2015 National Mediation Awards Launched Today

• Theme of 2015 awards is 'Demonstrating The Impact of Mediation'
• Glittering awards ceremony to be held on 24th September 2015 in central London.
• Nominations will open on Tuesday 5th May 2015.
• 2015 Awards to include a fascinating debate 'Mediation is better for business than litigation'

The National Mediation Awards launched in 2012 by the Professional Mediators' Association (PMA), celebrates the cutting edge of current mediation practice.

Over the past three years, mediation has become a mainstream and credible tool for resolving complex business disputes. Mediation saves businesses time and money. It also reduces the stress that is associated with conflict and creates an environment where parties can develop sustainable and constructive remedies.

This is in stark contrast to adversarial or legal remedies which are expensive and result in a winner and a loser. PMA members demonstrate their commitment to mediation and include British Airways, Lloyds Banking Group, London Borough of Newham, Brandon Trust, Imperial College, amongst many others.

The 2015 National Mediation Awards will highlight the value of non-adversarial and collaborative approaches in conflict resolution. The theme of this year's awards is 'Demonstrating the Impact of Mediation'

Mediation versus litigation – a live debate.

Prior to the awards the PMA will host an exciting and informative Discourse event. This will feature a debate by industry experts on the topic below:

'Mediation is better for businesses than litigation'

The event will end with a glittering awards ceremony celebrating the impact of mediation on business across the UK.

This year's event will take place on Thursday 24th September at a central London location TBC. Watch out for details of our exciting special guest too.

How to nominate

Nominations and bookings for the award categories will be open on Tuesday 5th May. Entrants can nominate themselves or be nominated by another person. More details of the awards are available here

There are 10 exciting categories for this year's awards:

1. Rising Star in mediation
2. Independent mediator of the year
3. Mediation Scheme of the Year
4. Mediation Team of the Year
5. Mediation Champion of the Year
6. Impact award for demonstrating the value of mediation
7. Best practice in Online Dispute Resolution
8. Best Article demonstrating the impact of mediation
9. Best video illustrating the impact of mediation
10. President's award for overall mediation best practice (not open to nominations)

David Liddle, President of the PMA:

"Each of the past winners of the National Mediation Awards has shown a real commitment to resolving disputes constructively and without the need for costly and stressful litigation. The PMA is delighted to have this opportunity to thank them and acknowledge their incredible efforts in resolving tough business disputes."

Previous winners of the prestigious National mediation Awards include:

• Marks and Spencer
• Arcadia
• Lloyds TSB
• Brandon Trust
• Royal Mail Group

Julie Plant, Head of Learning and Development and winner of best newcomer to mediation award in 2014 said:

"As newcomers to mediation we felt really encouraged and supported by the PMA. Were so pleased and excited to be awarded the "Best Newcomer to Mediation". It's going to give our Mediation scheme a real boost and is a testament to the hard work of our newly qualified Mediators. Having our Mediation video Highly commended by the PMA means that we can feel confident that we are giving a meaningful message to our staff about what mediation is and hopefully help them to feel encouraged and safe in the process should they ever need it"

ENDS

Press Contact – for further details, please contact Mercedes Brown, PMA General Manager

E: Mercedes.Brown@professionalmediator.org

T: 020 7092 8840

About the PMA

The PMA is a not for profit trade association dedicated to promoting mediation across all walks of life. The PMA exists to promote excellence in mediation. It works with professional mediators and organisations that use mediation across the UK.

The PMA acts as a hub for professional mediators to share best practice and to develop their skills through regular continuing professional development, networking events and debates.

The PMA has a set of clearly developed practice standards and an exacting competency framework which ensures each member's credibility. The PMA also runs a world class accreditation programme.

The PMA has 4 core values; Informing, Excellence, Transparency and collaboration. Find out more about us here