Restorative practice

For Tallinn University, it is important to create and maintain an environment where all members of the university community can study, teach, conduct research, and work in a supportive and positive atmosphere — one in which people feel valued, respected, and heard.

At the same time, tensions and conflicts are a natural part of human interaction. In such situations, it is essential to approach challenges in a way that includes all parties and focuses on restoring understanding and relationships. Restorative practices aim to repair what has been damaged or broken, while also addressing the underlying causes of harm.

Ultimately, restorative practices foster honest and open dialogue both with oneself and with others. By encouraging mutual understanding, accountability, and collaboration, they contribute to building a stronger, healthier, and more sustainable university community.

Restorative conversation

A restorative conversation is grounded in honest and open communication, non-judgmental listening, collaboration, and is forward-looking. It takes place in a safe and supportive environment where individuals can openly express their thoughts, feelings, and needs, while also exploring new perspectives and possible solutions.

Within the restorative conversation process, an impartial facilitator supports the individual in reflecting on a dilemma, tension, or challenge they may be experiencing. Through guided dialogue, the facilitator helps the person gain clarity, deepen understanding, and identify constructive ways to move forward.

Restorative conversation is a valuable tool in many areas of life — whether in the role of a manager, colleague, friend, partner, or parent. It helps people navigate and resolve difficult situations while fostering stronger, healthier, and more meaningful relationships.

Restorative conversation, as well as conflict mediation, is based on the following principles:

  • Everyone has a story and perspectives that deserve to be heard and valued.
  • Thoughts influence feelings, and feelings shape behavior.
  • What we say and do has an impact on the people around us.
  • People are able to thrive and function at their best when their needs are acknowledged and met.
  • Those most affected by a situation are often best placed to identify meaningful ways forward.

Conflict mediation

To support conflict mediation at the university, we have brought together a group of volunteer colleagues who have received thorough training in restorative practices. Using restorative conversation methods, they help the parties involved better understand one another’s perspectives and experiences, find constructive solutions, and move forward together.

Mediation can be helpful in resolving work-related conflicts between colleagues or between a manager and a team member, as well as in other collaborative situations where tensions may arise, for example between a student and a lecturer.

The role of the mediators is to create a safe and respectful environment where all parties can engage in open dialogue and work toward mutual understanding and solutions. Two mediators facilitate the process together, ensuring that the discussion remains constructive and that everyone has an equal opportunity to be heard. Through different restorative methods, participants are encouraged to express their thoughts, feelings, needs, and concerns clearly and respectfully.

Participation in the mediation process is entirely voluntary, and all information shared during the process remains confidential between the participants.

If you feel that conflict mediation could benefit you or a colleague, please contact either the Equal Treatment Commissioner or any of the colleagues listed below. They can help assess whether mediation would be an appropriate approach for the situation and suggest suitable mediators to support the process.

Commissioner for Equal Treatment

Marge Tooming
T218
Narva mnt 25, 10120 Tallinn, Estonia
volinik@tlu.ee

Voluntary mediators

Aivi Arunurm - aivi.arunurm@tlu.ee
Arno Baltin - arno.baltin@tlu.ee
Greete Horn - greete.horn@tlu.ee
Kai Rannastu - kai.rannastu@tlu.ee
Mailis Ostra - mailis.ostra@tlu.ee
Martin Sillaots - Martin.sillaots@tlu.ee
Erle Neeme - erle.neeme@gmail.com
Piret Maiberg-Nou - Piret.Maiberg-Nou@tlu.ee
Sille Silluta - Sille.Silluta@tlu.ee
Külliki Koppel - kylliki.koppel@tlu.ee