Grievance Resolution Committee Charter
Purpose
The Grievance Resolution Committee exists to develop a simple, fair, and consistent framework for the peaceful resolution of disagreements between men and women in the wider community.
The Committee's objective is to create the principles, processes, guidance, educational materials and resources that enable people to resolve conflict, restore relationships where possible, and strengthen trust through peaceful self-governance.
The Committee serves the Assembly by designing the framework. It does not hear grievances or determine the outcome of disputes.
Responsibilities
The Committee shall research, develop, and recommend a complete grievance resolution framework for voluntary adoption by the Local Assemblies.
This includes developing the Grievance Resolution Pathways, mediation procedures, referral processes, supporting documentation, forms, educational resources, and recommended standards for the volunteer Assembly Mediator Office.
The Committee shall liaise between mediators, Ombudsmen, Sheriffs, Oversight Committees, Grievance Committees and other Assembly Offices.
Where appropriate, the Committee may review the experiences of existing mediation and restorative practices.
Scope of Authority
The Committee may consult with experienced mediators, counsellors, community leaders, and other knowledgeable men and women in developing its recommendations.
The Committee may prepare draft procedures, training programs, handbooks, forms, and educational materials for consideration by the Assembly.
The Committee shall not investigate complaints, conduct mediations, determine disputes, or exercise the authority of any Assembly Office.
Deliverables
The Committee shall seek to prepare:
- a Grievance Resolution Framework;
- Grievance Resolution Pathways;
- Assembly Mediator Handbook;
- mediator onboarding and training materials;
- mediation forms and record templates;
- ethical standards and code of conduct for mediators;
- guidance for referrals to Ombudsmen, Sheriffs, Oversight Committees, and Jural Assemblies;
- recommendations for the establishment and operation of the National Assembly Mediator Committee.
Guiding Principles
The Committee shall ensure all recommendations are consistent with the principles and values of the Assemblies.
The framework should encourage men and women to resolve disagreements directly wherever possible, preserve dignity and respect for all participants, promote voluntary agreement, maintain impartiality and procedural fairness, and strengthen peaceful communities through self-governance.
Completion of the Committee's Work
This Committee is established as a development and implementation committee.
Upon completion and adoption of the grievance resolution framework, responsibility for ongoing operation, education, and continual improvement of the mediation system shall pass to the National Assembly Mediator Committee - a body consisting of all the nominated volunteer mediators - and other relevant Assembly Offices.