Tips to prepare for conciliation

Find out what happens in conciliation

Complete our online learning module to help you prepare for the conciliation. 
The module explains the conciliation process and: 

• provides tips on how to prepare
• describes the role of conciliators and other participants
• explains possible outcomes
• explores what happens next if the case doesn’t resolve at conciliation. 

Gather relevant documents and information

Gather any relevant material you may need, including:

• any employment contract
• a recent payslip 
• any letters of warning or dismissal
• copies of the application and response forms. 

Make sure you read any information the other side provides as well. You may not agree with their position, but the conciliator is there to help you resolve any differences.

Write down the main issues

Make notes about the issues that are most important to you, and why. You can use our Preparing for an unfair dismissal conciliation checklist to help you prepare. 

Think about the outcome you want or will accept

You can discuss and agree on almost any outcome in a conciliation. 

We show some options at conciliation so you know what may be possible.

Prepare your device

We use Microsoft Teams to hold conciliations. You should download Microsoft Teams for the best experience. You will need to log in using a Microsoft account or create a free account. You should then:

• allow Microsoft Teams to access your devices microphone when asked
• test your device works using Microsoft's test call feature
• make sure you have a reliable internet connection
• fully charge your device’s battery, and plug it in if you can.

We recommend that you do not use an Ipad as some features can be disabled. Please use a different device if you can or contact us to arrange an alternative method.

Make sure you:

• click the meeting link in the most recent email you received from us
• allow Microsoft Teams access to your microphone
• use your device’s speaker or headphones, so you can write notes if you need 
• turn the volume up
• have your device plugged in if you can, conciliations can take 90 minutes
• be ready to identify yourself to the conciliator.

Find somewhere quiet and comfortable

Find a quiet place where you won’t be interrupted. You need to be able to think, listen and speak openly. Make sure you’re not driving during the conciliation. Have all your documents ready, and have a pen and paper handy to take notes. Have a drink of water handy, if you need it. The conciliation will be audio (sound) only, so you won’t need to be on camera.

Be ready to join the conciliation on time

Click the link in the booking email to join the conciliation at least 5 minutes before it starts, then wait for the conciliator to admit you. If you accidentally disconnect at any time, click the link in your email again to rejoin. 

Have your phone nearby in case we need to call you

If you have technical issues on the day, the conciliator will try to call you using the phone numbers provided on your application or response form. 

Troubleshooting

If you are having trouble on the day, please:

• check you are using the latest meeting link
• close the meeting and try again
• use the chat feature in the meeting to talk to the conciliator
• see Troubleshoot in Microsoft Teams for more help. 

It's normal to be anxious but please remember to:

• be polite and patient
• listen to the other points of view without interrupting
• focus on the issues, not the emotions you feel or felt when the dismissal happened
• be flexible and prepared to negotiate, so you can avoid the delay of a formal hearing or conference.