By Tom Elwell | Mediation | November 2024
National Mediation Awards 2024
We have been shortlisted for TWO National Mediation Awards!
We are delighted to announce that TWO of our family mediators, Leah Caldwell and Jess Loram, have been listed as finalists in the prestigious National Mediation Awards! The awards, which are taking place at the Houses of Parliament in December this year, bring together mediators from all disciplines to “celebrate excellence amongst commercial, civil, family and community mediators, mediation trainers and providers.”
Leah Caldwell has been shortlisted in the category of Child Inclusive Mediator of the Year. Leah is passionate about the inclusion of children within the mediation process. She recognises that speaking with children within the mediation process is, first and foremost, about recognising that they have a right to express their views when decisions are being made that affect them. She is also committed to helping parents to understand the messages that their children chose to share with them and enabling them to understand arrangements through the eyes of their children.
Leah is doubly humbled to be both shortlisted for this award and to have been nominated for it by the world-renowned family mediator and advocate of child inclusive mediation practice, Lisa Parkinson. Lisa, in nominating Leah, commented,
Leah Caldwell is an outstanding CIM mediator who combines natural warmth and empathy in talking with children and young people of different ages, and in widely varying situations, with the sensitivity and skills that are needed in sharing children's messages and suggestions with parents or guardians.
Jess Loram is a finalist in the category of Newcomer of the Year. Since becoming an accredited family mediator on 21 June 2023, Jess has demonstrated exceptional skills as a family mediator. This is recognised by clients, who have described her as,
…accommodating, flexible and empathetic towards both of us. She made sure mediation was fair and kind to both of us which I think may not always be the easiest thing to do. I think this is a true testament to Jess’ level of professionalism..
Jess’ achievements are also recognised by her peers who have described her as
…a natural, approachable and kind mediator. She puts her clients at ease whilst ensuring they feel safe and continually manages the process to ensure they remain so. I have also worked alongside her within Legal Aid and she always goes above and beyond so that clients can access a service they are in desperate need of.
We are incredibly proud of both Jess and Leah and look forward to cheering them on at the ceremony on 12 December!
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