Welcome to the Annual Conference of the College of Mediators
Are you ready to elevate your mediation skills to new heights? Join us for the highlight event of the year – the Annual Conference of the College of Mediators!
Date: 2nd July 2024
College of Mediators Annual Conference
You can buy your ticket on Eventbrite! On sale NOW!
- Expert Insights: Gain invaluable insights from leading experts in the field of mediation. Our line-up of speakers includes seasoned mediators, legal professionals, and conflict resolution specialists who will share their knowledge and expertise.
- Interactive Workshops: Dive deep into the latest trends and techniques in mediation through our interactive workshops. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, there’s something for everyone to learn and grow.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded professionals and expand your professional network. Forge new connections, exchange ideas, and build lasting relationships with fellow mediators from around the world.
- Exclusive Membership Benefits: As a participant of the conference, you’ll have the opportunity to become a member of the College of Mediators. Membership grants you access to exclusive resources, networking events, and discounts on future conferences and workshops.
- Our Annual Conference endorses 7 CPD points.
Purchase Tickets: Secure your spot at the conference by purchasing your tickets today. You can purchase tickets to the 2024’s Conference on Eventbrite.
Become a Member: Elevate your mediation career by becoming a member of the College of Mediators. Membership offers a wide range of benefits, including access to premium content, networking opportunities, and discounts on events and resources.
Conference Venue:
Sibson, Parkwood Road, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7FS
When planning your journey by car use the following navigations to direct you to our Canterbury campus:
Sibson – Sat Navigation Postcode = CT2 7PE
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The campus is less than two miles from Canterbury city centre. It can be accessed by road from the west via A290 Whitstable Road or from the east via St Stephen’s Hill.
From London, the North and East Anglia (via M25 clockwise): Exit the M25 at junction 2 onto the A2 Canterbury. Continue on A2/M2 and exit at junction 7 then follow signs to Canterbury.
From the West and South-West (via M25 anticlockwise): Exit the M25 at junction 5 and continue on M26(M20) signposted Maidstone. Exit the M20 at junction 7 onto A249 Sheerness. Exit left onto M2 for Canterbury, exit the M2 at junction 7 then follow signs to Canterbury.
From Canterbury to the campus (via A2 eastbound/London): Rheims Way, London Road, Whitstable Road, University Road.
Via A2 westbound: Wincheap, Rheims Way, London Road, Whitstable Road, University Road.
There is limited parking available on campus and parking spaces cannot be guaranteed. We would, therefore, advise visitors to use public transport wherever possible.
Getting Here by Public Transport
By Rail
There are frequent, high speed train services to Canterbury from St Pancras International. There are also direct services from London Victoria, London Charing Cross, Ebbsfleet International and Ashford International.
The University is just a short bus or taxi ride direct from Canterbury East and Canterbury West railway stations.
For more information on getting here by train, please visit the Transport Canterbury train travel page.
By Foot
From Canterbury East Railway Station: This station is approximately a 45-minute walk from the campus. You can view the journey on google maps.
From Canterbury West Railway Station: This station is approximately a 25-minute walk from the campus. You can view the journey on google maps. You will turn left out of the station and walk to the end of the road. Just after the ‘Goods Shed’ market on your left, take the footpath on the left and take the subway under the railway line. The University is signposted on blue signs from here.
From Canterbury Bus Station: This station is approximately a 45-minute walk from the campus. You can view the journey on google maps.
When planning your journey to walk or cycle find the building you are visiting first on our maps page. Insert the postcode given for the building you are visiting first within the online tool you are using to navigate. There are some useful links to online tools and maps on our walking planning your journey advice pages.
By Bus
There are buses every 10 minutes from Canterbury bus station to campus: either the Unibus 1, Unibus 2, or the Triangle services. This journey takes approximately 15 minutes.
For more information on getting here by bus, please visit the Transport Stagecoach bus travel page.
By Coach
The 022 and 007 National Express service regularly operate to our campus Keynes bus stop. This journey takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes.
For more information on getting here by coach, please visit the Transport coach travel page.
Don’t miss out on this unparalleled opportunity to enhance your mediation skills, expand your professional network, and take your career to the next level. Reserve your spot at the Annual Conference of the College of Mediators today!
Don’t miss out on this unparalleled opportunity to enhance your mediation skills, expand your professional network, and take your career to the next level. Reserve your spot at the Annual Conference of the College of Mediators today!
