Carolyn Graham

Since becoming accredited with CEDR in 2002, I have specialised in workplace and employment disputes, conducting many hundreds of mediations across all sectors and organisational sizes. I pride myself on being flexible and adaptable in both style and setting - working practices and workplace environments have changed beyond recognition over the last decade, making the way mediation is delivered more important than ever. I’ve mediated online and in person, in locker rooms, pub back rooms, public gardens, and even while walking through a graveyard. I am comfortable working at any level, in any sector, and with any organisational structure. I conduct two-party, multi-party, and team mediations and have experience supporting parties where mental ill-health or neurodiversity are significant factors. Drawing on my 25-year career at director level in the arts and cultural industries, I bring first-hand insight into the realities of managing people, navigating interpersonal dynamics, and balancing organisational pressures. This practical experience enables me to connect quickly with parties and understand the context in which workplace conflict develops. I bring a calming influence to difficult conversations and help people focus on what truly matters. I’m friendly and approachable, yet not afraid to support parties in tackling the difficult heart of the matter. I offer empathy, focus, strong process management, encouragement, pragmatism, and — importantly — plenty of stamina and optimism. My approach balances the need to explore past events within a firmly future-focused framework, helping people to feel heard and to move forward constructively and with a positive mindset.