Author: Paula Rathjen

The Role of the CMC Mediation Standards Board in Supporting Public Confidence in Mediation Mediation is a powerful tool for resolving conflict and it is also an unregulated activity. This means that, in principle, anyone can present themselves as a mediator, without necessarily having the

Embedding Mediation in Higher Education: The CMC at the LawWorks Information Exchange Mediation clinics are becoming an increasingly valued part of the higher education landscape, offering students the opportunity to engage with dispute resolution as a practical activity rather than a theoretical concept. At a

The CMC Appoints Chair and Deputy Chair of its New ED&I Working Group The Civil Mediation Council has appointed Afsana Gibson-Chowdhury as Chair and Claudia Haisman-Green as Deputy Chair of its newly established ED&I Working Group. Together, they will lead the CMC's work to embed

Michael Bartlet Reflects on the Benefits of ENE and its Relationship with Mediation In this article, Michael Bartlet, Reader in Law at SOAS University, explores Early Neutral Evaluation as a distinct and valuable form of dispute resolution, examining how it works in practice and where

From Law to Mediation: Reflections from the UEL Symposium on Justice and Dispute Resolution What does justice really look like? It is a question that sits at the heart of mediation, and one that Victoria Harris, CEO of the Civil Mediation Council, explored in her

CMC Response to Civil Justice Council Consultation on AI and Court Documents The Civil Mediation Council has submitted a response to the Civil Justice Council’s consultation on the Use of AI for Preparing Court Documents. As mediation becomes increasingly embedded within the civil justice system,

CMC Roundtable: Shifting the Culture on Workplace Conflict Workplace dispute resolution is at a turning point. On 24 April 2026, the CMC is convening leaders from across business, legal and HR to consider how earlier, non-court-based approaches can reduce conflict and change organisational culture. This

The Shift Starts Here: Mediation Education in Schools What happens when young people are introduced to mediation early? Polly Walker's recent visit to a secondary school highlights how mediation is already part of the GCSE citizenship curriculum, and why this matters for the future of

Can Mediation Deliver Justice? Reflections from Bill Marsh Can mediation deliver justice, particularly in the aftermath of complex and deeply felt harm? In a lecture hosted by University College London, CMC Fellow Bill Marsh reflected on this question, drawing on experience from disputes including Grenfell

CMC Establishes Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Working Group The CMC has established a new Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Working Group to examine access to the mediation profession and consider where barriers may exist. The group recently held its inaugural meeting and will begin developing proposals