Shared Neutrals and the SN Roster

Shared Neutrals is a mediation program administered by FMCS for federal agencies in the National Capital Region and several different areas of the country. Any participating federal agency may request a mediator from our Roster of trained, collateral duty, federal, employees from other agencies to help resolve workplace disputes, including EEO complaints. There is no charge for this service since participating agencies allow some of its own employees to join the pool of collateral duty mediators. With this program, agencies can reduce the time and expense involved in litigating workplace disputes. Dozens of federal agencies participate in Shared Neutrals.

 

How does Shared Neutrals mediation differ from that offered by FMCS mediators in non-labor federal workplace dispute?

Certain types of disputes are not generally handled through Shared Neutrals:

  • Cases that are especially complex or with multiple parties
  • Cases involving high level officials and/or extremely sensitive matters
  • Cases that will require multiple mediation sessions over time
  • Cases that involve larger-scale issues that need systemic handling

These types of matters can be handled by FMCS full-time professional mediators through Interagency Agreements (IAAs). For more information on assistance in this area, see https://www.fmcs.gov/services/alternative-dispute-resolution-for-government/ or contact the FMCS Office of Conflict Management & Prevention at OCMP@fmcs.gov or 202-606-5445.

For general information about our Shared Neutrals program, use the side navigation on the left for other categories of information, including Requesting a Shared Neutral. You can also check out the Frequently Asked Questions.

For more information about the program, please email Shared Neutrals staff at sharedneutrals@fmcs.gov.