You are mediating what starts out to appear as a typical workplace conflict. But as the mediation progresses, you are increasingly concerned by the behaviour of one of the parties. Things get worse as the mediation continues. The mediation ends, but you can’t sleep that night. What if the worst case scenario happens? Are lives in danger? Is confidentiality more important than your concerns? Should you raise your concerns with the Manager who referred the case? Should you raise your concerns directly with the employer?
In this session you will explore the principle of confidentiality and debate under which circumstances confidentiality may be breached. You will also discuss the concept of “Perceived threat to human life or safety” and how you would determine whether your concerns are justified or not. You will be presented with a few twists in the story to demonstrated how the context may impact your decision.
About your trainer
Dr. Judith Rafferty is a nationally accredited mediator in Australia and an accredited conflict coach with Conflict Coaching International (CCI). She brings 15 years of experience in conflict resolution practice, training, and research, both in Australia and internationally.
As a Senior Trainer and Coach Mentor at the Conflict Management Academy and an Adjunct Senior Research Fellow at the Cairns Institute, James Cook University, Judith contributes significantly to advancing conflict resolution theory and practice through training and research. Previously, as a Senior Lecturer and Director of the postgraduate Conflict Management and Resolution program at James Cook University, she played a pivotal role in developing the curriculum for conflict studies and delivering conflict management training across diverse professional sectors.Judith has also created numerous training resources and practical tools to help individuals analyse conflicts and engage constructively in complex situations. Her publications include the 2024 eBook Neuroscience, Psychology and Conflict Management.
An internationally respected researcher, Judith is recognized for her expertise in qualitative studies with vulnerable populations in international conflict and post-conflict settings, including in Rwanda and the Central African Republic. She holds a PhD in Conflict Resolution, a Master of Conflict and Dispute Resolution, a Graduate Business Administrator Diploma, and a Graduate Certificate in Psychology.
