Civil Mediation Council

24/08/2026

We're delighted to have Collis Mediation Ltd on board as Headline Sponsor of our Annual CMC Conference 2026, Making Mediation Mainstream.

Dominic Collis said: "Collis Mediation is proud to sponsor the Civil Mediation Council's Annual Conference. Our work is anchored in a deep commitment to exploring developments across key practice areas and strengthening understanding of how mediation is best delivered, whether as a statutory appeal mechanism or through informal, school-based early-resolution pathways."

He continued: "As SEND practice evolves at pace in response to government reforms, we remain passionate about driving standards, influencing policy, and sharing learning that supports a more confident, consistent and inclusive mediation landscape."

Learn more about the CMC Conference 2026: https://civilmediation.org/conference-2026/

21/08/2026

The SEND system is entering a new phase of reform, and for mediators working in this space, staying informed has never been more important.

At the CMC Conference 2026, Nicola Cleaver and Dominic Collis of Collis Mediation Ltd will host a specialist SEND workshop exploring the issues shaping the future landscape and how statutory SEND mediation can continue to deliver outcomes that genuinely meet the needs of children, young people and their families. Representatives from the Department for Education will be present, alongside insight from the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman on how systems can evolve to strengthen delivery and improve accessibility.

The session is part of a diverse two-afternoon programme on 7 and 8 October 2026, spanning mediation practice, policy, professional development and more.

Learn more about the CMC Conference 2026, Making Mediation Mainstream, and book your ticket: https://civilmediation.org/conference-2026/

19/08/2026

Landlord and tenant disputes are common, costly and rarely straightforward. In this opinion piece, mediator Iain Travers questions why the Law Commission has favoured Early Neutral Evaluation over mediation in its report on the 1954 Act, arguing the latter is already widely used and better suited to the vast majority of lease renewal cases.

"Lawyers who already understand the merits of mediation will continue to encourage their clients to de-risk the situation, but what is needed is early mandated intervention to make it the norm, and not the exception," he says.

Read Iain's full article: https://civilmediation.org/mediation-1954-act-law-commission-report/

17/08/2026

Artificial intelligence is already in the mediation room. The question is no longer whether it will be used, but how it can be used responsibly, ethically and to the benefit of the process.

At the CMC Conference 2026, a panel drawing on the findings of the CMC's recent sector-wide consultation on AI in mediation will explore the opportunities AI presents, the risks it creates, and the practical guidance mediators may need to ensure that technology enhances rather than undermines the core values of mediation.

The panel brings together Mark Tsagas, Senior Lecturer and Researcher at UEL Law School with specialist expertise in emerging technologies, law and ethics; Julia Burns, mediator and specialist in contentious trusts and probate, who has written about encountering AI uninvited in the mediation room; and Roger Levitt, CMC Fellow and experienced commercial mediator, who has been supporting the CMC's Mediation Standards Board in examining the implications of AI for the profession.

The session is part of a diverse two-afternoon programme on 7 and 8 October 2026, spanning mediation practice, policy, professional development and more.

Learn more about the CMC Conference 2026, Making Mediation Mainstream, and book your ticket: https://civilmediation.org/conference-2026/

14/08/2026

When founders fall out, the stakes could not be higher. What may begin as a disagreement over strategy, roles or equity can quickly escalate into a dispute that threatens the future of a business, its employees, investors and stakeholders.

At the CMC Conference 2026, Carolyn Jones, Chair of the CMC's Commercial Working Group and full-time mediator, will moderate a panel exploring the unique dynamics of founder disputes. Drawing on real-world experience, the session will cover common causes of founder conflict, practical mediation techniques and the legal and commercial considerations that shape these often deeply personal disputes.

Speakers to be announced.

The session is part of a diverse two-afternoon programme on 7 and 8 October 2026, spanning mediation practice, policy, professional development and more.

Learn more about the CMC Conference 2026, Making Mediation Mainstream, and book your ticket: https://civilmediation.org/conference-2026/

13/08/2026

Acas published a draft revised Code of Practice on disciplinary and grievance procedures last week, opening a public consultation that closes on 23 September 2026.

The updated Code aims to promote earlier resolution of workplace conflicts, before they escalate into formal disputes. As Acas research shows, 44% of working-age adults experienced workplace conflict in the last year, and the cost of formal disciplinary and grievance procedures to UK employers is estimated at £2.36 billion annually.

