This month we’re celebrating new beginnings, upcoming opportunities, and the power of language in conflict resolution as well as looking at the concept of conflict intelligence in leadership. Whether you’re part of our growing community of mediators, a sector partner, or someone curious about our work – there’s something for everyone in this update.
Lucie joins the ADR Mediation team
We’re delighted to welcome Lucie to the ADR Mediation team as our new Operations and Membership Support Officer. Many of you will be hearing from her over the coming weeks as we gear up for a busy autumn of training, events, and member activity
Lucie brings a strong background in community engagement and is passionate about widening access to mediation skills – we’re thrilled to have her on board.
Train as a Mediator and Make a Real Difference
Applications are now open for our OCN-accredited Interpersonal Mediation course, taking place in October. It’s a five-day immersive training programme designed to build practical skills and confidence for those looking to work in community conflict resolution.
As part of our Volunteer Mediator Programme, we’re offering a limited number of fully funded places on the course. In return, volunteers commit to supporting ADR Mediation with at least 12 months of community mediation work, giving them valuable case experience while making a tangible impact in local neighbourhoods.
Training Dates:
1st, 2nd, 3rd, 7th and 8th October 2025 (plus an optional sixth day depending on cohort size)
Led by:
Marie Coombes – Coach, Trainer, and experienced Workplace Mediator.
If you’re looking to build your mediation portfolio and gain an accredited qualification, this is an ideal first step.
5 Reasons to Join the ADR Mediation Membership
Whether you’re new to mediation or already practising, our membership is designed to support your development and deepen your impact. Here are five reasons to join (or re-engage if you’ve been meaning to!):
- Practical, Ready-to-Use Resources
Our latest additions include tools for opening up conversations around Friendship Day and the upcoming World Youth Day, both designed to support dialogue in youth work, schools, and community settings. - Ongoing CPD and Reflective Practice
Access regular prompts, toolkits, and recorded sessions to keep your skills sharp and your practice grounded. - A Supportive Peer Community
Join our online member space to share insights, ask questions, and learn from other mediators working across housing, community safety, education and more. - Priority Access to Training and Events
Get first dibs on places for upcoming courses, workshops and fringe events – plus exclusive earlybird rates. - Be Part of Something Bigger
Our membership isn’t just a mailing list. It’s a movement of people working to make conflict resolution more accessible, inclusive and effective.
Join us now or get in touch if you’d like to talk it through with someone first.
Showing Up Where It Matters
We’re proud to be sponsoring two important upcoming events in partnership with Green & Burton ASB Associates:
The Liverpool Fringe Event – Community Housing Summit
We’re supporting the Liverpool fringe session as part of the Community Housing Summit this September. This event brings together practitioners from housing, ASB, and community services to explore practical, locally-led responses to current challenges. As ever, our focus will be on where mediation fits, not just in policy, but in practice.
#ASB11 Conference – October 2025
We’re also a proud sponsor of this year’s #ASB11 Conference, where over 100 professionals will gather to explore what’s next for ASB. With legislation shifting, scrutiny increasing, and partnership working more vital than ever, we’ll be there to support the role of mediation in meeting the moment.
These partnerships reflect our commitment to embedding mediation within wider sector conversations – and raising the profile of those delivering it every day.
Visit the Green & Burton website to secure your tickets for both events.
“Can I Have a Quick Word?” – Why Language Matters in Conflict
It sounds innocuous. But as a recent Personnel Today article highlights, vague or euphemistic language can actually get in the way of resolution and sometimes escalate tension.
Research from Acas shows that phrases like coffee chat, nipping it in the bud, or catch-up are often misunderstood. What’s intended as a gentle opener can come across as evasive or unclear, leading to confusion, mistrust or avoidance.
At ADR Mediation, we see this often. The intent behind a conversation can easily be lost when the language lacks clarity. That first moment, the opening line, often sets the tone for everything that follows.
This is not about being harsh or overly formal. It is about being direct, respectful and transparent from the start.
The article also highlights the wider business case:
- £28.5 billion is lost each year to unresolved conflict
- Nearly half of HR professionals admit to avoiding disputes
- Early clarity reduces cost, protects relationships and builds a healthier workplace culture
Read the full article via Personnel Today:
Conflict Intelligence – A Skill Every Leader Needs
What does it mean to lead well in the face of tension, disagreement or change?
In this month’s thought leadership piece, our CEO Kim Logan explores the concept of conflict intelligence — the ability to recognise, respond to and navigate conflict in a way that builds trust, not fear.
Drawing on experience from housing, community safety and workplace settings, Kim looks at how leaders can move beyond managing disputes reactively, and instead embed conflict awareness as a core part of how they show up and make decisions.
Whether you’re managing a team, running a service or shaping policy, conflict intelligence is fast becoming an essential leadership skill.
Read the full article: What is Conflict Intelligence and How Does It Add to Leadership?
That brings us to the end of this month’s update. We’ve covered a lot – from new team members and training opportunities, to sector events and thought leadership. If there’s something here you want to follow up on, or if you’re thinking about getting more involved, now’s a good time.
We’ve got a range of training options open for booking, including the October OCN-accredited course and free places for volunteer mediators. You can also explore our membership offer, check out the latest resources, or read more about the events we’re supporting this autumn.
All the latest is on the website and as always, if you’ve got a question or want to have a conversation about anything you’ve read… just get in touch.
