We Are Royal Mail

Dave Skingsley has been with Royal Mail for almost 34 years. He started off as a postal cadet, and has since held numerous roles across the business.

He’s now part of a national team of industrial relations mediators, who provide voluntary mediation to everyone in the business.

‘Our team was set up as part of the Agenda for Growth agreement,’ said Dave. ‘It’s a joint team funded by the CWU and Royal Mail. As mediators we are totally impartial and the process is totally confidential.

‘For the mediation to take place, both parties have to agree to enter the process. It’s about trying to rebuild relationships, while also helping to fix practical concerns that the parties have. We try and help build dialogue; we don’t make any recommendations. We are just passionate about changing the culture. People come to us with all sorts of issues such as annual leave, resourcing, revisions.’

There is no ‘typical day’ for Dave. Being part of a team that covers the whole of the UK, he could find himself anywhere, from Woking to Warrington.

‘The first thing I’ll do is meet the parties who are entering the mediation process in a neutral building, one that neither of them work in,’ explained Dave. ‘I’ll then talk to both parties individually, and ask them to write down what they want to say to the other party.

‘I’ll then invite both individuals into the same room, where they’ll have “uninterrupted speaking time” to talk through the issue. In most conflicts, it’s about who shouts the loudest – whereas this is about sitting and listening to what the other person has to say.’

Like any role at Royal Mail, it’s integral to get the support of your colleagues and team. ‘It can be difficult, because my particular team is a remote one,’ said Dave. ‘But if I ever need any advice, it’s great to know that I can pick up the phone and contact a colleague.

‘Everyone has different skills and experiences in our team, and I think it’s important to have that mixture. It’s hard work, but the results have been phenomenal.

‘It’s a full day, and we understand it might be a stressful one with lots of emotions, but it’s a process we believe in. We are passionate about changing cultures, and we’ve got a 90% success rate when it comes to resolving issues.’

Dave was awarded an MBE in 2011 for his services to Royal Mail and the city of Chester. ‘I used to do a lot of charity work for a children’s hospice and help underprivileged children in the area where I live,’ he said. ‘When I was a CWU rep, I was also helping people within the business. I was really proud to receive my MBE.’ 

Dave is part of We Are Royal Mail, our campaign to showcase the different people and roles that make up our unique operation. See more profiles here.