Being properly ‘heard’ is usually just as important to people as the actual outcome of a decision-making process.

Facilitation is a process to help a group of people have their say and reach their own decision.  A facilitator is a skilled, neutral person who guides members through the process.

What is the difference between facilitation and mediation?

Mediation usually involves disputes between individuals, or an individual and an organisation.

In contrast, facilitation usually involves large-scale disputes with several parties, an organisation, a department or an entire community.

Facilitation can also help manage a situation to prevent future disputes. Organisations may use facilitation if they’re discussing major changes and need a neutral facilitator to guide the discussion.  A good example is the chairing of an Annual General Meeting.

Find out more about workplace mediation here.

When is group facilitation suitable?

Facilitation is useful for:

  • environmental disputes involving government authorities, conservationists and industry representatives
  • workplace planning
  • meetings between agencies
  • policy consultations between the government and community or special-interest groups.

Generally, there is a fee for this service.  Contact our office on 1800 011 128 to find out more.

What are the benefits of group facilitation?

Facilitation can:

  • increase the chance that all voices will be heard
  • reduce manipulation, bragging or bullying
  • enable everyone to hear about the costs and benefits of alternatives and the interests to be considered
  • increase the likelihood that the outcome will be acceptable and decisions will be implemented.

For managers and other decision-makers, facilitation can:

  • demonstrate a commitment to a more open and consultative decision-making process
  • build goodwill
  • enhance the credibility of the agency that arranged the facilitation
  • strengthen stakeholder commitment to the process
  • free the manager or agency to participate in content discussions and decisions with the group
  • increase the chance that participants will feel satisfied with the procedures used to reach the outcome.

How do I arrange a group facilitation?

If you have a dispute that might be suitable for facilitation, contact our friendly staff on 1800 011 128 to discuss your situation.

The facilitator starts by designing a process to help all interested parties establish a common goal and work constructively towards it.  Then they guide the participants through the process.

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NTADR

1800 011 128

NTADR

hello@ntadr.org.au

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