Mediate 2026

At the heart of every conflict lies a relationship, whether between colleagues, business partners, family members, communities, or institutions. Equally, the process of mediation does more than resolve disputes; it influences how parties see one another, communicate, and move forward together. This conference explores the dynamic and reciprocal connection between relationships and mediation, examining how each shapes and transforms the other.

Bringing together mediators, conflict resolution practitioners, legal professionals, academics, organisational leaders, and policymakers, the event will provide a platform for learning, dialogue, and innovation. Through keynote presentations, panel discussions, interactive workshops, and case studies, participants will explore the human dimensions of conflict and the powerful role mediation plays in fostering understanding, trust, and constructive engagement.

This event offers an opportunity to connect with peers, share experiences, and contribute to a deeper understanding of mediation's role in strengthening relationships and building more collaborative, resilient communities.

We’re not online this year and will be fully focussed on the discussions in the room. It’s a great chance to meet other mediators, learn from other’s best practice and perhaps to make some new relationships yourself.

Speakers (more to be confirmed):

Laura Kerbey - Author, Speaker and Specialist Education Consultant - Relationships, Mediation & Neurodiversity

With more than 25 years' experience working with autistic and neurodivergent children, young people, families and professionals. An established expert in autism, ADHD and Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), Laura combines extensive professional expertise with lived experience of neurodivergence, bringing warmth, humour and practical insight to complex and often misunderstood subjects.

Professor Bryan Clark

Bryan Clark is Professor and Head of the Law School at Lancaster University. Prior to joining Lancaster, he was course leader of the IMI Accredited, LLM in Mediation and International Commercial Dispute Resolution at Newcastle University. Co-Editor in Chief of the Mediation Theory and Practice Journal, his teaching and research interests fall mainly in the areas of civil justice, mediation and dispute resolution. He is former Chair of the Accreditation and Validation Panel at Relationships Scotland, former Trustee of Scottish Mediation and currently Vice President of the Family Mediators Association. He won the ADR Academic of the Year prize at the 2024 National Mediation Awards.

Brian's Session - AI and The Humanity of Mediation

The use of AI in many parts of our lives has accelerated rapidly over recent years. Mediation practice has not been immune from this impact, with AI use across many aspects of the process progressing rapidly. In this paper, I discuss the impact of AI use on mediation, the human aspects of mediator practice that are central to relational repair, and how increasing use of AI might shape the process in ways that are suboptimal.