news

December 2005

Stop Press!

 

Mediation Training

The Early Bird discount for our next Mediation Skills Training course in March and April expires on 30 December……

Already, we have a good number of registrations for this, our flagship course: click here to read more below…………..

 

Review of 2005

As 2005 draws to a close, this seems a good time to thank all of those who have supported and contributed to the Core initiatives – and to review what has been an outstanding year for Core…………..

 

Mediations

The demand for Core’s mediation services has increased by approximately 150% this year, bringing as many mediations as in all previous years put together, in locations throughout Scotland and also in London and elsewhere in England - and next week in Geneva. So far the total number of mediation days undertaken by Core’s mediators this year amounts to over 65.    

 

Most of the leading law firms now use mediation in appropriate cases; major users also include insurers and leading banks. An increasing number of board room and management issues are being mediated in order to prevent escalation…………..increasing use of our mediators and facilitators at early stages of projects and contracts seems likely to be a growing trend…….

 

Decision-Makers

The Draft EU Directive, increasing judicial interest and encouragement, active Scottish Executive support for mediation, the recent review issued by the Scottish Consumer Council and changes to JCT and SBCC Standard Building Contracts to introduce mediation all indicate that decision-makers understand more and more the benefits of mediation. Perhaps equally encouraging is that law firms, public sector authorities, financial institutions and major corporate bodies are all sending people to be trained in mediation so that they can use the process knowledgeably when required.

 

There is world-wide interest in, and use of, mediation in business, reflecting a general trend towards effective and quick problem-solving: click here to read a piece published recently in The Scotsman newspaper….….

 

Training

On the coaching and training side, we have worked with a wide range of fascinating groups throughout the United Kingdom, Ireland and elsewhere, covering mediation, managing differences, constructive communications, questioning techniques and negotiation …………. these include three of Scotland’s largest financial institutions, UK Sport, the Scottish and Jersey Parliaments, the Equal Opportunities Commission, Audit Scotland, several law firms (in-house, on away days and in open courses), the Judicial Studies Committee and the Faculty of Advocates (court room advocacy remains part of the Core portfolio!)……...another feature in The Scotsman expands on some of these………….click here

 

2006

Looking ahead to 2006, we shall be making early announcements about our enhanced panel of mediators, coaches and facilitators, our support for youth development in a Scottish sport and other new initiatives to encourage greater use of independent third parties to help manage differences…….. and invitations to conduct projects in Malawi, Moscow, Jersey, and Turin are all in the planning stage……

 

Core Team

Last week, we welcomed Lisa Garrow as our new Executive Administrator, taking over from and expanding the role fulfilled by Lynne Davies. Lisa comes to us with a wealth of experience in the legal and business worlds – and is Core’s first point of contact on 0131 221 2520 and lisa.garrow@core-solutions.com.

 

Festive Good Wishes

We in Core would like to wish you all a very happy Christmas and a healthy and prosperous new year. In accordance with our usual practice, rather than sending cards this year, we are making a donation to Scottish International Relief, an inspiring charity which brings relief to children in some of the world’s poorest communities.

 

Mediation Skills Training and Mediator Assessment

 

Early Bird discount available until 30 December 2005 – click here to register or call 0131 221 2520: full details on www.core-solutions.com

 

Module 1: Dealing with Differences and Disputes Using Mediation

Monday 27 to Thursday 30 March 2006

Core’s next mediation course will be led by our highly experienced team of coaches and mediators, drawn from throughout the UK.  The course is designed to enhance our understanding of how to deal effectively and quickly with differences and disputes in a variety of settings, from the workplace to litigation to commerce.  In particular, the course places emphasis on the role of the independent facilitator or mediator.

·         Who Participates?

In recent courses, participants have come from a variety of backgrounds from throughout the UK and Ireland: construction, sport, surveying, engineering, architecture, local government, corporate, accountancy, the health services, higher education, the legal profession and judiciary, financial services, human resources, housing and the civil service. We have welcomed senior executives, including those with commercial, HR and other management roles. 

Participants have found the courses to be valuable from a personal and professional perspective, and have commented on the relevance of mediation training for all those who take a lead in resolving disputes, managing claims or complaints and dealing with differences.

·         Why Core?

·         Specialist coaching in each practical workshop throughout the course

·         High participant : coach ratio

·         One to one video feedback

·         Over 28 hours of high level interactive CPD

·         More time to learn new approaches

·         Value for money

·         What They Say

“The course was one of the best training courses I have ever been on.” Denise Loney, Semple Fraser

 

“Excellent course. Entertainingly presented with high quality trainers. Has given me more cause for thought than most other courses I have attended. I increasingly became convinced over the course that mediation can and does work.” Alan McGregor, Cairn Energy

 

“Quite the best I have been on. I was genuinely very impressed.  I can see that the techniques we were being taught were used in the conception and delivery of the course itself.” Jim McLean, Burness

 

“I enjoyed the course, and feel that it was a most useful exercise in general as well as in relation to mediation in particular. I wish to express my appreciation to you and all your colleagues for the excellent way in which you conducted the whole course. You made a learning experience a pleasure!” Donald Campbell, Advocate

 

“I found the course exhilarating, extremely hard work and most thought provoking. This course has been far more useful as it concentrated very much on my development as well as giving me the opportunity of benefiting from others’ experiences.” Anne Muirhead, Price Waterhouse Coopers

 

Mediator Assessment Module (optional)

Wednesday 19 to Friday 21 April 2006

This module is optional for all those who wish to undergo Core’s assessment process for mediators.  This involves two formal assessment days preceded by a practice day, successful completion of which will entitle the participant to receive Core’s highly valued Certificate of Competence in basic mediation skills. 

·         Approximately 20 Hours CPD

(CPD hours carry an additional 25% for active participation: Law Society of Scotland)

 

For fuller details of the course and a registration form, please contact Kevin Paterson (kevin.paterson@core-solutions.com or 0131 221 2520) or to view the course prospectus click here

 

Click below to read previous editions of Core News

 

October 2005

September 2005

Summer 2005

February 2005

 

For more information about Core's activities and to view earlier editions of Core News, please contact Core or visit our website at:

 

www.core-solutions.com

 

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