Ciaran Henderson   |   Communications

Today I was invited to attend an advanced facilitative mediation training session. It was a bit of a shock for me after 2 years of Camden community mediation, which uses the transformative approach. I found myself quite lost for words, and instead of being non-directional as I would usually, I found myself telling them what to think but failing to test the reality of the’clients’ expectations to help them change their perspective. All in all, it was interesting to discover how far removed the approaces are.

I also heard more detail about the upcoming workplace mediation scheme, which will be run by the Civil Mediation Council. This is great news because ne legislation will make it more or less mandatory for employers to consider mediation as a means of solving workplace disputes. I was surprised to hear that a workplace mediation company needs only 2 mediators to become established. Maybe there’ll be a chance for me to establish or join one after graduation.

Another unexpected pleasure was meeting 2 of the people who I had originally taken my certification course with.

Amy Meadows organised a really lovely Valentines’ reunion for a gaggle of girls from my year at school, with our other halves and mini-me’s – it really was a sight to behold.

Gorgeous Girlie Gaggle

We had a pot-luck lunch – very brave of amy to have 30 people coming for a meal and nothing on the cooker but a casserole – which turned into a sumptuous feast as more people arrived with goodies. It was a real treat to see beloved school friends with their children, especially a few who I hadn’t seen since I left.. 15 years ago!

Our fantastic client Olga of Hot Bikram Yoga, commissioned Mark to design a Smart Car Wrap with her company branding.

Even the scratchy photos we have look stunning – can’t wait for the drive-by

Having started my LLM with the intention simply to pass if I could, I’ve had some wonderful news about my coursework. Provisional results for my first semester essays are in, and I am averaging just below a distinction… Now I’ll have to redouble my efforts for my thesis!

Muddy - Dusty

Our two new playmates arrived today. They are very tiny and a little bemused, but we are going to love them as best as we are able. We have given them a cosy bed, a deluxe litter tray and will put rescue remedy/ flower essences in thier water until they settle into their new home.

This morning I went along to Camden Town Hall, for an interview to join the panel of approved prospective Labour Councillors for election in 2010.

I was pleased to hear that they liked what I had to say, and I have been successful in joining the panel. Now I must see if I can actually be selected as an election candidate for one of the Camden Wards.

My cousin James married his long-time sweetheart today at a beautiful civil cermony in Wimbledon… In their own words – about bloody time! Surrounded by family & friends, in the gorgeous setting of Cannizaro House, it was a wonderful wedding-day spectacular.

Today I joined David Richbell and 4 other mediators in giving a training presentation to the Treasury Solicitors Office. We were all involved in a role-play demonstration of a workplace/ redundancy dispute, which David mediated.

The presentation was a great success, and the attendees were stimulated to learn a new approach. For me, it was also a useful opportunity to network with some experienced International & Commercial mediators – unearthing a surprising number of close connections with colleagues of mine.

I’m finally starting my LLM International Commercial Dispute Resolution – Masters at Law degree.

The University of Westminster is 20 mins walk from my house which is great, and I have a series of lectus to Induct me to the Masters programme, my course, study of Law, and the University facilities.

It all seems to be really well organised – with the LLM students gathered in the main hall for 3 days of presentations covering every aspect of what we need to know.

A lovely coincidence on the first day, found me sitting next to one of the 15 other people on my individual course – a French Law graduate, called Marie.

This is a very exciting day and I’m really excited!

I had a fascinating lunch with David Richbell, whom I had met when he spoke at the CMC Conference. With the conversation ranging from Mediterranean Hideaways to Inter-Faith Mediation, and levels of accreditation to Skype phones, we barely had time to eat. It was very affirming to speak at length with a successful and established mediator who has no legal background. Hopefully the first of many.