Latest News
Meet the Team – Head of Secretariat Helen Anthony
27th August 2021
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. This month Helen Anthony, the Head of Secretariat, introduces herself and shares how she keeps wheels running at the CMC and talks about where she sees the organisation heading in the future.Read more
Meet the Team – Independent Director and Company Secretary Diana Kahn
2nd August 2021
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.Read more
Mandatory Mediation – a certain view
2nd August 2021
There are many questions about the idea of mandatory mediation which is currently in the public eye following the recent publication of the CJC report on 'Compulsory ADR'. Mediator and CMC Director Terry Renouf reflects on the current discussion and the role of mediation: "There is much to discuss. We need to reflect on the fact that parties can and will get involved in disputes. It happens every day." What are the challenges and what are the benefits?Read more
Personal Injury and Mediation: A Future
19th July 2021
"Bringing a personal injury claim is a long, risky, expensive, and traumatic process for all parties." says mediator Richard Kaye. In his experience claims are often brought following road traffic accidents, against employers or matters like the maintenance of a highway. He has noticed that claimants are often looking for acknowledgement rather than making money. How can mediation help achieve this?Read more
Press Release – The CMC’s Response to the CJC report ‘Compulsory ADR’
13th July 2021
Do you remember the 2004 Halsey case that concluded parties could not be compelled by courts to take part in ADR? As of yesterday, the Civil Justice Council is taking a different stance. Their report on 'Compulsory ADR' published on Monday states that parties can in fact be compelled to mediate and that it is in many cases desirable and effective. Read the CMC's press release in response to this controversial question.Read more
Singapore Convention – The CMC’s response to the MoJ Consultation
1st July 2021
The Ministry of Justice has requested assistance in preparing for the upcoming General Assembly of the UN Commission on International Trade Law. Discussion will center around the Singapore Convention on mediation and three papers provided by the Commission. Read about the CMC's response and assessment of the matter.Read more
Mediation Messenger – July 2021
1st July 2021
The Mediation Messenger contains information for CMC members, opportunities for mediators and news about the mediation community.Read more
Meet the Team – Board Member Mia Forbes Pirie
30th June 2021
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. Co-opted Board Member Mia Forbes Pirie introduces herself, speaks about her motivation to become a mediator and why she is excited about the future of the CMC.Read more
The Rough and the Smooth – The Ups and Downs of a Mediator’s Job
14th June 2021
"We mediators are overwhelmingly positive about our job – most of us relish the prospect of our next interesting appointment." says mediator Sue O'Brien. But she admits there are not only the dream mediations where everyone works together. Surprises that cause the mediation to lose momentum and leave the mediator to deal with the fallout are among a mediator's pet hates, she says. Can you relate to any of these experiences?Read more
Meet the Team – Deputy Chair Rebecca Clark
1st June 2021
This series introduces members of the CMC Team. Newly appointed Deputy Chair Rebecca Clark introduces herself, gives an insight into why she applied for the role and what her priorities will be in her work for the CMC.Read more
Mediation Messenger – June 2021
1st June 2021
The Mediation Messenger contains information for CMC members, opportunities for mediators and news about the mediation community.Read more
Mediation training in prison – conflict management at the sharp end
17th May 2021
What can you expect of a mediation training in prison? Mediator Colin Bourne finds himself surprised at the outcome of his three day mediation course set up as part of the prison’s violence reduction strategy. In this article he describes the experience as part of our Thought Leadership series on mediation.Read more
Mediation Messenger – May 2021
4th May 2021
The Mediation Messenger contains information for CMC members, opportunities for mediators and news about the mediation community.Read more
When Illness is seen as a battle, what should a mediator do?
