CMDS

 RAPID MEDIATION RESPONSE UNIT (RMRU)

RMRU was launched as a pilot for Bexley, Bromley and Greenwich Mediation Services on 2 November 2009. It is hoped that it will demonstrate an increased level of positive outcomes because parties to a dispute are offered access to mediation directly by the skilled mediators who will be handling their case within 24 hours of the incident. Referrals have ranged from warring private tenants to racial harassment. It is hoped that the commercial case for the long-term funding of this pilot will be evidenced by a reduction in man hours expended per case by the various stakeholders because prevention is better (and cheaper) than cure!

CONFLICT RESOLUTION SKILLS TRAINING FOR SCHOOLS

Secondary schools: This course is delivered to students aged 12-18 years old. It is comprised of 8 hours contact time with students in their peer groups within school-time. Conflict reducing communication skills are developed and students are encouraged to accept responsibility for the outcome(s) of their choices of language and behaviour in a given situation which has triggered conflict within their friendships or familial relationships. Sessions are tailored according to the needs and abilities of students across the educational spectrum so that all students can derive specific benefit to suit their needs. A 12 hour course will be provided to follow on from the student-centred course during school holidays so that the student and their families can improve their familial relationships through an enhanced level of communication.