The Non-Court Dispute Resolution Forum

Networking & Registration
9.00am

Co-Chairs Opening Remarks
9.30am

An Overview of NCDR
9.40am

• Evolution of MCDR and a summary of different NCDR forums 
• How legal, judicial, and public perceptions of NCDR have evolved 
• The interaction of the Court and NCDR

Discussing the Court’s Approach to NCDR
10.25am

• How judges are encouraging or compelling NCDR 
• Recent case law and practice directions 
• Cost implications: when and how judges penalise refusal to engage 
• Should the Family Court mirror Civil Court powers on NCDR enforcement?

Networking & Refreshment Break
11.10am

Exploring Mediation: Best Practices and Pitfalls to Avoid
11.30am

• Practical and efficient preparation for mediation 
• Common pitfalls: power imbalances, deadlock, client disengagement 
• Use of litigation tactics in mediation: when helpful, when counterproductive 
• Role of the mediator in family finance or children cases

Arbitration in Practice
12.15pm

• A case study-based session where the vantage point and decision making of the solicitors, barristers and arbitrators are considered 
• When would arbitration work for your clients and how do you achieve agreement with your opponent? 
• Covering both full proceedings and interim applications

Networking & Lunch Break
1.00pm

Exploring the 1 Lawyer 1 Couple Model
2.00pm

• What is it and how does it differ from other collaborative approaches 
• Screening for suitability: risks, red flags, and conflict of interest 
• Ethics and regulation: where are the guardrails 
• Client feedback and outcomes: do people feel heard and supported?

Examining NCDR in Cases of Conduct and Abuse
2.45pm

• When is NCDR inappropriate? 
• How mediators/arbitrators handle allegations of coercive control or abuse 
• Safe practice: screening tools and safeguarding procedures 
• Alternatives for high–conflict or vulnerable parties 
• Screening in an era of metal health–awareness

Networking & Refreshment Break
3.30pm

Highlighting Regional Perspectives: How NCDR is Practiced Outside of London
3.50pm

• How regional courts are interpreting and promoting NCDR 
• Differences in uptake and support between regions 
• Firm–level innovation in delivering NCDR services outside London 
• What can be learned and replicated nationally

Supporting Client Needs During NCDR Proceedings
4.35pm

• Managing client needs during NCDR proceedings 
• Emotional and psychological support: the role of counsellors, coaches, and therapists 
• NCDR in children cases and reaching child–focused outcomes

Co-Chairs Closing Remarks
5.20pm