Who We Are

Steve Hancox

Steve is a barrister and practising mediator.

He has led mediation training courses accredited by the Civil Mediation Council (CMC) and the International Mediation Institute (IMI) since 2014. He has trained hundreds of mediators in civil and workplace mediation including training for numerous NHS Trusts from Middlesborough to the Isle of Wight.

He is a member of the Mediation Standards Board and a Fellow of the Civil Mediation Council.

In his spare time he maintains (and occasionally gets to sail) a 100 year-old sailing boat.

Dr Emily Muirhead

Emily is a senior GP partner, educator, appraiser and an executive ILM qualified coach in West Yorkshire. Emily is passionate about communication and using these skills to facilitate a better work/life balance to avoid stress and burnout.

For the last 5 years she has been running training courses for NHS clinicians. Her focus is on topics such as giving and receiving feedback, having difficult conversations and communication challenges. She has also trained as a mediator.

She is also a professional jazz singer, giving her a unique style in connecting with people.

Neil Gokani

Neil is an NHS HR and employment relations professional, specialising in EDI, staff wellbeing and cultural awareness. He is Head of Service for Children’s Physiotherapy in Bristol, South Gloucestershire & North Somerset for Sirona Care & Health (NHS). He has recently been seconded to Head of EDI and Strategic Lead for Staff Wellbeing at Sirona. He has a background as a clinical and lead physiotherapist and has worked in the NHS for over 20 years.

As an NHS coach Neil creates a safe and reflective space for open dialogue, helping individuals and teams navigate conflict while fostering positive and inclusive working environments. His coaching expertise enables him to facilitate constructive conversations, strengthen workplace relationships and drive meaningful cultural change.

Neil has recently become a father so doesn’t have any spare time!

Bella Bathurst

Bella Bathurst is an award-winning writer and journalist. Her work involves in-depth interviews with people from many different backgrounds and has recently included writing about mediation.

She has also been a trainer for Samaritans volunteers.

In her spare time she makes jewellery and beautiful hand-crafted furniture to commission.

Dr Thankam Paul

Thankam is a paediatric gastroenterology consultant in the NHS. She is also a Trained Mediator. She has a Master’s degree in Medical Law and Ethics; her areas of interest were conflict resolution and regulation and equality within the health service.

She has 36 years of experience working in health care systems in the UK and North America. As a senior clinician she has helped to establish specialist services, lead multidisciplinary teams and has been an educator, supervisor and mentor for trainees and colleagues.

In her spare time she enjoys learning tennis (again) and attempting to make the perfect jar of kimchi..

Dr Macarena Mata

Macarena has worked professionally in the conflict resolution field since 2005. She is a qualified mediator and trainer in mediation and conflict resolution. She is a Professional Practice Consultant / Supervisor and has taught conflict theory at Birkbeck College, University of London. She works with Mediators Beyond Borders International as a consultant and faculty member of the International Peace Training Institute.

She also works as a conflict coach helping people understand how to change their relationship to conflict and prepare for mediation processes.

She was born in Malaga, Spain, and has lived in England since 1998 with her husband. In her spare time she regularly does open cold water swimming!

Caroline Browne

Caroline is CEDR and ADR qualified mediator in civil and workplace and also is a family mediator registered with the FMA.

Her background as a solicitor and legal tutor/trainer ensures she has a wide range of commercial awareness and experience working with clients in a variety of industries, including HR, PR, professional coaching, accountancy, law and medicine both at a national and international level.

Caroline has been working with the NHS over the last 3 years, designing and delivering bespoke communication and consultation skills training for trainee GPs in Shropshire and Staffordshire.

She provides professional consultancy and training to non-native English speakers and is well-equipped to support those working in a second language. She also has experience of working with neurodiverse clients.

In her spare time she enjoys running, being outdoors and cooking.