I am a practising mediator, with significant experience in the resolution of workplace disputes. I am an accredited mediator with the Mediators' Institute of Ireland. I am the lead lecturer for the National College of Ireland's Level 9 courses in Mediation and Conflict Resolution. I am an Adjudicator in the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).Mediation is a structured process where two or more parties to a dispute attempt by themselves, on a voluntary basis, to reach agreement on the settlement of their dispute with the assistance of a mediator. The mediator is not a judge or a conciliator, or even a referee. The mediator never takes sides or imposes solutions, but helps the participants reach a solution that they are happy with which is then drawn up into a written agreement. Mediation is a voluntary, confidential and flexible proces. It is an efficient, cost effective and proven way of dealing with disputes whereever they may arise.McGrath Mediation Services offers dispute resolution assistance through mediation, arbitration and conciliation in commercial, workplace/organisation, community and elder disputes. If you would like to learn more about what McGrath Mediation Services can offer please contact me.

On 1st October 2015 I was appointed by the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton, T.D., as an Adjudicator Officer (AO) with the newly created Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). My role as an AO role is to hold hearings where parties to a workplace dispute are given an opportunity to make their case and to present any evidence relevant to the complaint. Having heard the case it is then up to me to decide on the matter and give a written decision in relation to the complaint.

The MA is a unique and innovative interdisciplinary programme which provides students with the academic knowledge and practical skills to resolve disputes between parties in a non-adversarial manner. Upon successful completion of the MA students receive both a HETAC Level 9 academic qualification and a certified mediator accreditation for the Mediators Institute of Ireland.Dispute resolution is one of the fastest-growing fields and academic disciplines both in Ireland and internationally, offering professional opportunities in the corporate, legal, educational, political, HR, health, and community settings, as well as many others. The curriculum is interdisciplinary, combining concepts from law, business management, international relations, policy studies, sociology, psychology and organisational development. The MA in Dispute Resolution was as much practical as it was academic. The focus of the faculty teching the course was to provide students will the skills of dispute resolution along with the theory to support those skills.

I was HR Manager for the Commissioners of Irish Lights, based in Dun Laoghaire, for almost nine years. During that time I had responsibility for supporting managers in their day to day work, interfacing between management and employees as required and providing the full suite of HR services to the organisation. A significant task was to promote best practice policies in the organisation. I built up good working relations with all the employee representative groups. I prepared submissions for and represent Irish Lights at the Labour Court, Rights Commissioners, and the Labour Relations Commission and with independent facilitators. I was responsible for ensuring that Irish Lights meet its statutory requirements in relation to employment legislation and the administration of all employment policies and procedures. I oversaw significant changes to work practices and a move of office from Dublin City to Dun Laoghaire; all of these carried out smoothly and efficiently. I led a HR of team of four and I ensured that they all gained good HR experience. I played a pivotal role in the most significant change programme undertaken by CIL in the last 30 years. The programme included a restructuring of the organisation, a modernising of terms & conditions and a pay adjustment.When in Irish Lights I was a member of the IBEC HR & Social Policy Committee and the Chamber of Shipping Manpower Committee.

While in Unilever I was HR Manager for the Ice Cream and Frozen Foods Business Unit. I was responsible for all HR functions within the Unit, from Reward and Recognition to Recruitment and Selection, Employee Relations and Training. As well as the normal day to day HR functions I provided HR assistance on several major projects namely: the implementation of a major SAP project, the closure of the Rathfarnham manufacturing plant (including the provision of internal support mechanisms and outplacement services) and the reorganisation of the distribution system. I also represented the company at all third party employment related forums.

The provision of Human Resources Management advice to a substantial list of member companies. Areas included general HR Services, Employee Relations, Employment Law, Human Resources Planning, Training and Development, Recruitment and Selection. Representation of member companies in IR negotiations and employment law forums such as the Labour Court and the Employment Appeals Tribunal. The development of Human Resources policies for member companies. Training needs analysis and development of customised training programmes. The conduct and presentation of management training courses.

Various Military appointments including; Press Officer/ Information Officer, Defence Forces Headquarters, instructor in the Military College, Platoon Commander with the UN in Lebanon, instructor in the Artillery School. I visited Lebanon several times in my role as Defence forces Press Officer. I retired from the Defence Forces in 1998 holding the rank of Captain.