Who we are
Our Vision is a world where people will be able to confidently engage with and live with difference.
Our Purpose is to help people to navigate through conflict towards peace.
About Us
WMS is a not-for-profit conflict resolution and training provider operating in London and across the UK. Our charity was set up in 2003 as a local service, helping Wandsworth residents resolve disagreements through free mediation and individual coaching.
Since then, our work has grown, supporting thousands of people navigate through conflict towards peace.
Our Founder Patron is Stephen Ruttle KC, one of the UK’s leading mediators. For many years he has been consistently recognised in Who's Who Legal and Chambers as a leading figure in the field. He has mediated over 2,000 disputes of every kind, including many of the most complex and sensitive cases in the UK and worldwide.
Our Services
- We offer mediation, individual coaching and facilitation services for those caught up in conflict at work, home, or the community.
- We deliver conflict and communication skills training to businesses, councils (including Richmond & Wandsworth), police, and housing associations.
- We train, equip and supervise new peace-builders by running free workshops and enabling residents to become community mediators.
- We support children and young people in primary and secondary schoolsto develop the skills to resolve and avoid conflict.
Our Expertise
We are recognised nationally for the quality and innovation of our work. In 2023 we received the King’s Award for Voluntary Service (the equivalent of an MBE), and in 2024 the Innovation Award at the National Mediation Awards.
Our team of 50+ volunteer mediators includes nationally and internationally recognised professionals. Together, they bring a wealth of experience to every case.
“You will receive the most robust and professional service in the industry.” — Recent Client
Our Clients
Commercial Mediation: SMEs, large organisations, charities and schools across the UK. In 2020-2021, we were appointed to manage disputes under two Post Office schemes (Historic Shortfall and Stamp Scheme).
Community Mediation: Wandsworth residents, often referred by Richmond & Wandsworth Council, Citizens Advice, NHS social prescribers, and the police.
Training: Adults, children and young people across the UK and internationally, through partnerships with businesses, councils, schools and faith groups.
Funders & Sponsors
We are a registered charity operating on a not-for-profit basis. In a pioneering social enterprise model, our panel of commercial and workplace mediators waive their fees to contribute to our running costs, allowing us to offer free conflict resolution services to Wandsworth residents - supported also by grants and donations.
Our school programmes are made possible by the generosity of sponsors, grant funders and donors.
Recent supporters include Linklaters, The National Lottery, The Portal Trust, The Wimbledon Foundation, The Hedley Foundation, and Wandsworth Grant Fund.
Find out how to support us