Why Not Mediation? Early Intervention for Conflict in Health and Education

IMAW26 - A panel of mediators shares practical strategies for conflict that feels unmanageable in health, education and other institutions.

Why Not Mediation? Early Intervention for Conflict in Health and Education

Working in a hospital, aged care service, clinic, school or university and finding that conflict is turning into behaviour that feels unmanageable? Abuse, bullying, aggression and other antisocial behaviour often start as everyday disagreements that weren't dealt with early, or were met with a response that made things worse.

Some responses are like throwing water on an electrical fire: well meant, but they fuel the problem. A panel of mediators will share practical strategies you can try, how to spot conflict before it escalates, and when to bring in outside help. They'll also draw on what research and practice from around the world tell us.

Start with the 2.00 pm session

The Queensland Department of Education Conflict Resolution team will show how skilled mediators support school leaders through conflict coaching, capability building and early conversations. Much of the conflict they deal with is resolved without ever reaching formal mediation. If you work in any kind of institution, not just education, join both sessions and bring that thinking into the panel discussion: what could you adapt for your own workplace?

Register for Resolving Conflict in Educational Settings (2.00 pm)

What will you take away?

• Warning signs that conflict is escalating, and why some common responses make the situation worse
• Practical de-escalation and early intervention strategies to try in your workplace
• Lessons from the Queensland model you can adapt to your own setting
• Knowing when mediation or other outside support can help, and when safety must come first

Host

Joanne Law, Director, Mediation Institute

Part of International Mediation Awareness Week 2026 – free and online.