12th April 2021
Is illness a battle? A fight 'Me vs. the illness' that can only be won or lost? Based on her own experiences as a cancer patient Jackie Elliman tries an approach that is based on her mediator's toolkit - listening, reflecting and reframing a difficult situation. Her article reads like a guide for taking back control over a process that can make you feel utterless helpless at times.Read more
Mediation Messenger – April 2021
1st April 2021
The Mediation Messenger contains information for CMC members, opportunities for mediators and news about the mediation community.Read more
Meet the Team – Finance Director Terry Renouf
26th March 2021
This series introduces members of the CMC Team. The CMC's Finance Director Terry Renouf reflects on nearly 20 years of experience in mediation, his new role as Finance Director and the the CMC's bright future.Read more
How to deal with toxic workplaces
15th March 2021
Have you ever found yourself in a hostile work environment? Personalities in any workplace will occasionally clash, says experienced business psychologist and mediator Clive Lewis. But how do we prevent conflicts from escalating, destroying relationships and affecting our mental health?Read more
Mediation Messenger – March 2021
1st March 2021
The Mediation Messenger contains information for CMC members, opportunities for mediators and news about the mediation community.Read more
What mediators need to know about mental health
15th February 2021
'What should I say’ or 'how should I act' are questions people often ask themselves when faced with mental health issues. Mediator Carolyn Graham answered some of her own questions at a CMC talk and is now sharing what she has learned.Read more
Mediation Messenger – February 2021
1st February 2021
The Mediation Messenger contains information for CMC members, opportunities for mediators and news about the mediation community.Read more
New Membership Structure – Interview with CEO Paul Adams
1st February 2021
The Civil Mediation Council is implementing a new membership structure that was approved by the board last year. In this interview CEO Paul Adams breaks down the different membership categories, explains how the changes benefit the CMC’s members and shares details about the strategic decisions that motivated the restructure.Read more
Mediation Messenger – January 2021
1st January 2021
The Mediation Messenger contains information for CMC members, opportunities for mediators and news about the mediation community.Read more
Two sides to every question
14th December 2020
'Should mediators specialise?' was the question Rebecca Clark was invited to debate at the annual CMC conference in November. In our monthly Thought Leadership article the experienced mediator reflects on the nature of debate. She suggests that by reducing complex questions to a yes or no decision, all of the nuances and points where we could acknowledge someone else’s point of view, are lost.Read more
Mediation Messenger – December 2020
1st December 2020
The Mediation Messenger contains information for CMC members, opportunities for mediators and news about the mediation community.Read more
Now is the Time – The CMC’s response to the APPG for ADR’s Report
26th November 2020
In this response the CMC reviews the All Party Parliamentary Group for ADR’s Report which is the outcome of the APPG’s fact-finding mission to Singapore to discover how that country has established itself as a leading global disputes’ hub. What does this mean for the Civil Mediation Council and for the mediation profession in the UK?Read more
How to be a good mediation advocate
23rd November 2020
‘Look, I’ve given you the legal advice, now it’s for you to make up your mind.’ This month's Thought leadership article invites solicitors and barristers to consider how they can be good mediation advocates to their clients.Read more
Mediation Messenger – November 2020
1st November 2020
The Mediation Messenger contains information for CMC members, opportunities for mediators and news about the mediation community.Read more
We need to talk…
23rd October 2020
When a conflict escalates and ultimately ends in legal proceedings, control passes to the courts. Mediation as a process keeps the disputants in control of the outcome and helps find solutions that mend fences instead of burning bridges.Read more
Mediation Messenger, September 2020
30th September 2020
September's Mediation Messenger is now available to read, including information about the CMC's annual conference and communications plans. Read more
Could robots replace humans in mediation?
18th September 2020
"AI and algorithms are increasingly being used in alternative dispute resolution – but can a robot really replace the flesh and blood of a trained mediator?" asks Jane Player in this insightful article.As a mediator she reflects on the opportunities that arise with the development of Artificial Intelligence and reflects on whether these might be of use in the field of mediation.
Read more
National Mediation Awards 2020 Shortlists
1st September 2020
We are delighted to announce the shortlists for the 2020 National Mediation Awards.Read more
Mediation Messenger, August 2020
1st September 2020
August's Mediation Messenger is now available to read, including information about the CMC's new fixed fee scheme and an on-demand webinar for employers is now available.Read more
On-Demand Webinar for Employers: Addressing Conflict in a Remote Working Environment
31st July 2020
How can managers cater for different communication styles and respond to employee needs in a virtual working environment? Find out in our live conversation on how teams are adapting to changing needs in the workplace.Read more
Mediation Messenger, July 2020
31st July 2020
July's Mediation Messenger is now available to read, including information about the CMC's new fixed fee scheme and an on-demand webinar for employers is now available.Read more
Do Black Lives Matter to Mediators?
21st July 2020
Prompted by the Black Lives Matter movement, experienced Scottish mediator Charlie Irvine thoughtfully examines his own privileges in this worthwhile article. He questions the diversity of the mediation community and tries to come up with ways to do better, posing the uncomfortable question "Do Black Lives Matter to Mediators?" and "What are we going to do about it?". This article is part of our Thought leadership series.Read more
Pre-dispute mediation – the new norm?
20th July 2020
"Life after COVID-19 will be tricky for those businesses that survive." says mediator Jane Player at IPOS Mediation about the business landscape after the coronavirus pandemic.Mediation can be an effective tool helping all parties involved to find productive solutions to conflicts that inevitably arise about unfulfilled contracts, project interruptions or debt claims.
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In the midst of chaos there is opportunity
7th July 2020
Conflict is an inevitable part of life. Especially in businesses and organisations where people have different values and opinions while working together in stressful situations. "But how can you handle conflict better?" asks Martha Clarke, experienced mediator and the Civil Mediation Council's communications officer.In this article Martha explains how mediation can solve conflicts, mend relationships and improve productivity. She answers the sometimes intimidating questions of how, when or why to enter into a mediation: "The good news is anyone can mediate."
