S.C. Code Regs. § 19-775.04
Once an appeal has been made to the Director of the Office of Human Resources and has been determined to be appealable to the Committee, the Director of the Office of Human Resources or the Director's designee shall review the record of the internal grievance process and shall schedule appointments to discuss the grievance separately with the employee or the employee's representative, or both, and representatives of the agency to attempt to resolve the matter. If an agreement between the two parties is not reached, the Director of the Office of Human Resources or the Director's designee shall present tentative findings and recommendations to both parties for resolution of the grievance appeal. Each party shall submit a written response within ten calendar days setting forth acceptance or rejection of the recommendations. Any discussions by any of the parties concerned during the mediation process shall be kept confidential and shall not be used or referred to during subsequent proceedings on the appeal.
S.C. Code Regs. 19-775.04