What will happen at the Conciliation Conference?

How is the conciliation run?

The conciliator decides how the conference is run.

The conciliator will usually talk to each party separately at first. The conciliator will not pass on any information from these private discussions unless the party clearly tells them to.

The conciliator will introduce everyone and talk about what will happen at the Conciliation Conference.

The conciliator will usually then ask the Complainant to speak first about their complaint and what they want to resolve it.

After this, the Respondent will be asked to respond to what has been said and talk about how they think the complaint should be resolved.

At any time, there can be a break from the joint meeting so the parties can speak privately with the conciliator.

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Things to remember

A Conciliation Conference may take several hours so make sure you have enough time set aside.

It is important that while someone else is talking, you listen and do not interrupt. If you have any questions or comments, you should make a note of them so you can raise them when it is your turn to talk.

The conciliator will not make any decision about the case and will not give you legal advice. The conciliator can give information about the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 and explain the Tribunal procedures to you.

Even though you may feel angry about the complaint, it is important to be polite to the conciliator and the other parties while you are at the Conference.

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