Community Mediation Working Group – Tackling Access, Identity and Innovation
Community Mediation Working Group – Tackling Access, Identity and Innovation
The CMC’s Community Mediation Working Group met recently to discuss the challenges of community mediation practice, from cases where parties are reluctant to meet face-to-face, to the specific dynamics of HMO disputes. The group also welcomed two new Deputy Chairs and set plans in motion for a new research project on public perceptions of mediation.
REPORT BY CAROLYN JONES
The CMC’s Community Mediation Working Group met recently for a well-attended and lively session, focused on the real challenges and successes shaping community mediation practice today.
Chaired by Alice Matthews, the meeting welcomed new Deputy Chairs Dave Walker and Kira Day. Members also had dedicated time for networking in breakout discussions, a popular addition the group plans to build on in future sessions.
Much of the discussion centred on the differences between online and in-person mediation, particularly in cases where parties are reluctant to meet face-to-face or reveal their identities. Members shared practical strategies for managing these situations, from using WhatsApp voice calls to shuttle mediation involving multiple support staff, alongside the importance of thorough preparation and coaching, especially where parties may need encouragement to take part at all.
The group also explored the specific challenges arising in disputes involving Houses of Multiple Occupancy (HMOs), and the value of appointing inter-generational mediators in these cases, who bring experience around mediating between people who live together.
Looking ahead, Alice proposed a new research project exploring several dimensions of community conflict and mediation. This would include looking at the prevalence and nature of conflict across different demographics, its impact on health and wellbeing, and how different groups experience neighbour conflict differently. The project would also explore how people approach conflict with neighbours, including their confidence in raising concerns and any skills gaps, as well as public understanding of mediation and conflict coaching, and the barriers preventing people from accessing them. The idea received strong interest from the group, and a sub-group will now be formed to take the project forward.
The session closed with updates on upcoming CMC events, including the CMC Conference 2026 on 7 & 8 October and the National Mediation Awards.
