Conflict Resolution and Mediation Skills for Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) Organisations

Conflict Resolution and Mediation Skills for Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) Organisations

1 day interactive training for VCSE senior leaders, community makers, engagement professionals and charity trustees on transforming conflict into collaboration in the third sector

Download the course flyer here

Overview

A one-day, face-to-face training session focused on fostering advanced communication skills, for VCSE senior leaders, community makers, engagement professionals and charity trustees. This training aims to enhance participants’ abilities in inter-organisational collaboration, relationship management, conflict resolution, informal mediation, creating safe spaces, and conducting difficult conversations. We provide a comprehensive and practical training day that equips participants with essential issue resolution skills, enhancing their ability to foster collaboration and manage conflicts effectively within the third sector.

Objectives

  1. Equip VCSE professionals with practical mediation skills to prevent and resolve conflict
  2. Enhance their ability to foster and facilitate collaboration agreements between organisations
  3. Foster the creation of safe and inclusive spaces for dialogue
  4. Improve their competency in handling difficult conversations and delivering sensitive information

Learning Outcomes

  • Understand the fundamentals of mediation and its relevance to their roles in VCSEs.
  • Have learnt skills for facilitating inter-organisational collaboration agreements.
  • Be equipped with practical skills to manage and resolve conflicts effectively.
  • Feel confident in creating safe spaces for dialogue and collaboration.
  • Be prepared to handle difficult conversations and deliver sensitive information while maintaining positive relationships.

Testimonials from VCSE professionals who attended this course: 

  • “Extremely knowledgeable and enjoyable. Kept us all involved! Well done.”
  • “The day has been fantastic. In depth knowledge and expertise shared in great detail. Great combination of slides, activities and handouts. Lovely group dynamic.” 
  • “Arabella was a great trainer – well paced, time to explore and share, engaging.”
  • “Loved the mix of resources, activities and group work. Loved your style as well.”
  • “You fostered a harmonious and encouraging group dynamic.”
  • “I found the course very useful and it gave me a better understanding of mediation and how it is used.”
  • “Well-facilitated and interesting throughout. The models and theories were useful.”

 

VCSE Training Day Overview

  • Session 1: Introduction and Overview (9:30 AM – 10:15 AM)
  • Session 2: Understanding Conflict and Mediation (10:15 AM – 11:00 AM)
    • Break (11:00 AM – 11:15 AM)
  • Session 3: Practical Facilitation Skills for Collaboration Agreements (11:15 AM – 12:30 PM)
    • Lunch Break (12:30 PM – 1:15 PM) 
    • Session 4: Creating Safe Spaces and Managing Group Dynamics (1:15 PM – 2:30 PM)
    • Break (2:30 PM – 2:45 PM)
  • Session 5: Handling Difficult Conversations and Delivering Unwelcome News (2:45 PM – 3:45 PM)
  • Conclusion and Wrap-Up (3:45 PM – 4:30 PM)

Methodology

The training is highly interactive, using a mix of lectures, group discussions, role-playing, and case studies. This approach ensures that participants not only learn theoretical aspects but also practice and internalise the skills necessary for effective communication.Participants will be asked to complete a feedback form at the end of the training day to evaluate the effectiveness of the session and provide suggestions for improvement.

Facilitator

The training is conducted by an experienced mediator/trainer with an extensive background in conflict resolution, community development, and the VCSE sector, who brings practical insights and real-world experience to the sessions, enriching the learning experience for participants. 

Facilitator bio: Arabella Tresilian MAHons PGdip Education; Accredited & Registered Mediator

Arabella Tresilian is an experienced mediator and conflict resolution specialist dedicated to helping individuals and organisations navigate complex disputes. With a background in public sector organisational development, and extensive experience as a workplace Mental Health First Aider instructor and trainer for Mind, Arabella integrates psychological wellbeing into her mediation practice. She is fully accredited in civil, commercial, employment and workplace mediation, and specialises in resolving disputes in health, social care and the workplace. Over the last 25 years she has been a chair of trustees and trustee to various charities, and mediated multiple interpersonal disputes within the third sector. Arabella’s approach emphasises building trust, fostering communication, and facilitating collaborative solutions. For more information, visit Arabella Tresilian’s website.

 

Book in-house training for your VCSE organisation(s)

  • For rates and dates, please book an enquiry call here or email me at arabella@arabellatresilian.com or use the Contact Form below.
  • You can also check my general availability (subject to confirmation) here and request a date 
  • Download a copy of the course flyer here.