Workshops are booked on arrival.
Please note the event is subject to change.
09:30 – 10:00
Networking
10:00 – 10:15
Welcome Speech
Martin Ellis, Chair of the College of Mediators
Ryan Compton, Chair of the College of Mediators
10:15 – 10:45
Keynote Speech
David Liddle
In this keynote, David will explain how, after 30 years working in the areas of mediation and restorative justice, he is helping organisations in the UK and globally to embed the principles and practices of mediation and RJ deep into their cultures, systems, and processes. David will explain how his transformational culture model is helping organisations to develop fair, just, inclusive, sustainable, and high performing workplaces. He will also set out his groundbreaking Resolution Framework™ which is being used by organisations such as the BBC, Next, Aviva, London Ambulance Service and Burberry to replace their adversarial and damaging disciplinary and grievance procedures.
11:00 – 12:00
Workshop: An Introduction to SEND Mediation
Martha Monday
Explaining the training process, standards, including a role play of a mini SEND mediation.
11:00 – 12:00
Workshop: Trauma Informed Mediation
Macarena Mata
11:00 – 12:00
Workshop: Crossover and Flexibility
Andrew Goodman
Using Civil/Commercial Mediation Techniques in Family and Workplace, and vice versa. In this workshop, Andrew Goodman will lead a discussion in what makes mediation procedures rigid, and when they can be more flexible; how to import into family and workplace and work a civil/commercial structure and approach, and vice versa, as well as the benefits and disadvantages of doing so. Andrew will consider aspects of timing, confidentiality, commerciality and focus on a case study involving the breakdown of a family-run business due to a divorce.
11:00 – 12:00
Workshop: Introduction to Conflict Coaching
Denice Houslin
This 1-hour workshop will introduce a model of conflict coaching that can be used where parties are reluctant to engage in mediation or where a join meeting is not possible. The workshop will outline a six-step conflict coaching process and there will be time for reflection and discussion on the application of the model in different areas of mediation.
12:00 – 12:15
Break
12:15 – 13:15
Workshop: From Mystery to Mastery – The 3 Levels of Mediation
Jane Gunn
This workshop explores the journey we make as Mediators from Mystery to Mastery by understanding the 3 levels of Mediator Development. To what extent do the personal qualities and experiences of the Mediator impact upon the mediation process? What is your own journey with conflict, and how does this influence you as a Mediator? How can we increase the use of mediation or more importantly the skills, tools and mindset of mediation in the business community and wider society?
12:15 – 13:15
Workshop: “Who is listening to me?!”
Prime Resolution
Katie Jolly
Chloe Evans
Practical tips for including children and young people, and promoting their wishes and feelings in SEND mediation.
12:15 – 13:15
Workshop: Implications of cost sanctions in court proceedings.
Jan Coulton
And attending/planning together for Children.
12:15 – 13:15
Workshop: What does a chartered accountant know about collisions at sea?
Chris Makin
In between forensic accountancy cases, Chris has practised as a civil and commercial mediator since 1998, in a vast range of disputes. What does a chartered accountant know about collisions at sea? Find out here! This is a practical session, with something to learn by all, from raw beginners to hardened practitioners like Chris.
13:15 – 14:15
Break
14:15 – 15:15
Workshop: Hot Topics in SEND Mediation
Martha Monday
An update as to recent developments (for existing SEND Mediators)
14:15 – 15:15
Workshop: Experiences of Workplace Mediation in the Army
Representative from Ministry of Defence.
14:15 – 15:15
Our Family Wizard: The Intersection of Technology and Mediation
Summary: In this talk, you will learn the of risks and dangers with online communication and how to safeguard both yourselves and the families you are working with. By understanding how simple it is to manipulate, falsify or edit communication records – you will feel more confident in recognising the vulnerabilities of your clients’ communications and support them in safeguarding against this. During this talk, you will learn how parents and mediators utilise OurFamilyWizard’s features to manage child arrangement matters and document communication. You will also experience real examples of OurFamilyWizard in action and take away valuable resources to better support the families you work with.
14:15 – 15:15
Workshop: Parental Alienation
Marilyn Webster
An exploration of the debates and controversies surrounding the concept of parental alienation, and the implications for family mediation practice.
15:15 – 15:30
Break
15:30 – 16:30
Panel Discussion
Chris Makin
Adam Gersch
Marie Coombes
Denise Ingamells
Martin Ellis chairs this panel discussion with four prominent mediators.
