At The Society of Mediators, our mission is to provide world-class mediation training that empowers individuals and organisations to resolve conflicts effectively. We believe in fostering a culture of understanding and collaboration through expert guidance and resources.
The Society of Mediators offers training in skill sets that can be applied in both professional and private capacities. Active listening, neutral engagement and consistent focus are key components of our training and are indispensable, whether you pursue a career in mediation, or use this training to enhance your performance in your chosen field.
Our faculty are a diverse and brilliant group of qualified mediators from all over the world. Their areas of expertise cover a wide variety of applications from the creative arts to corporate wrangling, so our graduates have access to a unique network of experience when they achieve their international accreditation. Meet them individually
Jonathan Dingle is a renowned international mediator, mentor, and faculty leader. He founded the Civil Mediation Council and the Society of Mediators, where he serves as Courses Director and Faculty Leader. With over 3,000 mediations across the UK, Europe, South Africa, and the USA/Caribbean, Jonathan specializes in resolving complex commercial, civil, relationship, and workplace disputes, including sensitive international cases. His recent work includes restorative justice mediation in Johannesburg and developing access to resolution in the Mediterranean.
Jonathan’s background includes a career in the Royal Navy and service as Judge Advocate before transitioning into conflict resolution, with a focus on relationship issues and military-related disputes. He is a barrister, arbitrator, and holds prestigious qualifications such as FRSA, FSOM, FAOASA, and MCIArb.
Known for his non-judgemental and incisive approach, Jonathan is highly respected for his ability to achieve durable resolutions. He has contributed to the bestselling Practical Mediation and writes on ADR.
Based in London, he frequently works in Greece, Gibraltar, South Africa, and the Caribbean. When not mediating, Jonathan enjoys spending time with his grandsons and exploring the world on motorcycles.
Ruby Sandhu is an international lawyer (solicitor of the senior courts of England and Wales), accredited mediator and facilitator. Her legal expertise includes international law in developing and emerging countries with developing expertise in sustainability and animal law. Ruby specialises in mediating international, community and commercial disputes, demonstrating her versatility and adaptability. Ruby’s approach to mediation is marked by sensitivity, empathy and empowerment, unparalleled listening skills, emotional intelligence, and an adeptness at conflict resolution techniques. She is an authentic communicator and leverages this to facilitate dialogue and build trust. Ruby believes in addressing challenges swiftly to prevent escalation and into costly litigation, emphasising the importance of communication, collaboration and creative problem solving in achieving beneficial outcomes. Ruby is committed to advancing access to justice and has dedicated many years to pro-bono work in the UK. Internationally this includes in her role as the Vice-Chair of the Solicitor International Human Rights Group, UNICEF Committees and as a Trustee of the Society of Mediators. Ruby was recently elected as the Chair of the Society of Mediators; she has been an integral and active member of the Society since 2011 as a faculty member and trustee.
Lucy is a faculty member of the Society of Mediators and regularly tutors and assesses delegates in both Civil and Commercial Foundation and Workplace and Employment courses and is beginning her journey training in family mediation which is particularly close to her heart. She has trained students in the law faculties of UCL and Northumbria University. She is directly instructed by clients in a very broad range of matters with recent mediations including music publishing rights, investor/start-up fundraise, fashion and global usage rights, landlord and tenant, probate and inheritance. She also regularly mediates in circumstances where the participants cannot afford mediation on the The Free Mediation Service; the very valuable pro bono work that The Society of Mediators provides which offers accessible mediation for all, both in person at The Royal Courts of Justice in London and online. As part of her commitment to community cohesion, Lucy has been developing and researching restorative justice models to use both in the UK and other jurisdictions. She has a clear knowledge of rehabilitation systems and is looking forward to creating further dialogue circles internationally. Lucy is a registered member of the Civil Mediation Council.
Leah Brown is an inspiring polymath, mediator, changemaker, and educator who hosts The Longest Day podcast and is a regular member of the Faculty.
Having qualified as a mediator seven years ago, Leah works worldwide, including with the Society in South Africa, to promote and develop mediation. She is also a regular solo and co-mediator with and excellent record of inspiring collaborative conversations. Leah will encourage and inspire you to embrace mediation and change.