Family Justice Minister Sarah Sackman KC MP will deliver the keynote speech when the Family Mediation Council holds its 10-year anniversary conference in London later this week. Over 200 delegates and speakers will attend the one-day event, at The Minster Building on Friday 26 September, marking a decade since the incorporation of the Family Mediation Council (FMC).
Sarah Sackman KC MP, whose Ministry of Justice responsibilities include family justice and legal aid, will share the government’s view of family mediation. Other event highlights include the launch of a newly-commissioned research document, ‘The state of family mediation,’ by Rachael Blakey, Associate Professor at Warwick School of Law.
Family mediators and other professionals working with families are invited to take part in the conference which features presentations and input from a range of expert speakers. There will also be discussion panels, breakout sessions, and Q&As.
Speakers include Audrey Ludwig MBE, Samia Bano, Dr Liza Thompson, Rachael Blakey, Denice Houslin, James Pirrie, Adrienne Cox, Beverley Sayers, Jo O’Sullivan, Louisa Whitney, Caroline Bowden, Sophie Kershaw, Allan Blake, Renee Luthra, Dr. Lesley Allport, Robert Creighton and Simon Bruce.
FMC CEO, Helen Anthony, said
“This will be a busy, vibrant and insightful conference. We will look forward and outward to shape the next ten years of family mediation, working to give families more control of their futures, and their children better life chances.”
“‘The state of family mediation’ report provides a valuable benchmark and shows how far the profession has come in ten years. Awareness of family mediation is higher among the general public and professionals working with families. Access to family mediation is easier for many separating couples, and assurance of family mediation standards provides greater confidence in the quality of services
“The FMC will continue its work to achieve its vision that wherever families live, they can find affordable quality mediation to take control of their futures and give their children better futures too. The conference and the new report give us a great springboard to pursue this vision with renewed vigour as we enter a second decade.”
A few conference places remain, and can be booked at www.familymediationcouncil.org.uk/conference
The FMC is grateful to conference sponsors Unite Mediation Suite and Disputes Mediation for their support.
