We are pleased to announce that our Head of Practice, Stuart Hanson, and our LGBT+ champion, has been asked by The College of Mediators to join their LGBT+ working group. The term LGBT+ refers to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender. The College of Mediators is a membership body for mediators working in all areas of practice; family, workplace, community, intergenerational, special educational needs, commercial, restorative practice and more. The aim of the group is to look at the training mediators receive with regards to working with the LGBT+ community and how mediators can effectively engage more with the people who identify as LGBT+.

The LGBT+ Community, Working Group & Mediation

Stuart Hanson said, “It is a privilege to have been asked by The College of Mediators to join this group. It shows that The College of Mediators is really taking a positive step towards develop its knowledge. I personally feel the LGBT+ community has not been fully introduced to mediation, or has particularly easy access to it. My specialism is family mediation and I hope by developing an engagement strategy, we can reach out to the community and explain the benefits of mediation in different environments.” In preparation for this work, Stuart has compiled a summary of areas where he feels mediators need training such as “coming out”, UK family law and LGBT+ relationships, using gender neutral language, understanding the LGBT+ family and the differences, effective signposting, the use of LGBT+ language, learning about the development of the LGBT+ community and its identity. We will keep you posted with any updates regarding future training events on this subject here and on our Facebook page and Twitter.

If you feel that you have something to say about this topic or want to comment or contribute, it would be great to hear from you. You can get in touch with us through our contact form.

Direct Mediation Services

Direct Mediation Services is a trading name of The Intelligent Solutions Group Ltd. The company is registered in England and Wales. Company number 7760633. VAT number 334 1841 12. Our company’s registered address is 5 Carla Beck House, Carla Beck Lane, Carleton, Skipton, BD23 3BQ.

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