Newly-appointed Chair of The Family Mediation Council (FMC) says he is determined to raise awareness of the positive impact of family mediation, claiming the process remains a “relatively well-kept secret.”
Stephen Burke takes up the role on Wednesday 12th June, beginning his duties by chairing a meeting of the decision-making Board of the FMC, the home of regulated family mediation in England and Wales. He said:
“I’m really looking forward to working with the FMC, its member organisations and boards, and family mediators across the country. Despite its positive impact on the lives of many separating couples, their children and wider families, family mediation is still a relatively well-kept secret.
Together we can further raise awareness of family mediation and its value to families and society, and ensure that it gets due recognition as well as effective regulation, standards and funding.”
For eight years Stephen Burke was Chair of Trustees of Norfolk Family Mediation Service, overseeing its growth and merger to create The Family Mediation Trust. He is CEO of two charitable foundations linked to Hallmark Care Homes: the Hallmark Foundation, which focuses on ageing well and improving care, and the Goyal Foundation, which focuses on empowering children, young people and women to tackle disadvantage in the UK and abroad.
Stephen is also director of United for All Ages, an intergenerational think tank, and is on the board of several charities. Previously he has been Chief Executive of national care charities and a public sector leader in local government, NHS and housing.
Outgoing FMC Chair, John Taylor, stood down last month following eight years in the role. Stephen Burke thanked John Taylor for his work and leadership of the FMC and overseeing its growth and development as a champion of family mediation.
