My name is Polly
I am a mediator, conflict coach, trainer and facilitator.
Work with me
As an accredited mediator and certified conflict coach, I can help you with conflict resolution and more.
My story
My journey began with a dream of becoming a primary school teacher…
…however, while pursuing my degree, I took on two part-time roles that transformed my career aspirations.
The first role involved working with young children on the autistic spectrum, helping them transition into a pre-school environment. The second was on the open site of a young offenders institute, where I supported activities with a creative and outdoor focus. I loved these roles – They ignited a passion in me, not only for understanding the diverse challenges young people – and their supporters – face but also for discovering how they can be empowered to develop their own coping strategies and resilience in order to overcome adversity.
“I’m not sure whether it is a natural talent or something Polly has had to work hard at, but her combination of warm friendly connection, calm professional demeanor, compassionate wisdom and insightful understanding of mediation is a rare and precious gift to the field of mediation and peacebuilding.”
January 2024, Sean OBaoill, Mediation Northern Ireland & Global Mediation
After completing my NQT period, I began teaching children and young people who had been permanently excluded from their mainstream schools.
I worked across several Pupil Referral Units in Northamptonshire and later in West London. In this role, I frequently encountered rapidly escalating conflicts. I found that I was able to navigate and ‘lean in’ to the discomfort of these hostile situations by offering empathy, support, a listening ear, and a safe space for exploring options. This inspired me to train in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Techniques, Restorative Approaches, and Alternative Dispute Resolution, eventually becoming an accredited Mediator in 2007.
Since then, I have worked extensively as a mediator.
My career has spanned community, workplace, and special educational needs and disability mediation across the private, public, and voluntary sectors. I am a certified conflict coach and Mental Health First Aider, and I create, deliver, and support training in areas I am deeply passionate about, such as dispute resolution, cohesive problem solving, and positive communication. I am unequivocally and entirely committed to the prevention of conflict escalation and social exclusion, and to, instead, empower individuals and communities to build meaningful relationships and human connection, and to find meaning, purpose and enjoyment in life. I value contributing to the growth of others and have a natural curiosity to understand their perspectives and life experiences.
“Beneath every behaviour there is a feeling. And beneath each feeling is a need. And when we meet that need, rather than focus on the behaviour, we begin to deal with the cause, not the symptom.”
Despite my extensive work with adults, I continue to engage with primary aged children as a Peer Mediator Trainer.
In this role, I teach children the skills to help their peers resolve disputes and reach mutually acceptable agreements. This approach not only addresses playground disagreements and fallings out, but also empowers children to manage conflict respectfully and independently, fostering a more harmonious and supportive school environment.
Curiosity extends into my personal life… I adore hiking in the great outdoors, discovering new places and seeking experiences that push me out of my comfort zone. But of course, nothing beats quality time with my family and friends, having fun, and a nice cup of tea!