Gillian Caroe
Mediator
Short Introduction
I became a mediator because I witnessed first-hand the devastating cost of conflict to people and organisations. Having spent years in international business at Mars Inc, I understand commercial pressures while recognising that even the toughest contractual disputes have people at their centre. I'm passionate about helping parties move from negative, entrenched positions to creative, practical resolution that enables them to move forward successfully.
Testimonials
About Work
I've been mediating since 2004 and am a CEDR-Accredited Core Mediator with extensive commercial mediation experience. My background includes hundreds of successful interventions across banking & finance, commercial contracts, construction & engineering, insurance, professional negligence, and partnership disputes. My corporate experience at Mars Inc, where I held UK, European and global roles, provides deep understanding of business imperatives and commercial decision-making. This enables me to quickly grasp complex commercial issues while addressing the human elements that often drive disputes. I specialise in multi-million pound commercial cases and have mediated disputes involving major law firms including DAC Beachcroft, Weightmans, Simmons & Simmons, and Eversheds Sutherland.
My approach combines commercial acumen with strong interpersonal skills, creating safe spaces for authentic dialogue while maintaining settlement-focused drive. Feedback consistently highlights my ability to tackle volatile issues while making parties feel secure, my sustained energy throughout challenging sessions, and my skill in finding creative solutions that might not emerge in court. I'm particularly effective where ongoing commercial relationships matter, helping parties not just resolve disputes but restore working partnerships.
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
Languages
- English
- Italian
- French (intermediate)
Awards
Other Awards
Fellow of the Civil Mediation Council Civil & Commercial Mediation (2021)
Fellow of the Civil Mediation Council Employment and Workplace Mediation (2021)
Workplace Mediator of the Year, National Mediation Awards, House of Commons (2022)
Associate Fellowship of Higher Education (AFHEA) (2023)
Ranked in Chambers & Partners and Legal 500 Directories (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025)
Accreditations:
Negotiation Skills (Stitt, Feld, Handy 2004)
Civil and Commercial Mediation (CEDR, 2005)
Employment and Workplace Mediation (OCN, 2015)
Faith Disputes Mediation (BIMA/CMC, 2017)
Intergenerational Mediation (Mediation Plus, 2020)
Transformational Coaching (ILM, 2015)
Memberships
CEDR Core Mediator
Fellow of the Civil Mediation Council
Fellow of the Civil Mediation Council
Publications
Featured contributor to "The Spirit at Work Phenomenon" (Azure 2004)
CEDR Mediation Insights Podcast series on Workplace Mediation (6 episodes, 2022)
Various speaking engagements including CMC Conference keynote speeches and BBC Radio.