On 29 November 2017, The Professional Mediators Association (PMA) was formally amalgamated with Civil Mediation Council. CMC warmly welcomes all past PMA members to their new home.

PMA was founded in 2010 by David Liddle, CEO TCM and under his leadership the association grew to include members from companies, organisations and distinctive brands. David saw an opportunity to influence the culture of organisations by recognising conflict resolution skills as professional skills and creating value for employers and employees alike. Whilst the significant majority of PMA members do not earn their living as mediators, they value the recognition and support provided by the PMA over the years and which they will continue to receive through their ongoing membership of CMC. Likewise, David will continue his commitment to promoting the wider acceptance of mediation from within the CMC as part of our growing team of volunteer advisors.

PMA are also the architects of the National Mediation Awards, last held in 2016. CMC looks forward to relaunching the awards in association with the College of Mediators in 2018.

CMC was founded in 2003 as a membership organisation for civil and commercial mediators reflecting the main sector of activity at the time. Over the last 15 years CMC membership has changed significantly to include mediators from every sector and in particular workplace and employment mediators who often work with disputes that are both commercial and employment related.

Earlier in 2017, PMA and CMC identified an opportunity to extend their influence on the culture of dispute resolution within working communities by capitalising on the reach developed by PMA and the considerable influence developed by CMC with policy makers and the judiciary. This move brings together distinct markets under the same umbrella, in the spirit and practice of ‘the voice of mediation’ and ahead of anticipated changes in the market.

It is hugely important that the culture and value system within organisations includes dispute resolution as normal and inherent rather than something you ‘do’ to get people to behave. When you have engaged people in the culture of dispute resolution and they have experienced it even in part of their working life, then that culture will lead to positive approaches and attitudes in the wider commercial arena. Most will agree that the experience of mediation is the best education in understanding the benefits and opportunities.

Mediation in practice benefits everyone in a working community and especially the front line who are often deeply affected by delay, cost and consequences of protracted commercial disputes. The effects on staff performance are not always quantified or recognised and yet time and again stress (including that arising from damaged relationships) is identified as a significant cost to industry.

So this is a considered and strategic move of two previously distinct areas of mediation represented by CMC and PMA recognising the synergies demanded by the market and coming together under one banner. It is a welcome development which aims to capitalise on the trends towards acceptance of mediation as a core business process rather than something you have to do before you can get to the battlefield (court).

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