The CMC sets out an initial response to the draft Code on the CMC blog, welcoming the inclusion of mediation and facilitated conversations within the body of the Code for the first time, while setting out where the provisions could be strengthened to give employers, employees and practitioners greater clarity and confidence.

The CMC will be contributing with a full response to the consultation on behalf of our members, drawing on the work of our Workplace and Employment Working Group and our longstanding advocacy for earlier, more constructive approaches to workplace conflict resolution.

Read the CMC's response: https://civilmediation.org/acas-code-revisions-workplace-mediation-cmc-response/

12/08/2026

The Civil Mediation Council is deeply saddened by the passing of Dr Karl Mackie CBE, co-founder of CEDR and one of the most significant figures in the development of mediation in the United Kingdom. Karl was one of the first Deputy Chairs of the CMC, and his influence on the profession has been profound and lasting.

CMC Chair Kelly Stricklin-Coutinho shared her thoughts: "Karl was a powerhouse. So many of the steps that Karl took together with Eileen to establish mediation in the UK, and CEDR, were individually enough to earn his accolades as a leader, but taken together he leaves an indelible, extraordinary legacy."

He wore his reputation lightly. He was generous, warm, wise, curious, fun and kind, even to a newly qualified mediator a little anxious about meeting one of the co-founders of CEDR. His loss will be felt heavily by so many.

Our thoughts and love go to Eileen, and to all of Karl's family and friends."

Read the full tribute, including CEDR's beautiful piece, on the CMC blog: https://civilmediation.org/remembering-karl-mackie-cbe-cedr/

10/08/2026

How well do mediators truly understand the cultural dynamics at play in the disputes they handle? And what happens when blind spots affect neutrality, trust or participation?

At the CMC Conference 2026, Afsana Gibson-Chowdhury, Chair of the CMC's ED&I Working Group, will explore how mediators can examine their own blind spots, build genuine cultural awareness and make room for all voices within the mediation process. As mediation becomes increasingly embedded within the UK's justice system, the ability to serve a diverse and multicultural population is not optional, it is essential.

The session will open with an update on the work of the CMC's ED&I Working Group from Deputy Chair Claudia Haisman-Green.

Afsana is an award-winning international mediator and Distinguished Fellow at the International Academy of Mediators, with a particular focus on discrimination, human rights and multiparty dialogues across a wide range of social and cultural issues. Claudia is a CEDR-accredited mediator and former senior commercial real estate solicitor, bringing cross-cultural awareness and over two decades of professional experience to her mediation practice.

The session is part of a diverse two-afternoon programme on 7 and 8 October 2026, spanning mediation practice, policy, professional development and more.

Learn more about the CMC Conference 2026, Making Mediation Mainstream, and book your ticket: https://civilmediation.org/conference-2026/

05/08/2026

The Civil Mediation Council has been promoting mediation across England and Wales since 2003, working to raise standards, expand access to justice and strengthen the role of mediation across society.

As our community continues to grow, it feels like a good moment to share a little about who we are, what we do and why it matters.

Read the full piece here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/civil-mediation-council-who-we-what-do-civil-mediation-council-dc38f/

As our LinkedIn community continues to grow, it feels like a good opportunity to reintroduce the CMC and share a little about who we are and what we do. The CMC is the largest registering and self-regulatory organisation for non-family mediators in England and Wales.

03/08/2026

We are delighted to announce the opening keynote for the CMC Conference 2026.

Amrik Kandola, full-time commercial mediator and ADR Member of the Civil Justice Council, and John Sorabji, Associate Professor of Law at UCL and co-director of UCL's Centre for Dispute Resolution, will open the conference together on 7 October. Drawing on their combined experience across mediation practice and civil justice reform, they will reflect on the changing landscape for mediation and the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.

Amrik brings over 25 years of experience in commercial law and has been a full-time mediator since 2018, named Civil and Commercial Mediator of the Year at the 2023 National Mediation Awards.

John previously served as Deputy Private Secretary to HM King Charles III and as Principal Legal Adviser to the Lord Chief Justice, and co-chairs the Civil Justice Council's Working Group on ADR alongside Amrik.

The session is part of a diverse two-afternoon programme on 7 and 8 October 2026, spanning mediation practice, policy, professional development and more.

Learn more about the CMC Conference 2026, Making Mediation Mainstream, and book your ticket: https://civilmediation.org/conference-2026/