Mediation Services

Community Mediation

Where people live close to each other, you get disputes – maybe between two neighbours, or else involving more people in the area. Since 1995, CALM has specialised in community mediation, helping local people to resolve their own disputes. These could involve:

  • noise
  • different lifestyles
  • children
  • pets
  • gardens, and other shared spaces
  • boundaries
  • parking
  • rubbish
  • cleaning of communal areas
  • damage to property
  • abusive language or behaviour
  • harassment

Mediation is independent, confidential and neutral. We do not share out blame as the aim is for the individuals to find their own solution that is mutually acceptable to everyone involved in the dispute. For more about how it works, see About mediation.

Restorative Justice (victim / offender mediation)

Restorative justice encourages those who caused harm to acknowledge what they have done, and gives them the chance to make things better. Those who were harmed can hear this accepted and get the chance to explain the impact on their life. In this way, the process aims to repair the harm.

Our service is voluntary.

“ Hearing a victim’s account made me realise I had to change. I realised she was like me and having nightmares about what I did.”
Offender, convicted for robbery

Restorative Justice can help with many crimes, including:

  • assault
  • bullying
  • disputes involving young people
  • burglary
  • manslaughter
  • robbery
  • theft

CALM deals with criminal cases originating in London. For extensive distances; travel expenses will be added.

78% of victims who took part in restorative justice conferences said they would recommend it to other victims.

Diversity Neighbourhood Mediation

This mediation service is to help people suffering discrimination because of their identity or way of life. This may be because of:

  • racial / ethnic origin
  • sexuality
  • faith / religion
  • a disability
  • any other part of your identity.

We know it is hard to come forward and talk about these issues. Our mediators approach individuals with sensitivity and try to address each person’s needs.

By opening up discussion about prejudice, we help people to work through difficulties. We offer initial meetings so you can find out about the process before you have a mediation meeting.

Workplace Mediation:

Workplace mediation is an efficient and informal way to resolve workplace disputes, as an alternative to grievance or disciplinary procedures. We have a team of mediators who are trained and experienced in workplace mediation.

Mediation can help when conflict arises in the workplace due to:

  • unacceptable employee behaviour
  • long-term absence
  • disciplinary procedures
  • workload
  • workplace change
  • role change
  • bullying or harassment
  • discrimination
  • poor employee / team performance
  • colleague disputes
  • poor working relationships.

Mediation is most effective in the early stages of dispute, to resolve the issues quickly and informally and avoid escalation and entrenchment. The aim is to rebuild working relationships.

CALM Mediation is good for local small and medium employers who may not have the internal resources to handle difficult disputes. Bringing in a neutral third party takes some of the pressure off management and Human Resources and removes any suspicion of bias or preferential treatment. Our mediation service is efficient and costs less than you may think.

Mediation benefits

  • Improves employee relations
  • Improves workplace environment and culture
  • Staff retention
  • Keeps own management time and costs
  • Avoids employment Tribunal costs
  • Most disputes can be settled in one working day (stats available for this?)
  • Lowers employee stress and health problems
  • Improves staff attendance and morale
  • No expensive legal fees
  • Can achieve a “win-win” solution, so neither party has to feel they have lost.

CALM can provide a team-building group mediation to ensure the agreed outcomes are sustainable. This can include HR, Occupational Health, or line managers, as appropriate.

Family cross-generation mediation

Family cross-generation mediation helps families in dispute to resolve issues involving:

  • parent / children relationships
  • rent contribution
  • shared responsibilities.

We do not take divorce or separation cases.