Vote 100

Her can-do attitude and networking skills are just two reasons why industrial relations mediator Marie Coombes, from the national mediation team, has been nominated for our Vote 100 campaign.

Steve Borley, national industrial relations mediator, said: ‘Marie is extremely professional in everything she does. She has a great eye for detail, and she always ensures that the service we provide to our customers is of a consistently gold standard.

‘Marie has received many comments back from customers thanking her for her hard work and diligence. She is always willing to help and support other team members so that they have the capability and aspiration to achieve the same standards and she does this in a supportive way.

‘Marie has taken the lead in many areas such as mental health and attendance. She is very good at networking with people and organisations outside Royal Mail and the CWU – this is definitely something which sets her apart.

‘She is a really valued member of the national mediation team and very well-liked by everyone who comes into contact with her. Nothing is ever too much trouble for Marie. She has such a great can-do attitude.’

‘I started at Royal Mail on a six-month contract; that was 17 years ago!’ said Marie. ‘Since then I’ve worked in most areas of the business and built up a real knowledge of the pipeline, which stands me in good stead as a mediator.

‘When the mediation roles were advertised, I jumped at the chance. Here was an opportunity to make a significant difference to people and their working lives. I see colleagues on their worst day and through my training and experience I’m able to support them through that, help them understand their workplace issues and give them the opportunity to resolve them informally in a safe and confidential environment.

‘These issues could affect the whole office, such as when the problem relates to industrial relations, or they could be having a significant individual impact such as with bullying and harassment. In many cases, these are issues that have gone on for years, but in just one day, we can often empower the individuals concerned to resolve them.

‘In some of the more personal cases we see a lot of mental health concerns. Unfortunately, I have first-hand experience of such issues, but this has been turned into a real positive in this role. The level of understanding I have has really helped me help both the individuals entering into mediation and my colleagues to support each other better and reduce stigma. I’ve since become a mental health ambassador, allowing me to better signpost those who need help and support.

‘We are a small, close-knit team, which is fantastic as the issues we deal with are at times, very emotive. We are able to debrief with each other and learn from each case. We all have different skills, but together, we’ve taken those and what was a short-term idea, into something that’s now embedded in Royal Mail’s culture. That, as well as being a Royal Mail employee, is something I am immensely proud of.’

Vote 100

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Our Vote 100 campaign is your chance to help us showcase the enormous contribution Royal Mail women make each and every day both to colleagues and customers, ensuring we remain the UK’s most trusted postal operator.

If there is someone in your workplace who you admire for their outstanding work ethic, their drive to improve their own and others’ skills, their knack for supporting or mentoring others, showing kindness, overcoming obstacles, or influencing positive behaviour – we want to hear from you!

Please send your name and contact details plus the name of the colleague you wish to nominate and your reasons for doing so to vote100@royalmail.com. We will then be in touch to obtain further details.