The Facilit8 tree symbolises the connectedness of human beings, whatever their background, culture, hopes and ambitions.
Conflict, disputes and differences of opinion are part of our nature. Many are successfully reconciled every day. Many are not. Many more could be.

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Who's Who?

Amanda Bucklow

Amanda has a strong international profile as a mediator, negotiator and teacher. As a mediator, she is well known for her commercial acumen, people skills and professionalism with notable skills in engaging even the most reluctant parties in the mediation process.

Her personal style combines strong people skills, intellect and insight with a comprehensive understanding of the legal, commercial and people issues. She is both supportive and challenging in whatever mix is most likely to provide the best possible chance of an interests-based settlement.

As a tutor, Amanda is an accomplished both in foundation mediation skills and advanced mediation skills, leadership and change management. She has taught internationally and promotes an integrated approach to international teaching to help build awareness and support for high standards of practice in other jurisdictions. This means working with the local team to support them in preparing the ground for growing the business of mediation for the benefit of newly accredited mediators.

Adult teaching is in itself a specialist skill set. The challenge of teaching a varied group of adults from diverse cultures, age groups and professional backgrounds is one learned and refined over many years of study and practical experience.

The training programmes offered by Facilit8 are based on Amanda's unique research in the field (The Skills, Attributes, Strengths and Approaches of Effective Commercial Mediators. 2003 - 2006) and her experience of designing and implementing other approved professional competencies. Since the late 90's, Amanda has integrated emerging psychological research around decision making, negotiation and behavioural change. Neuroscience has been an important element in supporting high performance and enduring skill sets.

In 1990, Amanda started an independent communications consultancy specialising in negotiation, co-operation and conflict resolution. This was the start of Facilit8 Communications which was incorporated in 2000. During her career she has had in-depth experience of a wide variety of industry sectors: experience on which her mediation practice is founded.

One of the very few "career mediators", Amanda has maintained a full time mediation practice since 1995 and has experience of over 900 disputes. Like others who started early, she believes that no dispute is ever about just one matter. The breadth and depth of her experience in mediating all kinds of disputes, within their relevant legal and commercial context, means that she is well prepared for any eventuality and any mix of issues.

Sectors

Aviation / Rail / Shipping
Information Technology and Telecommunications
Commodities / Financial services
Energy
Automotive and Engineering
Education (secondary / tertiary)
Media / Arts / Publishing
Manufacturing / Retail
Fashion

Areas of Law and Specialist Knowledge

Commercial contracts (including sale of goods)
Partnership disputes (Professional Services, owner managed and family business)
Employment (inc Public Disclosure Act)
Professional Negligence
Clinical negligence
Personal Injury
Mergers & Acquisitions, Joint Ventures
Restructuring

Charles Middleton-Smith

Charles Middleton-Smith is a leading mediator practising in the UK and internationally who also has the gift for teaching and mentoring. During his long and successful career as a lawyer and partner in leading international law firm, Hammonds LLP in London (now Squire Sanders), Charles has taught and mentored countless young lawyers.

Over the last decade he has developed a unique role as ADR consultant with Squire Sanders, advising colleagues across the globe in the appropriate use of mediation and offering guidance on the 'right mediator'. His 'education and leadership' role within the firm has resulted in a number of awards and nominations for the firm as promoters and pioneers in the use of mediation.

As a mediator, Charles describes his style as prioritising the commercial aspects, the future and reality, momentum, humour, courtesy and flexibility and these are illustrated throughout his teaching, to the delight of students around the world and reflected in consistently good feedback in the legal directories.

He is much sought after for his particular expertise in the areas of arts, media and sport. As a lawyer, Charles has represented some of the best known musicians, auction houses, advertising giants and publishers during his time as a litigator he has since successfully mediated many cases and has something of a niche practice in those sectors.

In addition to his experience in cases around fine art and music, Charles also specialises in cases involving Commercial Agents Regulations, again a highly specialised area involving international law, and Trademark, Copyright and Defamation.

Sectors

Media / Advertising
Film / Performing Arts
Sport
Fine Art / Auction Houses / Valuation
Food and Beverage
Manufacturing
Retail

Areas of Law and Specialist Knowledge

Commercial contracts (including sale of goods)
Commercial Agents Regulations (1993)
Trademark / Copyright / Defamation
Partnership disputes (Professional Services)
Professional Negligence
Inheritance / Probate
Mergers & Acquisitions, Joint Ventures
Restructuring and Deal Making
Sale of Business

So, you want to be a mediator?

Foundation Mediation Skills. The highest quality of foundation training is the best investment you will ever make in your mediation practice.

Resources

Mediation Business Summit – If you missed the summit in September 2010 then here is your chance to get the fantastic advice from our superb speakers in a collection of audios to download at an equally fantastic price!