Iain Christie

Accredited as a civil and commercial, workplace and family mediator, I use a variety of skills to help participants get what they need out of the mediation process and ensure that they leave in a better place than when they arrived. Over my 20 year career as a mediator I have successfully settled disputes ranging from harrassment or bullying in the workpace to high value claims between companies - all are important to the people involved. I draw on my ten year's experience as a lawyer in HM Diplomatic Service negotiating on behalf of the UK Government in international treaty negotiations at the United Nations and Council of Europe and on my experience as a barrister specialising in media law. Between 2020 - 2022 I returned to Govenment as the Lord Chancellor's Policy Fellow and drew up a 10 point plan for integrating mediation in to the civil justice system. This Dispute Resolution Strategy led to the formation of a specialist unit within the Ministry of Justice to implement it. I combine my practice as a mediator with a career as an executive coach, trainer and profesional facilitator, delivering training on communcation and leadership skills to international organisations. I have a particular interest in ensuring high ethical standards for mediators. I was Secretary of the Civil Mediation Council for 10 years and chair of of its Complaints and Discipline Committee. In recognition of my long-standing commitment in this area I was invited to be the inaugural chair of its Mediation Standards Board.