The agency coordinator (typically an EEO officer, HR specialist, or ADR coordinator) requests mediators by emailing sharedneutrals@fmcs.gov and providing the following:
- Name of the agency
- Name of the agency coordinator;
- Location of the mediation if not virtual;
- Mediation dates: (provide at least 3 specific dates)
- Type of dispute: (informal EEO, formal EEO, or other workplace dispute)
- Any specific needs or requests that might affect the selection of referrals (e.g., language skills or special needs).
Shared Neutrals uses a co-mediation model, so in most cases two mediators will be assigned.
If you do not receive a confirmation of assigned mediators within 10 business days of your request, please notify us at sharedneutrals@fmcs.gov.
Securing Mediators Policy
After the FMCS administrator receives an agency request, the request is shared with all volunteer mediators. When a lead and co-mediator have been confirmed, the FMCS Shared Neutrals administrator will issue a confirmation notice to the requesting agency and the assigned mediators.
To provide equal opportunity to all volunteer mediators, agencies must not request mediation directly from a Shared Neutral mediator; likewise, Shared Neutral mediators must not provide their services other than through the FMCS Shared Neutrals administrator.
Once the mediation is confirmed, the requesting agency is responsible for coordinating logistics, such as:
- Providing the platform for virtual mediation, or if in-person, locating an appropriate room for the mediation
- Providing supplies if in-person, such as chart paper and markers
- Providing rooms for private caucuses or virtual breakout rooms
- Reimbursing travel expenses, if any, incurred by the mediators
- Providing additional contact information as needed to the parties and mediators.