About

How We Work

No two workplace challenges are the same. Whether you’re dealing with conflict, a leadership issue, a culture concern or a complex people matter, we begin by taking the time to understand your situation. Through an initial discussion, we identify the key issues before recommending the most appropriate approach and providing a tailored proposal that reflects your specific needs.

Once engaged, we work methodically and confidentially with all parties to gain a clear understanding of the circumstances. Depending on the situation, this may involve mediation, conflict coaching, workplace investigations, culture reviews, leadership development or a combination of services. Our approach is practical, impartial and focused on achieving outcomes that are sustainable rather than simply resolving the immediate issue.

While many clients engage us to address workplace conflict, our role extends far beyond dispute resolution. We partner with organisations to strengthen leadership capability, build high-performing teams, improve workplace culture and equip leaders with the confidence and skills to address challenges before they escalate. By improving communication, accountability and trust, we help create workplaces where people and organisations can thrive.

Our goal is not simply to solve today’s problem, but to leave your organisation stronger than when we arrived. Every engagement is an opportunity to improve workplace relationships, reduce organisational risk, enhance performance and establish the foundations for long-term success.

What We Do

At Professional Mediation, we help organisations and people navigate challenges, strengthen relationships and improve outcomes for individuals and organisations. We understand that conflict can be costly, disruptive and stressful, which is why we focus on achieving resolutions that are realistic, sustainable and tailored to the circumstances.

Experienced practitioners bring expertise across mediation, negotiation, workplace investigations, conflict coaching and culture reviews. Confidential, impartial and professional support is provided to help clients navigate difficult situations, make informed decisions and move forward with confidence.

We work with businesses, leaders and individuals across a wide range of sectors, assisting with workplace disputes, interpersonal challenges and sensitive personal matters, including disagreements involving wills and estates. Our experience allows us to understand not only the immediate issue, but the broader impact conflict can have on relationships, performance and wellbeing.

Based in Wollongong, we service clients throughout the Illawarra, Sydney and Canberra regions, with flexible arrangements available for other locations. Whether you are seeking to resolve a specific dispute or looking to strengthen the way your organisation manages people and challenges, Professional Mediation provides trusted expertise to help you achieve a positive outcome.

Our 6 Steps Process

Every situation is different, and effective resolution begins with understanding the people, the circumstances and the outcomes that matter most. Our six-step process provides a structured pathway to help resolve conflict, rebuild relationships, strengthen teams and create sustainable outcomes.

Initial Consultation - Understanding Your Needs

We begin with a detailed discussion to understand the circumstances, the issues involved and what you are seeking to achieve.

This allows us to understand your goals, objectives and goals before determining the most appropriate approach to support you.

Individual Discussions - Understanding Perspectives

We meet confidentially with the relevant individuals to gain a deeper understanding of the issues, perspectives and concerns of those involved.

These discussions help clarify the underlying factors contributing to the situation and identify the most effective pathway forward.

Assessment and Approach - Developing the Right Strategy

Using the information gathered, we determine the most appropriate way to provide assistance.

This may involve resolving conflict, strengthening relationships, improving communication, addressing workplace dynamics or supporting organisational change.

Facilitation and Resolution - Supporting Constructive Outcomes

Depending on the circumstances, we facilitate the next steps through approaches such as coaching, mediation, negotiation, 1 on 1 leadership development meetings or facilitated group discussions.

Our role is to create a safe and constructive environment where issues can be addressed, understanding can improve and practical solutions can be developed.

Agreements and Outcomes - Creating a Clear Path Forward

Where agreements are reached, we assist in developing tailored documentation that clearly outlines the commitments, actions and expectations of those involved. These agreements are designed to support accountability and ensure the outcomes achieved align with the objectives of all parties.

We also establish charters for cultural behaviours and establish a plan for developing the skills of those in leadership roles. 

Reporting and Follow-Up - Documenting Progress and Outcomes

Where required, we provide clear reports documenting the process, outcomes and recommendations. This ensures there is a shared understanding of what has been achieved and provides organisations with valuable insights to support ongoing improvement.

Our aim is not simply to resolve the immediate issue, but to help people and organisations emerge stronger, with improved understanding, better relationships and the tools to manage future challenges more effectively.

This flexible approach is a key difference from other providers, allowing clients to access mediation, conflict coaching, investigation, negotiation, and culture review services in one place.

