A general protections conference is led by a Commission Member or staff conciliator and lasts up to 2 hours. Use these tips to help you prepare. This is an opportunity to resolve the dispute without going to court or a formal hearing.
A week or 2 before the conciliation, take time to get ready for the session. Read the information on the Notice of listing we send you, and contact us if you have any questions.
Gather any relevant material you may need, including:
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.
Book at least 90 minutes in your calendar, and set a reminder to help you remember.
If you don’t have a mobile device or computer you can join from, or internet access, let us know as soon as you can so we can assist you.
If you need to ask us to change the time or date, you must ask us in writing and give a good reason. We explain how to do this on your Notice of listing. We may ask you to provide evidence to support your request, and will consider the impact on the other side before deciding whether to approve the change.
With notice, we can arrange for you to have an interpreter at no cost to you. You can tell us if you need an interpreter on your application or response form.
If you don't tell us on your form, make sure to ask for an interpreter at least 1 week before your conciliation. We can’t arrange an interpreter if you tell us on the day.
You can use the free National Relay Telephone service if you are a person with a:
Download the free Microsoft Teams app to join from your phone or tablet Make sure to do this before the day of your conference so that you’re ready to go. You will be able to create an account, or join the conference on the day as a guest.
If you plan to use a computer, you don’t need to download anything. The conference will be audio-only, so you won’t need to turn on your camera.
You may not remember everything you want to say on the day. Make notes about the issues that are most important to you, and why. It's normal to disagree about some issues but the Commission Member or conciliator is there to help you resolve them.
The 2 sides can discuss and agree on almost any result in a conference.
Make sure you:
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.
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.
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.
It's normal to be anxious but please remember to: