Andrew is an accredited mediator and independent investigator, with 22 years’ previous experience as an employment and discrimination solicitor. His legal experience provides helpful background knowledge as both a workplace mediator and investigator, whilst also providing a healthy appreciation that mediation can be a very effective way of resolving problems without resorting to a formal process, still less ending up in court or tribunal if that can be avoided. He viewed his role as a lawyer to be helping clients sort out whatever problem they were faced with, with an emphasis on practical, commercial solutions rather than pursuing legal arguments for their own sake.

Andrew has mediated cases involving complex and often sensitive allegations, including bullying, breakdown in trust, undermining colleagues, isolating treatment, and lack of respect. He aims to develop a good relationship with the people involved, based on his ability to get on well with a wide range of people, so that he quickly gains their trust. Being calm, determined, able to defuse tense situations (sometimes with a little humour, where appropriate) and demonstrate empathy with each individual is key – creating an environment in which everyone is, and feels, heard. He can grasp complex issues quickly, cut through the noise and identify what is really important to people, before then helping them to work out what they want to achieve, and how.

He acts as an independent investigator in the public and private sector, involving allegations such as racial or sexual harassment, bullying, unfair treatment, and leaking of confidential information. His reports have been praised by clients as well written and comprehensive, with impartial findings based clearly on the evidence.

In his spare time, Andrew enjoys sport (mainly cricket and golf), travel (70 countries and counting), wildlife (he is a Trustee of a wildlife conservation charity), walking and attempting to train his dog.