This lecture will follow the development of mediation in the UK over the nearly 50 years since its introduction into the English dispute resolution world, dispelling some of the myths and misconceptions which have arisen – not always accidentally – over the years. It will explore the key features of mediation which make it such a powerful tool, and its relationship with the English judicial system. As a postscript to her lecture Philippa is delighted that Andrew Parsons, barrister and also a member of the Company, will add a contribution about the commentary surrounding, and questions and issues arising from, the recent Court of Appeal judgment in Churchill v Merthyr Tydfil CBC [2023] EWCA Civ 1416, including whether mediation is now compulsory in all cases and its other implications.

The lecture will be followed by a Q&A session in which, inter alia, Phillippa and Andrew will give their views on what opportunities arise for mediators and others involved in dispute resolution to develop and diversify their work.

Phillippa Rowe

MA FCII, Chartered Insurance Practitioner, FAE, Arbitrator and Mediator

Phillippa Rowe is a longstanding member of the Company, a highly respected reinsurance consultant, and a mediator, arbitrator and expert witness. She is a Past Chairman of The Academy of Experts, a Freeman of the Company, and has trained and assessed mediators for The Academy of Experts and for ARIAS(UK). She is the author of Resolving Your Dispute by Mediation (The Academy of Experts 2004), Atkin’s Court Forms on Alternative Dispute Resolution (Butterworths Lexis & Nexis: (1998 to date)) and consulting editor of the latest edition of  Lexis Nexis Encyclopaedia of Forms and Precedents on Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution.