We are Here to Help

Mediation, in line with current thinking generally, is really about finding sustainable ways to address difficult issues, including those disputes which do, or might, end up in a court. Resources are limited and have to be used to best effect.

An example of efficiency is that an increasing number of Core mediations conclude within one day – see the graph here, which also shows that, whatever the duration, mediation’s ability to help deliver satisfactory outcomes is improving year by year. A high percentage produce a satisfactory outcome.

Core sees its role as being to help businesses, individuals, organisations, advisers and clients to make best use of limited time, money and people resources and to manage risk – whether to reputation, future business, profitability, morale, health, market position or to a specific project, strategy or development.

Developments in Mediation in 2010: some more reflections: click here.

Mediation Insights for 2010

Some suggestions from Core mediators for making a success of the process:

“Don't come prepared to convince the mediator of how right you, your lawyer or your client are. Do come prepared to persuade and to listen to the other parties. All mediations are learning experiences which can help to transform a deadlock.” Calum MacNeill QC

“Mediation provides people with the opportunity to have a dialogue about their differences when communication has stalled or completely broken down. Re-establishing communication at the start of the mediation day can be vital in putting the parties in a position where they can rebuild relationships so that, by the end of the day, they can find a solution which is acceptable to both.” Judith Scott

“Even in disputes which are primarily about money and business risk, any resolution or settlement has got to feel right. Mediation is a great opportunity for clients to adequately address both the 'hard' and 'soft' dimensions of a conflict. That does not mean “soft touch” but really getting to the underlying issues and concerns.” Charlie Woods

“As the day progresses, it is easy for all those involved to lose sight of the big picture and get bogged down in detail. Mediators can remind them why it is important to them to reach a resolution – by standing, metaphorically, on the balcony and viewing the prospect of having the matter behind them - or looking into the precipice and appreciating what it would mean not to have it sorted.” Pamela Lyall

Making the Best of Mediation: from Breakfast to Bedrooms and Beyond: click here to read a summary of John Sturrock’s recent presentation to the launch meeting of the Standing Conference of Mediation Advocates in Edinburgh.

Recent Highlights

The start of 2010 has been busy for Core. John Sturrock ran a fifth two-day workshop for elite coaches at UK Sport, developing skills for handling difficult situations and reducing conflict, so essential both for teams and for individuals supported by teams as they strive for those marginal advantages which can make the difference between Gold and Silver – or medal and no medal. He also gave a keynote address to over 200 athletes, coaches, administrators and others at the national conference of the English Institute of Sport, which is chaired by Olympic silver medallist, Steve Cram.

John addressed the Scottish Conference of the Medical Protection Society (whose Head of Medical Services (Edinburgh) is Core-trained mediator Dr Rob Hendry) and also a group of SME clients of a commercial law firm, on the subject of Dealing with Deadlock. In-house, we have conducted two further courses for clients in the financial sector on Managing Differences, Reducing Conflict and Dealing with Customers and Complaints.

We are also looking forward to conducting our full mediation skills course for a national organisation in-house and leading facilitation training for a public sector body which is keen to develop its own in-house capacity.

On the mediation front, Pamela Lyall has been involved in a number of delicate internal mediations with individuals, managers and teams.

Hugh Donald helped the parties in a sensitive family matter to resolve a long-running issue, with real appreciation: “...prior to your involvement, I had hoped that at least some of the differences between the parties might be resolved, so that if the court action did require to proceed, at least the dispute would have been narrowed. I also thought that if anyone could assist in this difficult situation, it would be Core. I did not, however, anticipate that final resolution would be reached, knowing as I did how entrenched the parties’ position seemed to be prior to mediation starting. The fresh perspective which Hugh was obviously able to offer seems to have made all the difference..”

As was covered by the media, John Sturrock acted as mediator / facilitator in discussions involving the key players in the difficult situation which has arisen in connection with the cost of transmission of electricity using the national grid.

Mediation and Conflict Management Course Spring 2010

24 - 26 March and 22 - 23 April 2010 Module 1

20 - 21 May 2010 Mediator Assessment (optional)

Our upcoming flagship Mediation and Conflict Management skills course is nearly full, two months ahead of the start of the course in March. This is really encouraging and reflects the excellent feedback from the autumn 2009 alumni who relished the cross-disciplinary mix and the opportunity to learn new ways to handle some of the most intractable problems which they face in business and organisations. One participant said this:

“I just wanted to take the opportunity to thank you and the full team for what was a thorough and professionally delivered course. The emphasis on practice and the excellent case scenarios created a stretching and realistic life-like environment for learning the skills of the mediator. It was just what I needed.

I have been lucky enough to attend many quality courses while working in the business world but I have never attended any course that puts so much professional resources into its courses. It is a credit to you and all at Core.

When you talked passionately of the philosophy that underlines mediation and Core Solutions’ endeavours, I was listening and heartened by it. I wish you all the success possible in the years ahead.”

Click here for registration details for the remaining place.

Dates for the autumn 2010 course are now available here.

Appointment of Core Associate

Core is delighted to announce that Sandy Wilson, a career banker and former national Head of Recoveries & Litigation at the Royal Bank of Scotland, has become a Core Associate. In addition to his considerable commercial experience gained over a 35 year banking career which included corporate restructuring and work-outs, Sandy has extensive experience as a user of mediation services. He has successfully completed the highly acclaimed Core mediation training course and assessment and his association with Core is a real boost to Core’s ability to develop its mediation offering in the financial sector.

Sandy Wilson said: “I see my association with Core as being a mutually beneficial relationship. I perceive Core as a premier quality mediation services provider and the leading quality provider in Scotland. I look forward to being associated with and promoting the Core quality brand. I feel at home with what I perceive as the Core values and I hope my commercial skills and experience and banking background will bring an added dimension to Core. I have extensive experience of negotiation in commercial situations and of working closely with lawyers over the years in instructing them in on-going complex (including cross-border) litigation. I have a conviction that mediation almost always adds value and litigation should wherever possible be avoided.”

John Sturrock commented: “We are delighted to be working with someone of Sandy’s experience and commitment to mediation. I regard this as a significant development for Core and welcome Sandy to our team. I have no doubt that he will bring a new dimension to what we do.”

Copenhagen Reflections

Charlie Woods and John Sturrock both attended the Copenhagen summit. Click here and here to read their respective thoughts about this monumental event and its aftermath.