15:30 – 16:30
Closing Speech
Host, CEO, Chair and Vice Chairs of College of Mediators
16:30 – 17:00
Networking
David Liddle, FRSA MBA
David is a highly regarded expert in people and culture, conflict resolution, leadership, and organisational development, with two acclaimed books published by Kogan Page. Over three decades, he has transformed HR systems and leadership practices, emphasising values and collaboration for impactful change. David’s innovative approaches include The FAIR Model™ and the Resolution Framework™, adopted by major organisations to improve workplace dynamics. He founded The TCM Group in 2001 to promote fair, inclusive cultures through enhanced HR processes. Recognised as a top HR thinker, David is also a prolific speaker and writer, actively supporting local projects and initiatives.
Martha Monday
Martha is the Mediation Director at Global Mediation, one of the largest providers of SEND mediation in the UK. She has been a SEND mediator for over 20 years, having worked as a mediator whilst simultaneously practising as a family law barrister. In 2016, she resigned from the Bar to concentrate wholly on mediation, preferring its non-adversarial and empathic approach. As a member of Global’s senior leadership team, she has oversight of the mediator teams and is involved in delivering training and supervision. Martha is a member of the SEND Assessment/Standards Panel and is a member of the Board of Directors of the College of Mediators.
Chris Makin
Chris Makin is one of only 60 chartered accountants to become an Accredited Forensic Accountant and Expert Witness. He is also an accredited civil & commercial mediator and expert determiner. Over the last 50 years, he has been a partner in accountancy firms, from sole practice to 250 partners. He has served on several committees at ICAEW and on the investigation committee at The Academy of Experts and other professional bodies. He is a director of the College of Mediators and has conducted over 120 mediations in a vast range of subjects.
Professor Andrew Goodman LLB MBA PhD FCIArb FInstCPD FRSA Barrister
Professor Andrew Goodman is an experienced and esteemed mediator with over 30 years of independent practice, working in numerous jurisdictions annually. He holds various notable positions, including Distinguished Fellow of the International Academy of Mediators, and is affiliated with organizations like the Civil Mediation Council and International Mediation Institute. Andrew also serves as a Professor of Conflict Management and Dispute Resolution Studies at Rushmore University, USA, and is involved in training initiatives for mediators with institutions like the Chartered Institute of Mediators and ADR Group. He has extensive international experience, having conducted mediation training and lectures in numerous countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, and beyond. Andrew is actively engaged in the field of mediation, serving as a Director of the College of Mediators and a Master of the Bench of Inner Temple.
Denice Houlsin
Denice Houslin has been an active member of the College since 2012, becoming Chair of the Practice Standards Committee and member of the board in 2021. She trained as a mediator in 2007, initially in neighbour and community mediation, before becoming a college-accredited mediator, supervisor, and trainer. She now specialises in mediation with families in pre-social care and social care settings, workplace mediation in the NHS and in training new mediators, in particular social care professionals, training over 100 mediators to date. This year Denice has written and delivered a bespoke Conflict Coaching model for mediators and has trained in and now facilitates SEND mediations.
Jane Gunn
Jane Gunn, also known as “The Barefoot Mediator,” is a renowned conflict resolution expert and mediator, recognised as a Global Leader in Who’s Who Mediation and featured in the Legal 500 Hall of Fame. She serves as the President of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) and is a former director and board member of the Civil Mediation Council of England. Jane is the author of two popular books “How to Beat Bedlam in the Boardroom and Boredom In The Bedroom” and “The Authority Guide to Conflict Resolution”, and has spoken at prestigious venues like the United Nations, The White House, and the European Commission. In response to the global challenges of our times, including the pandemic, racial inequality, and climate change, Jane advocates for understanding and transforming conflict. She teaches mediation skills to individuals, empowering them to handle differences and diversity constructively. Jane’s mission is to cultivate a community of “ReSolutionaries” equipped to lead and inspire during times of change and crisis. She has successfully worked with a diverse range of organisations, from Cable & Wireless to McLaren Racing, fostering open dialogue, motivation, and commitment among teams to navigate challenges effectively. Jane’s approach to conflict resolution is interactive, engaging, and aimed at promoting positive outcomes in personal and organisational contexts.
