Meet the Team – Independent Director and Company Secretary Diana Kahn
MEET THE TEAM
Independent Director and Company Secretary Diana Kahn
This series introduces members of the CMC Team – get to know the Directors and staff to learn about their experience in mediation and plans for the organisation.
In this interview Independent Director and Company Secretary Diana Kahn shares what motivated her to join the CMC and which strengths she brings to her work at the charity.
Who are you and what is your experience?
The constitution of the CMC mandates at least one Director who is not associated with mediation in any way, the so-called independent Directors of the charity, and I am one of these. My professional background is in government and administration, mainly as a policy civil servant but also in the Office which regulates the National Lottery. After I retired, I became involved with local charities as a trustee – mainly with Age UK Lambeth from 2009. I was Chair for 6 years. With a series of highly competent and experienced CEOs, and a brilliant body of staff, I was not a hands-on manager of the charity’s business, but I was a hands-on Chair of the Board, and took an interest in improving the governance of the charity in accordance with developing best practice.
What motivated you to join the CMC?
When my term of office as a trustee of Age UK Lambeth expired, I wanted to have a crack at a national charity, so when the CMC advertised for independent Directors in 2019, I applied, and was delighted to be appointed.
What are your goals as a Director of the CMC?
I see my main role as to act as an impartial voice, independent of, but sympathetic and supportive of the mediation profession. As an experienced charity trustee and Chair, I have a lot of generic knowledge of charity law and governance, and experience of the way the Charity Commission regulates us. I have less knowledge of mediation, but despite the pandemic, and the changes it brings, I am picking it up – I hope.
But it doesn’t stop there, you have taken on even more responsibilities within the organisation.
When the previous long serving Company Secretary left the CMC last year, my background was thought to suit me to take on the role, which I did last year. I am also a member of the Complaints Committee which plays a key role in regulating your profession. I feel honoured to serve a charity which promotes alternative dispute resolution and the education of the public in mediation.
This series introduces members of the CMC Team – get to know the Directors and staff to learn about their experience in mediation and plans for the organisation.
