Lesley qualified as a mediator with Family Matters (FMM) in 2017. Since then, she has developed considerable experience and expertise in all aspects of mediation, particularly financial mediation and mediating complex financial cases to agreement.
Family Matters is a training mediation practice and since qualifying as a mediator, Lesley has supported at least six mediators, coworking with them to develop their practice and knowledge as part of training to be Family Mediation Council (FMC) mediators.
In describing her decision to train as a PPC, Lesley said:
“Over the years I have developed a deep respect for the support and enthusiasm of a PPC and found myself more and more drawn to conversations with fellow practitioners, exploring questions, sharing challenges and reflecting thoughtfully on case complexities.
What influenced my decision in taking the next step is mainly my peers – my growing involvement in group supervision meetings in the practice I work with and recognising that other mediators do listen to my views and value my experience and perspective.
My career in research and advertising has moved from – ‘to speak so others would listen’ – to mediation, where the aim is ‘listen so others can speak’. My future goal as a professional practice consultant [PPC], is to help others develop those same skills [plus lots more], and to navigate the fine balance between neutrality and leadership, and empathy and accountability.
This next chapter is not about having all the answers, but about creating space for reflective dialogue, ethical thinking, and professional growth for myself and others. I am ready to support, to challenge, to listen and to learn. And I now see this step, not as a departure from what I’ve been doing, but as a natural evolution of it.”
Juliette Dalrymple, FMM director said:
“Lesley’s clients comment on her calm and assured manner. She is conscientious, thorough and has excellent attention to detail. She is patient and constructive and provides helpful feedback to clients and training mediators alike. This combination means that any training mediator or consultee will be lucky to have her as their PPC. I am delighted she has been successful in training to become a PPC.”
