Mediation training, mediation services, culture diagnostics tool, culture review services

we held 8 MS Teams meetings with suppliers in the mediation and culture space. For mediation training and external mediation the four supplier discussions supported the proposed focus and confirmed an established market for both accredited workplace mediation training and external mediation. Suppliers generally viewed the two services as closely linked, while accepting that they can be awarded separately. The strongest messages were that the GMC should select the right internal mediators, protect their time, establish clear governance and referral routes, and invest in supervision, CPD and awareness after training. External mediation should provide rapid triage, flexible delivery, careful mediator matching and clear confidentiality arrangements. The procurement should therefore evaluate practical training quality, trainer and mediator experience, accreditation, ongoing support, mobilisation, capacity, safeguarding of neutrality and the ability to tailor services to the GMC. For the culture diagnostic tool and culture review services the four supplier discussions showed that training, accreditation and consultancy are closely connected in practice. Suppliers encouraged the GMC to build internal capability and retain external support for complex, sensitive or high-risk work. The strongest success factors were visible leadership sponsorship, a clear link to organisational strategy, safe handling of sensitive findings, effective staff communication and practical follow-through. The procurement should therefore assess the evidence behind each tool, full ongoing costs, data arrangements, post-accreditation support and the supplier’s ability to turn findings into measurable action.