Mediation Cell
General objectives of the Mediation Cell (MC)
The Centre de Sciences Humaines (CSH) in Delhi hosts various professionals, such as researchers, administrators, research assistants, and other academic staff. Like any workplace, CSH member(s) may face conflicts or be exposed to psychosocial risks. As an institution responsible for maintaining good working conditions in its premises, the CSH must prevent and manage these risks to ensure a healthy and respectful professional environment.
The Mediation Cell (MC) ‘s main mission is to listen and support staff involved in conflicts or affected by psychosocial risks. The MC works to facilitate conflict resolution when possible or to assist applicants in pursuing any actions they wish to take. Furthermore, the MC plays an essential role in preventing psychosocial risks by raising staff awareness on these issues, intending to promote a safe and supportive working environment.
The MC is easily accessible by e-mail: mediation@csh-delhi.com
Procedures for referral
The MC may be contacted by:
- Any CSH staff member, whether tenured, contractual, or affiliated (administrative staff, researchers, research assistants, associate researchers, doctoral students, visiting researchers, interns), who, in the course of their duties, finds themselves in conflict with structures within the institution or with others and believes the conflict harms their interests.
- The CSH management intervenes in conflicts between individuals or groups, provided the mediator’s involvement is accepted.
- A third party is aware of a dispute, difficulty, or even discriminatory or harassment incidents, where the affected individuals do not dare approach the MC or the usual designated intervention personnel.
Handling referrals and reports
Initially, the MC will:
- Acknowledge receipt of any referral or report.
- Review the referrals or reports received by email.
- Inform the complainant of any alternative recourses not yet utilized.
- May refuse to intervene if the referral or report appears unjustified or unrelated to the MC’s mission, particularly for private personal disputes that do not relate to CSH’s functions, or if the matter falls under legal or regulatory provisions, in which case the individual may be referred to the appropriate interlocutor.
If the referral or report is deemed valid, the MC will:
- Implement protection measures for vulnerable individuals in cases of serious aggression.
- Propose treatment methods for the referral or report within a reasonable timeframe.
- Conduct an independent and objective investigation if ordinary recourse procedures have not yielded results.
- Request, if necessary, information from relevant CSH bodies, services, directions, and operational research or service structures.
- Alert CSH management to any rule or procedure that may lead to decisions non-compliant with staff rights.
- Withdraw from the request after informing the complainant if, following investigation, the referral or report appears unfounded.
It is reiterated that mediation does not replace other recourses provided by current laws and regulations and does not suspend deadlines for agents to seek legal recourse. The MC may also direct the complainant to appropriate procedures and interlocutors.
Mediation principles
The MC acts in response to reports or requests regarding situations that lead to disputes or difficulties. Based on the reports or requests it receives, the MC investigates to facilitate resolution between the parties involved. The MC has no decision-making power.
Each MC member must respect the following principles:
- NEUTRALITY: Support individuals or structures in their goals without imposing personal views.
- IMPARTIALITY: Refrain from taking sides or favoring any party in the mediation. If an MC member has personal, professional, financial, advisory, or other connections with a party, they must withdraw from the mediation. The MC leader will then propose a replacement.
- LOYALTY: Avoid acting as arbitrator, representative, or advisor for any of the participants in the mediation or during administrative or disciplinary procedures.
- CONSENT: Ensure that participants give free and informed consent and provide clear and comprehensive information on the values, principles, and practical modalities of mediation. Participants or the MC may exit the mediation process at any time.
- CONFIDENTIALITY: Never disclose or share any information from the mediation, including the content of conversations or any knowledge acquired during the process.
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Mon – Fri: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
+91-11 3041 0090
communication {at} csh-delhi {dot} com