Kate Jolly
Katie is passionate about supporting people in conflict to get the best outcomes through a non-adversarial approach. She is an accredited and experienced SEND, family and workplace mediator. She is also a trainer and a member of the College of Mediators, Family Mediation Council and Resolution. Prior to her family mediation training, she worked in further education, child protection and family group conferencing, where supporting children and families facing difficulties led her to take a fresh approach to empowering them to find their own solutions, through mediation. She attained a Masters in Psychology in 2016 and FMC Child Inclusive Mediation status in 2020. Katie has volunteered as a mediator for a charity supporting young people at risk of homelessness and relationship breakdown, is an Appropriate Adult and is currently a member of the local Youth Offender Panel. Katie strongly believes in supporting children and young people to have a voice in all areas of her work and volunteering, respecting them as individuals with a right to express their views freely.
Chloe Evans
Chloe fiercely believes that enabling positive communication, being child-focused, and looking to the future without dwelling on the past, are fundamental to the ongoing well-being of all parties working through the mediation process. She is an accredited and experienced Family and SEND mediator and a member of the College of Mediators, National Family Mediation and The Family Mediators Association. Chloe is a Professional Practice Consultant for Family mediators and, as a trainer, has helped
write self-study online courses. Chloe is a qualified solicitor and spent 20 years working as a legal adviser in the Magistrates Court covering all areas of law. Here, she developed a passion for non-adversarial approaches by observing parties going through the court system. She has also volunteered for Citizen’s Advice and ended up managing one of their offices. Chloe is very passionate about giving children the opportunity of being heard in all matters affecting them and for their voices to be taken seriously.
Jan Coulton
Jan is a recognised name in the field of mediation and is an experienced trainer approved by the Family Mediation Council. It is her extensive knowledge of the subject that has gained her invitations to lecture and present at conferences worldwide. She also writes and delivers bespoke training courses and provides Professional Practice Consultancy (PPC) to professional mediators who are accredited or working towards accreditation with the Family Mediation Council. She has been a Child Inclusive Mediator for 24 years and is actively promoting the voice of the child.
Nationally recognised for her 34 years of work in family mediation, Jan has received the National Mediation Awards on two separate occasions. She has a solid legal background, having qualified as a solicitor in 1980.
Jan is a past Chair of The College of Mediators, past chair of the Colleges Professional Standards Committee and is currently a Director of the Family Mediation Council and College Advisor. She has been involved at national level in formulating policy relating to family mediation and professional practice. She is a committed mediator, accredited by the Family Mediation Council and is passionate about ensuring best practice by way of accredited mediation standards. Jan is a trained ISO assessor and lead auditor for accreditation programmes.
In her spare time Jan is a marathon cold water swimmer, a Channel swimmer and a bronze medal holder at the Winter Swimming World Championships, Siberia 2016.
Macarena Mata
Macarena has worked professionally in the mediation and conflict resolution field since 2006. She is an accredited family, workplace, and community Mediator and Trainer, with a diverse range of experience in conflict transformation, resolution, self-awareness and trauma-informed work. She is a partner at Ataraxy Family Mediation Training, approved by the Family Mediation Council, and her company Ataraxy Mediation offers accredited training on Community, Workplace, and Paediatric Medical Mediation with OCN London. Macarena is also a Professional Practice Consultant/Supervisor, and she has lectured on conflict theory and reflective practice for conflict practitioners in the PgCert/MSc courses at UCL. She works with Mediators Beyond Borders Int’l as a consultant and faculty member of the International Peace Training Institute. Macarena was born in Málaga, Spain, and has lived in England since 1998 with her
husband.
Marilyn Webster
Marilyn Webster is an experienced family mediator who began her practice in 1992 and has remained dedicated to the field ever since. She holds accreditations as a Family Mediator, SEND Mediator, and PPC, and serves as a Director of Prime Resolution Ltd. Marilyn specialises in offering Child Inclusive Mediation as a routine part of her practice. Her interest in Parental Alienation is rooted in personal experiences with the court system and her work with high-conflict couples. In 2020, Marilyn participated in research with the University of Wolverhampton Research Team on ‘The Clinical and Legal Management of Parental Alienation in the UK.’ Despite the misunderstandings and controversies surrounding this topic, Marilyn believes it is a crucial issue that remains inadequately addressed within the profession.