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Features of mediation
29th June 2020
Mediation is a process where an impartial mediator helps two or more people to discuss and resolve disputes. This article highlights some of the features of mediation.Read more
An expert opinion: Time For Presumptive Virtual Mediation
26th June 2020
With a surge in disputes across different professions and areas of society due to the Covid-19 crisis, UK courts are overrun with cases. Mediation can be an effective tool to resolve cases more quickly and cost-effectively than litigation. It also preserves relationships due to its reconciliatory nature.The author of this article makes a case for Presumptive Virtual Mediation and comes to the conclusion that "Litigation by default is incapable of providing cheap, timely and accessible justice to the majority of private individuals and businesses."
"Virtual mediation comes 'just in time', rather than 'just in case' we need it."
Read more
Facts about mediation
22nd June 2020
A 2018 study by CEDR shows that the commercial mediation profession saved businesses around £3 billion a year and the majority of cases were settled right on the day of mediation with an extremely high success rate. A fast, flexible and cost-effective process.Read more
Mediating in a Post-Pandemic World – Webinar 25 June, 12pm
17th June 2020
Mediating in a Post-Pandemic World - Webinar 25 June, 12pm - CMC and Hive Society are pleased to present a discussion on best practices around remote mediation to help conflict resolution professionals build confidence mediating cases online, or offering mediation service online to clients.Read more
The Go-Between: resolving disputes in uncertain times
17th June 2020
In the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic "It is likely that increased, and more creative, use of mediation will be one of the differences." says David Owen QC. The experienced mediator and arbitrator takes a look at the crucial role mediation will play in effectively solving civil and commercial disputes after the crisis.Read more
How Can You Mediate Without Meeting?
12th June 2020
"Mediation is an extremely versatile settlement tool that can be used in a variety of different settings." says Chris Robinson who specialises on intellectual property disputes.His practical advice applies to any case in civil or commercial mediation. During the Covid-19 crisis many conflicts arise due to unforeseen circumstances. While many court cases have come to a halt, mediation can be successfully practised remotely: "The ability to mediate remotely will allow clients to undertake this even during the Pandemic."
Read more
Is mediation only a good thing during a crisis?
8th June 2020
With the easing of lockdown restrictions, the focus shifts to the enormous strain the justice system is currently under. There have been a number of high profile and public calls for parties to consider the use of alternative forms of dispute resolution, such as mediation.Iain Christie, mediator and former Secretary of the Civil Mediation Council, examines the impact of the recent developments.
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Inheritance disputes – how mediation can resolve and reconcile
3rd June 2020
"When families are at war the opposite side becomes the devil incarnate. But the beauty of mediation is that the process can be transformative. Sometimes shattered relationships can be rebuilt." Mediator Alistair Pye at IPOS Mediation speaks about his experiences mediating in inheritance disputes.Read more
Can, and should, the courts force parties into ADR?
11th May 2020
Mediation is designed to be a voluntary process that requires all participants to be willing to reach a settlement. But are there situations where courts could or even should force unwilling parties to mediate? This article written by mediator Charles Gordon examines recent cases in which the courts made decisions regarding alternative dispute resolution.
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Mediate before you litigate!
