As part of a full conference programme, we have break out sessions in the morning and again in the afternoon.
You can express a preference for sessions, let us choose for you, or opt to have an extra break with networking during that time. Please see details of the break out sessions below, and submit your preference to us by the end of the day on Monday 22 September 2025.
Morning Break Out Sessions
- Improving the experience of immigrant families in family mediation with Renee Luthra, Professor of Sociology, University of Essex. A founding Director of the Essex Centre for Migration Studies, Renee is leading current research on the Nuffield funded study Immigrant Families in the Family Justice System and will share insights from research to help mediators understand consequences of international migration for immigrants and their descendants, in the context of family justice.
- Avoiding and handling complaints with independent members of the FMSB Bola Olayinka and Anthony Blackman and FMCA mediators Michelle Sh’lomo and Mike Stepan. The FMSB operates a final stage complaints system for complaints about FMC Registered Mediators. Bola, Anthony, Michelle and Mike will share their reflections as members of the the FMSB’s complaints panels to help mediators to try to avoid complaints and handle them well if they arise.
- Starting with the customer with Mike Mack, CEO of the Family Mediation Trust and Evette Pottinger, Head of Marketing & Business Development, Family Law in Partnership. Mike and Evette discuss ways of putting the needs of the customer first, and how this makes good business sense.
Afternoon Break Out Sessions
- The changing business of family mediation and public provision with independent FMC director Allan Blake and FMCA mediator Rebecca Hawkins. Allan and Rebecca explore the changing nature of public funding, managing legal aid and the voucher scheme.
- The future of the FMC Code of Practice with FMSB member Lesley Allport and former FMC director Caroline Bowden. Lesley and Caroline lead a discussion about the way in which the Code of Practice benefits the public and potential improvements to this.
- The future of supervision and assurance with FMSB Chair Robert Creighton, FMC director Alison Bull and FMSB member Lorraine Bramwell. Robert, Lorraine and Alison share their thoughts and lead an exploration of the the role of PPCs, and the extent and scope of assurance mechanisms for the mediation profession.
