In this edition:-
- Case study – Parking Disputes
- Top Tips
- Membership information
- Meet the Team
- Upcoming Training & Events
Case Study: Parking Dispute and the Role of Mediation in Anti-Social Behaviour
Context
In a recent ASB case involving a neighbour dispute, tensions arose over parking arrangements. The disagreement was between an owner-occupier and a tenant in the adjoining property. The owner-occupier expressed frustration over the tenant’s parking practices, which they felt were inconsiderate and disruptive. Despite efforts to resolve the issue independently, communication between the two parties became increasingly strained. This escalated the situation, turning what could have been a simple discussion into a source of stress and resentment for both parties.
Parking, as an emotive issue, often brings out strong feelings in people, especially when personal space and convenience are involved. In this case, the emotional investment of each party in maintaining their routine and sense of control over their environment only fuelled the conflict. Left unchecked, situations like these can quickly escalate, with neighbours potentially resorting to legal measures or involving authorities over what might initially seem like a minor inconvenience.
Role of Mediation
In such cases, mediation could have been an invaluable tool. By facilitating an open, non-judgmental conversation, mediation provides a platform where both parties can express their concerns and work toward a mutually agreeable solution. This approach not only saves time and resources but also helps maintain neighbourhood harmony, preserving a sense of community. Importantly, it can prevent minor grievances from escalating into costly legal battles, offering both parties a chance to rebuild trust and reach a practical, respectful agreement.
Mediation in neighbour disputes like these highlights the potential for resolution outside the courts, focusing on collaboration and empathy over legal confrontation.
Top Tips to maintain positive relationships
5 Top Tips for conflict free gatherings
1. Set clear expectations
Uncertainty and miscommunication are leading causes of conflict. Consider and communicate your plans and expectations early. Whether it’s about budgets, who’s running things, or schedule for the day, avoid surprises that can lead to disagreements.
2. Take a breath before responding
Give yourself time to respond. If there is tension in the moment, take a breath. If you can give yourself more time by saying ‘can I get back to you’? that’s even better. Use the time to plan your reply so you can consider everyone’s needs and respond calmly.
3. Focus on what matters
Consider what your non-negotiables are. Then you can choose to let other more minor irritations go.
4. Give everyone a voice.
Remember the principle of ‘fair process’. Explanation – make sure everyone knows what’s going on Engagement – involving people in decisions by giving them an opportunity to input Expectation clarity – everyone knows what they can expect, and what is expected of them
5. Know when to step away
If tensions are rising, giving yourself some space to step away can help diffuse tension. In mediation, calling breaks is a strategy that is really effective in breaking tension and refocusing on what really matters.
BRAND NEW ADR Membership
Join ADR
Working within a sector that deals with conflict on a daily basis, whether that be neighbour, community, workplace or civil, we know that every case is different and brings different challenges, approaches and solutions. These include mediation, conflict coaching, restorative practice and restorative justice, to name just a few. To help organisations keep up to date on the latest techniques, tips and best practice we have created a membership site which gives you access to ongoing professional development.
Our membership:
- Helps organisations dealing with disputes and conflicts
- Gives access to services to resolve individual, interpersonal and group conflicts
- Gives access to support and guidance through events, resources and training
- 24/7 access to support through our online portal
- Provides a supportive network of peers and experts
Being a member of ADR allows organisations to demonstrate the standards they work to when dealing with disputes and conflicts arriving at resolutions efficiently and effectively.
Benefits
- Access to free events and training
- Discounts on paid training
- Topics of interest such as drug and alcohol misuse, mental health
- Discounts on paid services offered by ADR and partners
- Dispute resolution surgeries
- Free review of dispute resolution policies and procedures
- Understanding and access to a range of dispute resolution methods
Tools & Resources
- Case studies (customer and organisation)
- Advanced techniques for tricky scenarios
- Full training videos
- Bite-sized training videos
- Guides on services available
- Information for customers
- Top tips
- How to guides
- Referral packs
Who can benefit from the Membership?
- Housing providers
- Local authorities
- Police & PCC’s
- Legal firms
- Anyone dealing with disputes and conflicts
Fees
Membership entitles an unlimited number of colleagues to access per organisation
- £999 upfront for 12months or
- £100 per month
We will also be launching an INDIVIDUAL membership, beneficial for anyone working as conflict resolution practitioners. Fore more information about this and the organisational membership contact us here. Or call 01772 954602
Meet the Team – Tony, Professional Mediator
I have accrued a vast amount of knowledge delivering training worldwide in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, the US and the UK. My skill set in delivering Conflict Management/Resolution to a wide variety of students and management teams, a substantial amount within the Security Industry and with NGOs worldwide. I am a great believer in having the ability to be an avid listener whilst being non-judgmental in all aspects of development to a wide audience. Proud to be a Forces Veteran with the British Army with 23 years’ service. Culminating as a Warrant Officer.
My expertise is quite diverse as follows, Close Protection, First Aid instructor, H&S, Fire Safety, Physical Intervention, Developing Training Programmes and Project Management. I like to make a difference to those that wish to develop their career, also within the training path, conflict is a major part of the training delivery. I am very passionate about ensuring that I deliver Mediation in a professional and positive way that brings together those that require moving forward with a purpose to resolve their conflict.
Through mediation my main values are to be an avid listener, using empathy and having the ability to be able to connect to the parties involved to ensure they are listened to and through professional mediation assist the parties involved to move forward to a solution whereby they feel more contented having resolved their conflict. I am very passionate about conducting mediation to help resolve conflict situations.
Outside of work, my wonderful wife and I enjoy having our 2 young grandsons most weekends along with our 3 dogs and 3 cats that were all rescued from Africa whilst we were based in Malawi. We have some wonderful scenery outside of our back door overlooking the Old Fishwick Golf course and the River Ribble, which is great for dog walks, our cat Tiggy goes for walks with the dogs and torments them the whole way round.
My wife Susan and I built an orphanage in Lilongwe, Malawi where we took 30 kids off the street and gave them schooling and a place to live, this is still running today now with over 60 kids from as young as 12 months old. The orphanage is now self-sufficient and grows its own food and sells of surplus, we installed teachers and a House daddy who keeps us updated with the progress. We also receive emails, WhatsApp and Facebook messages of the kids singing for us. This is a massive, feelgood feeling for Sue and I.
Upcoming Training & Events
We’ve got a packed training programme for 2025, including free sessions, webinars, accredited courses and much more. Register for your place today:
- 14th April, Mediation Skills for HR
- 21st May, Conflict Resolution Skills for CJS
- 22nd May, Conflict Resolution Skills for CJS
- 22nd May, Conflict Resolution Skills for Education & Housing
To find out more about our training or to make suggestions about what else you would like us to include in our training programme, please get in touch and share your thoughts. Message us here.
The post Welcome to our Newsletter – Edition 2, March 2025 appeared first on ADR Mediation & Training.
