About me
Founder & Mediator
Kirstie Buck
A deeply human, inquisitive approach - backed up by industry experience.
Hi there, I’m Kirstie. I founded Common Ground Workplace Mediation because I knew there was a better, more human way to handle conflict in the workplace.
Combining my Psychology degree, a lifelong interest in human behaviour, and the perspective of a late autism diagnosis, I bring genuine curiosity to understanding people. There's almost always more going on beneath the surface than it first seems.
Professionally, my HR career has spanned multiple industries in the UK and beyond (Europe, Asia, and North America). I’ve supported organisations with 100 up to 10,000 employees across software technology, manufacturing, and engineering.
I believe that workplace conflict can be resolved - and often prevented - when people feel truly heard. I offer mediation for existing disputes, as well as proactive support to strengthen communication skills within your team.
If tension is already showing in your team, or if you want to build stronger roots before it does - I'd love to hear from you.
Why choose mediation?
The aim of mediation is simple: to repair working relationships and get things moving again.
Let's talk about the conflict that everyone's been avoiding
Picture the scene: two team members have stopped talking to each other. All communication is now in writing, and the tone is getting more hostile. The atmosphere in the workplace is frosty and the team can feel it. Everyone is tiptoeing around them, and it’s getting harder to actually deliver the work they’re there to do.
Unresolved conflict in the workplace can be deeply bruising and harmful - and formal processes (such as grievances) can leave people feeling just as battered.
There is a need and a space for formal or legal processes when issues are severe. But a lot of the time, a carefully held conversation can do a huge amount of heavy lifting.
Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution - an informal route to resolve conflict. It moves beyond finger-pointing and assigning blame. The aim is to dig deep and get to the heart of the issue, to create space where relationships can be rebuilt.
Workplace mediation offers a carefully-held and confidential space, facilitated by an impartial third party. There’s no taking sides - the only aim is to get things working again.
FAQs
Got questions? I've got answers.
What is workplace mediation?
Workplace mediation is an alternative dispute resolution process. The aim is to resolve conflict within a work environment through confidential conversations facilitated by an independent third party (a mediator). Typically, it involves two participants and there are both individual and collective sessions facilitated by the mediator. It is an entirely voluntary process and requires the consent of all parties to take place.
Why should I engage with workplace mediation?
Everyone can benefit from mediation. For the participants, it provides an opportunity to discuss their situation with an impartial third party - often as an alternative to a formal internal process (such as a grievance).
For business owners, it is a cost-effective method to resolve conflict - reducing the need for expensive, lengthy litigation.
For all parties involved, workplace mediation is a more human-centric alternative to formal or legal routes. The emphasis is on repairing relationships rather than apportioning blame.
Note that mediation is not appropriate for every situation - such as serious misconduct or harassment.
Who pays for workplace mediation?
The cost of mediation is covered by the business owner or manager. Please send an enquiry via the Contact page and I can discuss pricing with you based on your situation.
Which locations do you work in? Can you provide virtual support?
I’m based in Leicester, but I support clients throughout the Midlands and across the UK.
I can provide workshops and webinars remotely if required, but mediation sessions will be conducted in-person at a mutually agreed location.
Do I need to bring a yoga mat?
Not this time - you may be thinking of meditation, which is a practice for calming the mind.
I offer mediation, which involves an impartial third party facilitating a conversation between people in the workplace to resolve conflict.
All you need to bring to the session is yourself, any notes you’d like to bring, and a willingness to talk.
Do you have any advice for managers on how to have a difficult conversation?
Absolutely - webinars, workshops, or training packages are available. I can cover topics such as communication, difficult conversations, conflict, emotional regulation, and more.
Note that all sessions are entirely bespoke and tailored to your organisation, based on a comprehensive consultation with you. Pricing will therefore vary depending on the scope of the project.
If you’d like to discuss a session for your people managers, please visit the Contact page to submit an enquiry. I would be delighted to discuss your requirements with you on a no-obligation call.
Do you offer any other services?
I’d be delighted to discuss your requirements with you on a no-obligation call. Please visit the Contact page to submit an enquiry, providing a brief summary of the challenge you’re looking to solve.