29th April 2020
"Mediate before you litigate!" demands Tom Thomas ODE, the Deputy Chair of the Civil Mediation Council, in this interesting article. While many peoples the first urge might be to take their dispute to court, this often costs the disputants a lot of time, energy and productivity. They are faced with high litigation costs while the underlying issues remain unresolved.Read more
National Mediation Awards
27th April 2020
In our uncertain world, mediation has never been more important. Together with the College of Mediators, we are delighted to recognise and showcase the talent available and launch the National Mediation Awards 2020.Read more
Results – CMC Board Election 2020
7th April 2020
The election for two new CMC board members closed on Monday, 30th March and the results have now been independently verified.Read more
Coronavirus – A Letter from the CMC Chair to Members
31st March 2020
It goes without saying that we currently find ourselves in extremely difficult times with unwelcome constraints, both personally and professionally. The mediation community is no exception.Read more
2020 Election to CMC Board of Directors
16th March 2020
Voting opens today (16 March) for the 2020 election to the CMC Board of Directors.Read more
Nominations Open for Election to CMC Board
25th February 2020
Nominations for election to CMC Board can be made until 6th March.Read more
Sir David Foskett’s Address to the Standing Conference of Mediation Advocates
4th December 2019
Sir David Foskett, Chair of the CMC, was pleased to be asked to deliver an address to the Standing Conference of Mediation Avocates on 3rd December 2019. The text of his address is below.Read more
Mediation Awareness Week
10th October 2019
Sir David Foskett's introduction to London Mediators' Day 2019, which launched Mediation Awareness Week. Read more
CMC Annual Conference 2019 – Tickets Sold Out
7th October 2019
Tickets for the CMC's Annual Conference are now sold out. If you would like to add your name to the waiting list in case a ticket becomes available, please e-mail events@civilmediation.org. Read more
The Singapore Convention
23rd September 2019
The CMC believes that the UK should become a party to the Singapore Convention, to support the settlement of international disputes without recourse to litigation.Read more
Resolving Conflict – Putting Mediation First – 3rd October 2019
1st July 2019
Join us on 3rd October at the Bank of England as an experienced speaker line-up explores real solutions to resolving conflict in the workplace. Read more
CMC Chair Gives Lecture In New Mexico
1st July 2019
Sir David Foskett, CMC Chair, was recently invited to talk to the New Mexico First Judicial Bar Association in Santa Fe, New Mexico, at the invitation of New Mexico Supreme Court Justice David Thomson. Read more
Trade Stand and Sponsorship Opportunities – CMC Conference – 6th November 2019
28th June 2019
Details of sponsorship & trade stand opportunities for the CMC's conference on 6th November have been released.Read more
Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence Mediation
24th June 2019
Together with the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL), the Forum of Insurance Lawyers (FOIL), and the Motor Accidents Solicitors’ Society, the CMC is pleased to announce the launch of the AFM Register of Mediators.Read more
CMC Welcomes Sir David Foskett
7th June 2019
The CMC board and members were pleased to welcome Sir David Foskett as the CMC's new chair this week. Read more
Civil Mediation Council Appoints New Chair
31st May 2019
The Civil Mediation Council (CMC) is delighted to announce the appointment of Sir David Foskett as its next Chair.Read more
Register of SEND Mediators
14th December 2018
Special Educational Needs and Disability Mediation Standards – a joint project of the College of Mediators and Civil Mediation Council. .Read more
CMC Consultation: Mentoring, Peer Review and Reflective Practice
8th December 2018
For the last few years, discussions have taken place about whether civil and commercial mediators should have, or be required to have supervisors, mentors or practice consultants.Read more
CMC AGM
15th November 2018
The CMC's AGM takes place on Wednesday 5 December 2018 at 17.00 at the International Dispute Resolution Centre, 70 Fleet Street, London EC4Y 1EU. If you are a CMC member and would like to attend, please e-mail secretariat@civilmediation.orgRead more
Membership Consultations
15th November 2018
The CMC's CEO, Paul Adams, is consulting members about the future direction of the CMC. In order to hear the views of as many people who want to give them, Paul is conducting a number of consultations in small groups via video conference in the w/c 3rd December. Read more
National Mediation Awards
31st October 2018
The National Mediation Awards took place in Mediation Awareness Week, in early October. The event, which the CMC jointly hosted with the College of Mediators, proved to be a fantastic celebration of excellence across all mediation sectors.Read more
David Richbell
28th September 2018
David Richbell, mediator, trainer and mentor and CMC Director died on 25th September 2018.David had an illustrious mediation career and gave much to the mediation community in the UK and further afield.
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Save Time, Save Money, Save Stress: Resolving Conflict at Work (Cardiff, 21 November)
20th September 2018
The CMC Workplace and Employment group invite you to join us at Cardiff Metropolitan University to share insights into how to make mediation approaches the default option in workplace and employment disputes.Read more
Save Time, Save Money, Save Stress: Resolving Conflict at Work (Newcastle, 16 October)
20th September 2018
Acas and the Civil Mediation Council are delighted to invite you to join us at Trinity Chambers on the quayside to hear leading speakers share their unique experiences of mediation when dealing with conflict in the workplace.Read more
National Mediation Awards (London, 9 October)
21st August 2018
The National Mediation Awards 2018 takes place on 9th October 2018 and nominations are now open. The awards celebrate excellence in mediation. Read more
Written Evidence to Women and Equalities Committee
21st August 2018
The CMC has submitted written evidence to parliament’s Women and Equalities Committee’s Inquiry in to Sexual Harassment in the Workplace on the question of ‘The advantages and disadvantages of using non-disclosure agreements in sexual harassment cases, including how inappropriate use of such agreements might be tackled’. Read more
SEND Mediation
21st August 2018
The CMC and the College of Mediators, supported by the Department of Education, operate a joint SEND accreditation scheme which sets professional standards for SEND mediators.Read more
Mediation Awareness Week
21st August 2018
Mediation Awareness Week takes place from 6 – 12 October 2018. Mediators are encouraged to organise events that increase the public’s awareness of mediation; these are promoted on the MAW’s website for a small fee. Read more