Amanda Bucklow

I was recently described as a ‘career mediator’ and I find that description particularly apt. I have been a full-time commercial mediator for over 14 years. I mediate internationally and believe that mediation belongs at the heart of our businesses and organisations because it truly crosses borders, both cultural and geographical. Mediation is a process that can be flexed enough to deliver in a way that the legal process cannot.

I am also very committed to developing the mediation profession as distinct and modern. I have spent a good deal of time researching and developing competency and training and new models of understanding about what it is that we do that makes 8 out of 10 mediations end in settlement. For the last four years I have been developing the use of mediation in public policy and applying mediation to areas traditionally considered unsuitable for mediation.

In my ’spare’ time you will find me out and about with my camera and occasionally I might post images here which I think mediators might find interesting! It is a small personal indulgence and of course if they get bad reviews I can always delete them! I find photography is very similar to mediation – it requires focus, editing, perspective, illumination (lighting), instinct and the ability to reframe the familiar in a way that is new and engaging.

I also wanted to design something that could be international. You will find a new style language translation on this site. Automatic translation is not always perfect but with this tool it is possible for contributors to the site to edit the translations. To see the site and all the comments in the language of your choice just click on the flag. If you see something that is not well translated you can click the button in the post to edit the translation (not the original post.)

Also on this blog you can

• subscribe to an RSS feed and have highlights delivered to your feedreeder without your
• sign up for a daily summary by email so you can quickly glance at the topics and comments to see if there is anything that you want to read.
• post a comment or upload a conference programme or provide a link to an interesting article.
• view video interviews with leading mediators – more are in the pipeline from the Master Classes and Debates.
• find good articles, links to other interesting web sites.
• view and add to a calendar of events
• post your cv and availability as an assistants, and
• new mediators can upload a brief profile.

The site will created by those who use it. My role is as a facilitator, contributor and occasionally I may have to ‘arbitrate’ in the case of inappropriate material!

If you have any ideas then please add your post! You can post in confidence. There is a requirement to register if you wish to post so that the site is protected from spammers and other internet terrors. Your details will not be used for any other purpose and the process is very simple.

Most of all – please spread the word.

Amanda