I am an accredited member of the Civil Mediation Council. http://www.civilmediation.org/. Some of my work as a mediator involves staff disputes, including highly sensitive and high profile cases. I'm also an assessor for an internationally recognised mediation training provider. I have been on the judging panel for several university undergraduate mediation competitions, the most recent of which are the 2016 national competition organised by the Lancashire Law School of the University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN); the Worshipful Company of Arbitrators held at Linklaters in London and one held at Drake University in Iowa. I deliver my own one-day 'Introduction to Mediation' seminar, which aims to provide individuals and organisations with an understanding of how mediation techniques can help resolve workplace conflicts at an early stage. Mediation skills also improve customer journey, staff relationships and negotiation skills. I am convinced mediation is the common sense approach to achieving resolutions, that is both positive, progressive and much more cost effective.I've spent nearly 45 years working in commercial and not-for-profit organisations at a senior level, having had to deal with many conflict situations between staff, clients, suppliers, funders, stakeholders, governors, students, etc. I am a professionally qualified accountant (FCMA, CGMA) with a background in both public & private sectors. I am currently chair of governors at Horticap, a local charity which provides education and training in horticulture for adults with learning difficulties. I was chair of governors of an 'Outstanding' school in Harrogate for 18 years. Specialities: Dispute resolution, mediation, mergers and acquisitions, finance, government liaison, negotiating.