The CMC Appoints Chair and Deputy Chair of its New ED&I Working Group
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 inclusive practice across the mediation profession.
WRITTEN BY ANNA ROBINSON
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Afsana Gibson-Chowdhury as ED&I Chair and Claudia Haisman-Green as Deputy Chair of the Civil Mediation Council’s new ED&I Working Group.
Afsana’s listening skills and collaborative approach will support the group to champion inclusive practice, ensuring every ED&I area is advanced thoughtfully and in partnership.
“I am thrilled to be appointed the first Chair and lead the CMC’s inaugural ED&I Working Group. I’m excited to share my knowledge and expertise to shape the future culture of mediation,” said Afsana about her appointment.
Claudia, appointed Deputy Chair, brings lived experience and a deep commitment to supporting Afsana in ensuring the effectiveness of our ED&I work.
We’re excited about this leadership pair and the thoughtful, inclusive progress they’ll drive across the Civil Mediation Council. Congratulations, Afsana and Claudia — we look forward to your contributions and to the positive impact you will create for members and the wider mediation community.
If you’d like to learn more about our ED&I priorities or get involved, please reach out to Anna Robinson at projects@civilmediation.org or keep an eye on our updates for upcoming opportunities and milestones.
Afsana Gibson-Chowdhury is an award winning and trailblazing figure in Dispute Resolution. Globally recognized as the founder of ‘GC Mediation and Training Ltd’, she is a prominent international mediator based in England. She is a Distinguished Fellow at the International Academy of Mediators (IAM). Afsana addresses commercial and workplace cases with a special focus on discrimination concerning human rights violations. She facilitates multiparty dialogues and mediates processes on anti-Black, anti-Indigenous, Islamophobia, anti-Semitism and all forms of discrimination.
Afsana is an accomplished Solicitor, a past adjudicator, and an adjunct professor in ADR. Afsana built a successful profile as a mediator and educator, as well as volunteering in projects that supported diversity in ADR. Afsana served as the Chair of the Ontario Bar Association’s ADR Section Executive Board, where she led initiatives to promote diversity in the mediation profession. This included co-chairing the OBA Working Group’s groundbreaking report, ‘Neutral Diversity in Ontario.’
Afsana’s commitment to education is reflected in her flagship course “Cultural Competency in Mediation” and training she has provided over several years. In addition, Afsana is the resident facilitator for ADR Institute of Ontario’s Ethics course for mediators.
Connect with Afsana Gibson-Chowdhury on LinkedIn.
Claudia Haisman‑Green is a CEDR‑accredited mediator with more than two decades of experience as a Commercial Real Estate solicitor. Having spent much of her career in senior roles at leading international firms, Claudia brings deep expertise and commercial insight to her mediation practice.
Her approach is calm, structured and empathetic, enabling parties to navigate conflict with clarity and confidence. Claudia works across commercial, property, partnership, and corporate disputes, helping individuals and organisations uncover underlying interests and move towards sustainable, pragmatic outcomes. She is known for her ability to build rapport quickly, maintain neutrality and facilitate constructive dialogue even in highly charged situations.
Fluent in German and experienced in international environments, she brings strong cross‑cultural awareness to all aspects of her work. Claudia is also a volunteer mediator with Mediation Hertfordshire.
Connect with Claudia Haisman‑Green on LinkedIn.
