Alternative Dispute Resolution/ Shared Neutrals Program
One of the most cost-effective programs sponsored by the San Francisco FEB, the Shared
Neutrals (SNP) program (also known as "Alternative Dispute Resolution" or ADR) offers a
cadre of trained mediators from different federal agencies in the San Francisco Bay Area
who can provide agencies with mediation or facilitated discussion services at no cost*.
That's no cost compared to the average Bay Area cost of $4,000 for a private mediator for
a 4-hour session. EEOC estimates that it costs $150,000 to process an EEO complaint from
the counseling stage through an EEOC hearing.
Nationwide, FEB-sponsored Shared Neutral Programs have saved agencies over $25M
each year. The San Francisco FEB has shown cost savings in excess of $1.7M for agencies.
The Social Security Administration does a great job of managing our SNP in the San
Francisco Bay Area.
Approximately 60 experienced and in-training SNP mediators are available to conduct
mediation sessions or facilitated discussions regarding most types of work-related
disputes, not limited to disputes in the EEO arena..
Please support this valuable FEB Shared Neutrals Program by:
Reminding your management team of your support for the mediation process and
the importance of resolving workplace disputes at the lowest level possible;
Educating your management team on the mediation process and referring them to
this website information;
Letting your EEO and HR staff know about the FEB Shared Neutrals Program;
Providing FEB Mediators in your agency with a flexible schedule to allow their
participation and developing expertise;
Nominating employees from your agency when the FEB recruits new mediators.
(* Agencies are responsible for any travel expenses)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SNP
How does the Shared Neutrals Program work?
First, an agency seeking to use the ADR mediator completes the Request for FEB
Mediator form and submits it to the Program Coordinator.
Next the ADR Program Coordinator contacts the mediators within the program and
makes the case assignment, and advises the parties.
The Mediator(s) contacts the parties to provide basic information about what to
expect in a mediation session and to schedule the session.
What costs are there to the Agency requesting the mediation?
The Agency bears no cost for the mediation, but is responsible for any travel
the mediator must do to reach the location where the mediation will be held. The
Agency arranges for a conference room in a neutral location.