Professor Stephen Mayson
Professor Stephen Mayson was originally called to the Bar by Lincoln’s Inn (of which he is now a Bencher and chair of its Regulatory Panel). After a period as a tax lawyer with a Magic Circle law firm, he developed an international reputation as a strategic advisor in the legal sector, working on a range of strategic, financial, ownership and governance issues. More recently, he has held several non-executive directorships and retained strategic advisory relationships with law firms and law-related businesses, and is currently the non-executive chairman of an ABS law firm. Since 1992, Stephen has also held professorships in the UK and abroad and is presently an Honorary Professor of Law at University College London. He has a particular interest in the regulation of legal services, and recently conducted an independent review of the regulatory framework in England & Wales and submitted his report to the Lord Chancellor in June 2020 (followed in 2022 by a supplementary report on consumer harm). He was subsequently appointed by the Lord Chancellor to the expert panel supporting Sir Christopher Bellamy’s review of criminal legal aid.
Adam Gersch
Adam, a seasoned criminal barrister, graduated from Nottingham Trent University and was called to the Bar in 1993 by the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn. As the Managing Director of Global Mediation, he guides the company’s strategy, direction, and maintains its esteemed reputation. With extensive experience presenting cases domestically and internationally, including at the US Supreme Court, Adam remains actively engaged in criminal law practice. His accreditation as a CEDR mediator in 1999 led to the establishment of Global Mediation, where he has facilitated numerous successful mediations and contributed to the advancement of dispute resolution systems. Beyond his legal career, Adam shares his expertise as an educator and has authored publications covering human rights, criminal law, and conflict resolution.
Marie Coombes
With 17 years at Royal Mail, Marie Coombes is a seasoned expert in HR, conflict resolution, mediation, and employee engagement. Her mediation prowess, with over 300 successful interventions, showcases her ability to connect swiftly and effectively, making her a trailblazer in workplace mediation. Beyond mediations, Marie excels in crafting customised group sessions, steering organisations towards resolution-oriented employee relations and conflict management to enhance well-being and engagement. Passionate about mental well-being, her training empowers individuals to break free from stress cycles, regain focus, and maintain confidence. Recognised with multiple awards, including the 2020 CMC Workplace Mediator of the Year, Marie continues to reshape workplaces, challenge toxicity, and champion mental well-being. Holding an MBA and a Fellowship from the Chartered Management Institute, she’s not just an expert but a catalyst for positive change.
Denise Ingamells
Denise Ingamells serves as the Professional Practice Consultant (supervisor) for Kent Family Mediation Service and conducts Family Mediation Foundation Training for Resolution. She became a Family Mediation Council Accredited Mediator in 2002 and a Professional Practice Consultant in 2005, with qualifications in delivering Child Inclusive Mediation. Denise is the primary author of the Separated Parents Information Programme (SPIP), which has reached approximately 250,000 individuals nationwide, with personal delivery to over 9,000 people. She has developed and conducted training for various national organizations. Denise has received several accolades for her contributions to mediation, including Resolution’s John Cornwell Award in 2022, the Alternative Dispute Resolution Practitioner of the Year from Jordans’ Family Law in 2012, and the Avril Reid Award for Innovation in Mediation presented by Lady Hale, the President of National Family Mediation in 2007. She actively participates in Resolution’s Parenting after Parting and Wellbeing committees and serves as a trustee of the National Association of Parenting Programmes (NASPP).
James Evans
James Evans is the Head of UK Professional Education at OurFamilyWizard. Having previously worked as a teacher, James joined the Family Law community over 5 years ago to introduce Family Law Practitioners around the country to OurFamilyWizard. James works with Courts, Chambers, Firms, CAFCASS, Mediators, Organisations and Charities to help parents with their communication. James is a member of the APPG on Family Separation, the East Sussex Resolution committee, the Family Dispute Solutions Group, the Family Law Language Project, The Parents Promise Alliance, The Family Mediation Week committee and is the chair of Support Through Court’s Family Ambassadors Board. James has been shortlisted for over 10 awards for his contribution to Innovation and Championing of supporting separated families, and recently won the Working in Collaboration Award at Resolutions 2023 Family Law Awards and Innovation in Family Law at the 2023 Family Law Awards.
The University of Kent also has accommodation for those wishing to stay overnight at the conference. To find out more about on campus accommodation CLICK HERE. The recommendation is to select the Keynes bed and breakfast option.
To stay outside of the University campus there are many hotels which you can FIND HERE.
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