.
  • Independent review of complaints of hostility and rudeness between two peer senior managers within a Police force which affected the work and relationships of their respective teams. Report produced for board level equivalent (Deputy Chief Constable) and then worked with the individuals on a protocol of future behaviours.
  • ACAS arbitration on annual pay award in the printing industry.
  • Independent review and report undertaken for the Chairman of a regulatory body, of a complaint against the Chief Executive regarding his handling of an external complaint, made against one of the organisation’s senior officers.
  • Independent review and assessment of complaints from Board members re non-compliance, impropriety and inappropriate behaviours of the UK Managing Director of a US subsidiary.
  • Independent review against a College for its conduct in referring a matter to the Police and social services.
  • Independent reviews of organisations’ complaints processes.
  • Independent review of the actions of teachers in a school on child protection issues following a case in the public domain.