Author: Paula Rathjen

Litigants Now Wait 78 Weeks for Their County Court Date BY JOHN HYDE Delays in the UK county court system have reached alarming levels, with litigants now waiting an average of 78 weeks for their day in court. The pandemic is cited as a factor

Dispute Resolution Reaches Record Demand BY MILLICENT MACHALL In a recent HR Magazine article, Millicent Machell reports there has been a surge in demand for dispute resolution services. Acas, the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service, recorded a significant increase in its handling of cases. Both

"Integrated" Mediation in Small Claims BY HENRIETTA JACKSON-STOPS Mediator and CMC Board Member Hetti Jackson-Stops reflects on the recent MoJ announcement regarding increased mediation use in the civil justice system. The MoJ plans to integrate mediation for small civil claims up to £10,000. Starting with

Are Litigants Better Served by Mediation? BY JOHN HYDE In a recent case, Judge Paul Matthews stressed that litigants in person, individuals representing themselves in court without a lawyer, need to understand legal procedures. Their failure to seek advice in the trial led to complications

Schools: The Playground for Learning Mediation BY MAHMOUD ARIF AND CONSTANTIN-ADI GAVRILĂ Cultivating dialogue and conflict resolution skills in schools empowers students to build better relationships and address differences constructively. This article by Mahmoud Arif and Constantin-Adi Gavrilă on the Kluwer Mediation Blog explores the

The Whole Is More than the Sum of the Parts – Managing Conflict at Work BY GILL DIX Discover how East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust revolutionised their approach to conflict resolution through mediation. An Acas report explores the Trust's multi-faceted strategy, training a cadre of

The Closer: The Most Important Role in Mediation BY SARA ESFANDYARI In mediation, parties assume roles, says Sara Esfandyari on the Young Mediators blog. Just like actors in a theatre production, armed with their negotiation 'scripts'. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for legal representatives and

Difficult Conversations – 6 Tips to Start Well BY JAMES SOUTH An insightful podcast from CEDR's James South, exploring the crucial skill of initiating difficult conversations with genuine curiosity instead of persuasion or shutdowns. His 'Six Tips on How to Prepare and Start Well' provide

6 Ways to Stay Calm and Collected During a Heated Argument BY SOPHIE BISHOP Arguments can be productive when approached constructively, but if heated conflict takes over, it is time to regain control. Sophie Bishop shares valuable tips to stay collected during disagreements on the

Future Proofing Your Business with the Skills and Tools of Mediation BY JANE GUNN Amidst economic collapse, climate change, and global tensions, businesses must embrace mediation skills to manage conflict and thrive in disruptive times, says Jane Gunn from IPOS Mediation. Leaders need to incorporate