CORE PLUS
The COnflict REsolution Plus Program (CORE PLUS) uses alternative dispute resolution (ADR) techniques to resolve workplace disputes at the earliest opportunity and at the lowest organizational level. CORE PLUS increases communication and reduces destructive conflict.
To find your nearest CORE Specialist, visit the web page at http://www.doi.gov/cadr/coreplus.
Who and what is CORE PLUS about?
CORE PLUS is a new means for Interior employees and
managers to protect against abuse, bias, and other improper treatment
or unfairness. CORE PLUS is for everyone -- all levels of employees
and managers, union representatives and union members whose union elects
to participate.
CORE PLUS cases are mediated by CORE PLUS Bureau Dispute Resolution Specialists who are experienced and trained in informal workplace mediation. All CORE PLUS Specialists are neutral and have no stake in the outcome of the mediation process. Each bureau in the Department of the Interior has CORE PLUS Bureau Dispute Resolution Specialists.
CORE PLUS identifies roles any Interior employee may face -- conflicts between co-workers, conflicts between employees and supervisors, between supervisors and management, and more. CORE PLUS is not a top-down management versus employees program -- there is no determination of guilt and no punishment. CORE PLUS Specialists are trained to help people discuss the cause of conflicts and develop reasonable and responsible options. Make an appointment to discuss your issue confidentially with a CORE Bureau Dispute Resolution Specialist.
CORE PLUS provides:
-Alternative Dispute Resolution
-Informal Mediation
-Neutral Issue Resolution
-Referral to other appropriate programs on request.
What CORE PLUS is not about:
-A formal grievance process
-Forced solutions
What are advantages of CORE PLUS problem resolution?
-No time delays of a formal process -- the issue is discussed
within days, rather than weeks.
-No retaliation or exposure.
-No punishment.
Fair solutions -- fair because all parties work the issues together to find an equitable solution. If agreement can't be reacted, referral to the appropriate office is provided.
CORE PLUS Code of Ethics
CORE PLUS Bureau Dispute Resolution Specialists are a neutral third party and facilitators
of the negotiation process. The CORE PLUS Specialist maintains confidentiality
regarding issues, complaints and the identity of each individual whose
concerns are represented, unless there appears to be imminent threat
of serious harm or permission is given, as provided under the Administrative
Dispute Resolution Act of 1996.
The CORE PLUS Specialist should not testify in formal or court proceedings about conduct or statements made CORE PLUS negotiations. Reasonable steps must be taken to protect records or notes pertaining to confidential discussions from all other persons, including management.
CORE PLUS Specialists have no official, financial, or personal conflict of interest with respect to the controversy. CORE PLUS Specialists adhere to the government wide ethics principles articulated in Executive Order 12674. All parties must agree that the CORE PLUS Specialist is acceptable to serve as mediator of the conflict or another CORE PLUS Specialist must be requested.
When making recommendations, the CORE PLUS Specialist is responsible to suggest equitable actions to all parties.
CORE PLUS Standards of Practice
CORE PLUS Specialists adhere to the CORE PLUS Code
of Ethics.
Communications with the CORE PLUS Specialist, unless otherwise proscribed
by law or threat of imminent harm, are confidential and the CORE PLUS Specialist
will not participate in any formal process regarding a CORE PLUS case.
As third party neutrals, CORE PLUS Bureau Dispute Resolution Specialists remain independent of the ordinary staff structures and serve no additional role that would compromise this neutrality.
CORE PLUS Specialists participate in fact-finding, mediation, and other dispute resolution efforts outside any formal redress process.
CORE Specialists assist all parties to facilitate discussion and to develop reasonable and responsible options to resolve concerns, problems, and conflicts.
Without breaching confidentiality, CORE PLUS Specialists provide data to respective Bureaus and Offices data to track issues, policies and practices for trend analysis and potential systemic changes to improve workplace environments.