About David Toll

David Toll is the Director and Principal Practitioner at Professional Mediation Pty Ltd, bringing extensive experience and qualifications across mediation, conflict coaching, investigation, negotiation and culture reviews. While he specialises in workplace conflict, he also supports individuals navigating personal disputes, including wills and estates matters. David works with businesses, government organisations, schools, law firms, emergency services, sporting organisations and Boards to resolve disputes and strengthen workplace culture.

He combines formal qualifications – including a Law degree, a Master of Business Administration and company directorship experience – with practical experience as a former detective, business owner and senior executive. David is an accredited mediator, investigator and conflict coach, and has completed negotiation and leadership training at Harvard Law School.

Having seen firsthand the impact of unresolved conflict – lost productivity, strained relationships and workplace stress – David established Professional Mediation to provide practical, effective and holistic conflict solutions. His ability to work across multiple disciplines allows clients to access mediation, conflict coaching, investigations, negotiation and culture review services in one place.

David is a member of The Resolution Institute (formerly LEADR) and has served as a panel member for Alternative Dispute Resolution with the NSW Police Service and the NSW Small Business Ombudsman. He adheres to recognised professional standards and maintains full insurance as a practising mediator. David is also available for informal, obligation-free discussions to help explore ways to resolve conflict or improve workplace culture.

  • Resolution Institute - Professional
  • Cinergy - Graduate, Conflict Management Coaching
  • NMAS - Nationally Accredited Mediator

Testimonials

I have had a very good experience with David Toll’s service to our organisation in Mediation and Investigation. He was timely, efficient, an excellent communicator and achieved the results we wanted. The feedback from the staff he dealt with was also very good
Senior HR Manager
NSW Local Department
I have had a very good experience with David Toll’s service to our organisation in Mediation and Investigation. He was timely, efficient, an excellent communicator and achieved the results we wanted. The feedback from the staff he dealt with was also very good
Senior HR Manager
NSW Local Department
David was very approachable and listened to the issues involved in our workplace conflict. He was able to provide some advice which helped us for the future and then was extremely helpful in delivering outcomes in the mediation he conducted for us
CEO
NFP
David was very approachable and listened to the issues involved in our workplace conflict. He was able to provide some advice which helped us for the future and then was extremely helpful in delivering outcomes in the mediation he conducted for us
CEO
NFP
I found David to be very approachable, knowledgeable and helpful with our problem. He quickly engaged with a difficult matter and was able to facilitate a mediation which I’m pleased to say has resulted in a long-term solution. Because he has been experienced in the sector, he grasped the key issues and knew how to navigate a complex circumstance. I recommend his services.
HR Manager
University Sector
I found David to be very approachable, knowledgeable and helpful with our problem. He quickly engaged with a difficult matter and was able to facilitate a mediation which I’m pleased to say has resulted in a long-term solution. Because he has been experienced in the sector, he grasped the key issues and knew how to navigate a complex circumstance. I recommend his services.
HR Manager
University Sector
We have engaged David’s services through professional mediation for both mediations and investigations. He is always responsive and delivers quality outcomes in both areas. He manages the really difficult things very well and gets great outcomes. We have used his services over a long time for a range of difficult matters involving internal conflict.
Manager People and Culture
NSW Local Government
We have engaged David’s services through professional mediation for both mediations and investigations. He is always responsive and delivers quality outcomes in both areas. He manages the really difficult things very well and gets great outcomes. We have used his services over a long time for a range of difficult matters involving internal conflict.
Manager People and Culture
NSW Local Government
We engaged David to mediate an issue between our CEO and a senior staff member which was a long-standing problem for the board. David mediated the issues with the parties and followed up with the staff to make sure the agreed outcomes from the mediation were still being followed. He was very professional and solved the problem for our business. His background was very helpful because he understood the issues in the right context.
Board Director
NSW Sporting Organisation
We engaged David to mediate an issue between our CEO and a senior staff member which was a long-standing problem for the board. David mediated the issues with the parties and followed up with the staff to make sure the agreed outcomes from the mediation were still being followed. He was very professional and solved the problem for our business. His background was very helpful because he understood the issues in the right context.
Board Director
NSW Sporting Organisation

Why Choose Professional Mediation?

Professional Mediation specialises in resolving workplace conflict, helping businesses restore productivity, morale, and cohesion. Once a conflict is resolved, we go further, building resilience through tailored recommendations, training, coaching, and ongoing support.

We are responsive, experienced, and cost-effective, providing a flexible approach that meets your unique needs.

Contact Us