Fiona Colquhoun
Principal Consultant & Mediator
Short Introduction
I learn something new from every mediation, despite having conducted 500+ cases.
My mediations are commercial , tough, but often sensitive. I work in all sectors and sometimes in the public domain.
I am patient, but persistent in reaching the core issues and providing a forum where parties can discuss and negotiate openly. I understand people and often deal with the ‘unexpected’ or moderate anger. When parties settle and the mediation has changed lives positively- I am satisfied .
Testimonials
About Work
Fiona is one of the most experienced lead mediators practising in the UK today. She is rated as a Band 1 Mediator in the Legal 500 and Chambers directories and recognised for focussing on core issues, her commerciality and also sensitivity on emotional, and tense cases. Feedback credits Fiona’s gravitas, and a caring attitude with the unique ability to work with people of all levels and backgrounds; not only very senior people e.g. in top Companies, the legal profession, universities, healthcare etc. She is equally comfortable dealing with litigants in person and tough Trade Unions. Fiona also mediates complex negotiations with the ‘human factor’ in multinational and culturally diverse situations.
Fiona’s cases can be litigious or involve longstanding, entrenched positions and high levels of interpersonal conflict. She works very flexibly both face to face and on line using video and also conducts multi-party disputes. Some mediations take place over time and several days. She has mediated cases in the public domain including in discrimination, education, with Charites, and a longstanding dispute between campaigners and a City council on the felling of trees in 2018. She offers a ‘rich cocktail’ of skills from her mediation experience and business background, and a complete range of dispute resolution techniques including mediation, conflict coaching, deal negotiation, facilitation, independent reviews, neutral chairing.
Over 90% of Fiona’s mediations settle, sometimes with careful follow through after the day, when she continues to assist parties. Fiona is happy to hold non obligatory discussions with potential parties.
Expertise
- Employment & Workplace
- Private Client
- Commercial & Corporate
- Construction, Property & Planning
- Banking, Finance & Insurances
- Public Sector & Governance
- Culture, Lifestyle & Sport
- Equality & Social Justice
- Industry, Energy & Environment
- Healthcare & Personal Matters
- Technology, Media & IP
Specialist CVs
https://learn.cedr.com/hubfs/People/Mediator%20and%20Trainer%20CVs/Fiona%20Colquhoun%20NHS%20&%20Healthcare%20Profile.pdf
https://learn.cedr.com/hubfs/People/Mediator%20and%20Trainer%20CVs/Fiona%20Colquhoun%20Employment%20&%20Workplace.pdf
Languages
- English
- Greek (basic)
- French (intermediate)
Awards
Ranked Band 1 mediator in Chambers Directory since 2020
Ranked Bank 1 mediator and in Hall of Fame Mediator in Legal 500 since 2018
Accredited Coach – Henley Business School , Reading University 2006
CEDR-Accredited commercial Mediator 2003
Graduate AMP Harvard University USA 1995
Winner – European Woman of Achievement
BA Honours History – University of York
Memberships
Fellow of CMC (Civil Mediation Council)
FCIPD - Fellow of Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (retired)
CEDR Chambers
Publications
• Contributor and author of ‘27 Variations of Mediation’ in the Mediator’s tale by Eileen Carroll KC and Dr Karl Mackie CBE
• Contributor and author of chapter in book Effective Conflict Management a publication for the ICSA – Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators
• Co author in article on ‘Mental Health and Mediation’ in the UK mediation Journal
• Contributor to how to master negotiating challenges in mediation – a publication for Business Negotiators
Other CEDR published articles include
• The ‘beginning of the end’ – moving on from difficult disputes
• Managing conflict proactively – a toolkit for organisations in the Organisational Zoo
• Mediation and Employment – Hand in Glove
• Mediation guidelines for employees