Just attended the CEDR course on mediation skills, fantastic course with intelligent teaching and coaching from experienced mediators.

Mediation is a dispute resolution method which allows the parties involved to reach their own solution, something which should be looked at very seriously in the increasing environment of litigation and the new ACAS code for dispute resolution further emphasising the need for mediation as a dispute resolution method.

My reasons for getting involved in mediation is that I believe that this is an intelligent and quick way to allow all parties to be heard and listened to in a safe enviroment. Quick - as most mediations resolve on the day or in the days after. Court and legal process can take months even years. Reducing the emotional impact rather than increasing it and entrenching parties in their positions.

I hope to practice soon, the course is very exacting and there is still written assessments after two assessment days - CEDR take their accreditation very seriously!

I just got out of the habit of saying DTI (department of trade and Industry) and now BERR (Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform) is becoming BIS (Business, Innovation and Skills). BERR joins with DIUS (Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills) which in the press release should “create a single department committed to building Britain’s future economic strengths”. The last re-brand cost the Government a total of £218,063, I imagine the cost this time is likely to be inflated over the cost two years ago.

Will there be cost savings in removing any duplication or possible redundancies?

I like the fact that the higher education sector will be brought closer to the world of commerce and industry, as a recruiter I see many graduates poorly prepared for the actual work they are supposed to be trained to carry out.

Interestingly the first item mentioned on the Government’s press release is “Advocate the needs of business across government, especially of UK small businesses” which is a nod towards the huge SME sector of the UK economy.

We shall see what occurs in practice…

When working for a large design and construction company, I went on a site visit to South Wales. A grievance from the guys was a lack of good quality, high factor sun screen. They requested that the Company provide the sunscreen as it was costing them a “fortune” to stay safe in the sunshine whilst working.

Request accepted, Factor 30 bought at local Boots.

A quick win for the Company and definately supporting their health and safety at work.