Mediation

People get into conflict when they perceive that their goals, needs or values are incompatible. If they can’t find a solution for themselves, mediation can be the answer.

A man and woman sitting on a red leather couch engaged in a conversation, with another person in the foreground taking notes or asking questions, in a cozy, well-lit room with plants and bookshelves.

We understand that many people, whether neuro-typical or neuro-divergent, find conflict difficult because of their lived experience or trauma.
We create a safe space for people experiencing conflict to share their perspectives, explore options, and agree their own solutions.
A neutral mediator guides people through a voluntary, confidential process with the goal of resolving the conflict and reaching an agreement.
Mediation can both address the matters in dispute and repair damaged relationships.

When two people or a small group are in conflict, they may prefer to have confidential facilitated conversations rather than a more formal mediation.

  • When people get into conflict at work they can feel stressed and trapped. They worry about destroying relationships, losing their job or damaging the organisation. 

    We offer mediation between colleagues, managers, leaders and board members.

    We create a safe, confidential space for people to talk about what they think and feel and to listen to each other. 

    The mediator is neutral, listens to everyone’s perspective and supports people to find their own solutions. Whatever they agree is confidential between them. The mediator will not share any of the content of the mediation with HR, line management or leaders without the explicit consent of the people in the mediation.

  • When people who work or volunteer at a charity get into conflict it can be very painful, because people’s ideals, values or beliefs are being challenged. This can have a severe negative impact on service provision and mental wellbeing . The reputation of the charity could be at stake.

    We offer mediation between staff and volunteers, trustees and leaders, and between charity representatives and stakeholders, members or service users.

    We offer safe spaces for people to share their perspectives and to listen to each other.

    Usually the mediator will start by having a confidential conversation with each person or group to understand their perspective.

    We understand that many people, whether neuro-typical or neuro-divergent, find conflict difficult because of their lived experience or trauma. The mediator will ensure they are familiar with relevant safeguarding policies and procedures before commencing the mediation.

    We tailor the mediation process according to the situation and the people, so there may be a few steps before bringing people together for a shared conversation.

    The mediator is neutral, and will ensure that everyone’s voice is heard before supporting people to find their own solutions.

    The mediator does not retain notes or share any of the content of the mediation with HR, line management or charity leaders without the explicit consent of the people in the mediation, unless there are safeguarding concerns.

    The confidentiality of the process protects the reputation of the charity and the people involved.

    We know that charity resources are precious and must be used wisely. We offer discounted fees scaled according to the size of the charity.

  • Conflict in the Church is painful for many reasons. Christians are expected to seek reconciliation, to offer forgiveness, and to seek unity. When a disagreement is not addressed, it escalates into conflict. When conflict is not addressed it causes hurt, division and polarisation.

    We offer mediation to clergy, staff, ministry leaders, Church Wardens, PCC and congregation members and volunteers.

    The mediators who do this work feel called to be peacemakers and will pray with participants if they find that helpful. The mediator will ensure they are familiar with the relevant safeguarding policies and procedures before commencing the mediation.

    Usually the mediator will start by having a confidential conversation with each person or group to understand their perspective.

    We tailor the mediation process according to the situation and the people, so there may be a few steps before bringing people together for a shared conversation.

    The mediator is neutral and will ensure that everyone’s voice is heard before supporting people to find their own solutions.

    Even if the people in conflict are not reconciled, sometimes sharing their own perspective and listening to each other can improve the relationship.

    The process is confidential so the mediator will not share any details with Clergy, Church Wardens, or any referring authority such as the Archdeacon or Bishop, without the explicit permission of the participants, unless there are safeguarding concerns.

  • When landlords and tenants or small business and their customers are in dispute, going to court is time consuming and legal fees are daunting.

    We provide CMC accredited fixed fee mediation services to landlords and tenants, and small businesses and customers who are in dispute about contracts, outstanding payments or services provided. See details here: Fixed Fee Scheme - Civil Mediation

    If you are a consumer and your dispute concerns the sale of goods and services the trader is required to provide you with the name and website address of an approved Alternative Dispute Resolution body.  For more information, check the list of ADR Approved Bodies here.

Print-friendly explanations

Workplace mediation
Civil & Commercial mediation
Facilitated conversations

Client testimonials

  • "I am delighted with the process and as you mentioned – optimistic! Let’s see where we go to and a heavy fog has lifted, now we have to keep the sun shining. Very best wishes and thank you for all your help."

    Manager following a mediation between two team members

  • "Sharon supported us through a complex and sensitive period of discussion between the Seen & Heard directors. She brought calm, clarity and structure to conversations that could easily have become difficult, while making sure everyone had the space to be heard. Her facilitation helped us move beyond personalities and tensions and focus on the underlying issues, choices and needs of the organisation. We were very grateful for her thoughtful, balanced and compassionate approach."

    The Directors and Co-Founders, Seen & Heard following a facilitated conversation

  • "I just wanted to drop you a note to thank you for your superb and thoughtful mediation today…. I felt that with you to guide us we were able to have conversations that would otherwise have been impossible. So thank you. "

    Chair of a small charity following a mediation between Trustees

  • “Sharon Crooks was fantastic. She listened attentively and ensured that both people in mediation spoke directly to each other, rather than to her. She used the notes from the pre-mediation introductory meeting to make sure all relevant areas were addressed, helping to uncover and work through underlying issues. She was non-judgemental and provided balanced support to both parties throughout the process. I would highly recommend Sharon to anyone who is willing to sit down and genuinely work through a difficult relationship.”

    Workplace mediation

  • “​​She brought clarity and calm to an emotional and very difficult subject​”

    Mediation following dispute over money