My name is Laura Gilchrist
An experienced independent mediator, facilitator and trainer, based in Manchester. I’m a conflict specialist.
I support businesses, organisations and individuals to resolve conflicts and disputes.
I can help if you’re:
An individual
Feeling stuck and stressed in a workplace relationship
Part of a team
In an organisation going through change or challenging times
Frustrated
By an issue and tensions are running high
Involved
In a long-term conflict that’s gone on for too long
Looking for training
To improve communication skills and increase employee productivity
My priority is to support individuals and teams through challenging situations and reach a resolution that’s agreeable to all parties.
Services
Training
A trainer and consultant, I develop and deliver mediation and communication skills training courses to a range of organisations, including school peer mediation schemes and in-house mediation schemes for large organisations.
Training themes include:
Mediation
Disagreements can be opportunities for change, growth and breakthrough. I provide mediation to a range of organisations and individuals including:
Facilitation
As an independent facilitator I create environments where everyone is heard and key concerns are addressed. In times of crisis and change I facilitate conversations to enhance performance and preserve relationships between:
Schools
Onsite training that builds emotional intelligence and boosts self-esteem amongst primary school children. I help schools to create a nurturing learning environment and tackle any pastoral care or behavioural issues.
My qualifications and experience
Bridge Builders
Trained by Bridge Builders
Commercial Mediation
Qualified Workplace and Commercial Mediator
Masters Degree
Masters degree with distinction in Conflict Resolution
Sierra Leone
Studied post-war reconciliation in Sierra Leone
Caux Conference, 2009
Ran conflict transformation workshops at the Caux Conference on Reconciliation, Peace and Sustainability, 2009
18 Years Experience
Qualified and highly experienced trainer of adults for 18 years
MMU Lectures
Lectured at University level for MMU
C of E General Synod, 2016
Facilitated shared conversations at the Church of England General Synod, 2016
My Story
My first experience of conflict in the workplace was with my own manager. A lack of clarity around my role and responsibilities led to tensions between us. I was frustrated, stressed and unhappy. So I decided to investigate mediation.
I attended training on bridge building at the London Mennonite Centre and realised that conflicts can be an opportunity for change. Over five years, I developed my skills in conflict resolution and mediation through attending further courses and volunteering in schools and as a community mediator in neighbourhood disputes.
In 2009, I qualified in commercial mediation and gained a Masters in Conflict Resolution from the University of Bradford. As part of my studies, I visited Sierra Leone to research reconciliation processes and was fortunate to have the chance to meet people working at all levels from government to grassroots community initiatives.
My career in mediation, facilitation and training spans public and private sector organisations across education, business, voluntary groups, religious organisations, communities and neighbourhoods. I held various training and mediation roles prior to starting Peacebuilders in 2009. The business was founded through a desire to enable people to work better together. I provide independent mediation, facilitation and training services, including training and supervision for fellow mediators.
I am an associate trainer with Smile Mediation, based in Burnley, delivering training on a wide range of topics.
Outside of work, I’m a wife, daughter, sister and mother with two young children, so I’m used to managing mini conflicts on a daily basis. I have an allotment to tend, a lodger to look after, and I am also part of a spiritual community.
