Areas of expertise
Charity & Not-for-Profit
Trustee disagreements, governance issues, contracts and internal disputes within charities and voluntary organisations.
Introduction
Charities and voluntary organisations are run by people who care deeply about the cause, which is a strength and, when a disagreement takes hold, a difficulty. Boards divide over strategy, spending, the role of a founder, or the conduct of a chief executive.
Disputes may also arise with funders, commissioners or member organisations, where a contract has not worked as intended.
What we cover
- Trustee disagreements
- Governance and constitutional disputes
- Contract and funding disputes
- Internal and membership disputes
- Disputes with founders or member organisations
Why mediation?
Trustees have to consider the charity's best interests and the proper use of charitable funds. Spending donated income on litigation, and risking public and regulatory attention, is rarely consistent with that duty.
Mediation is confidential, quick and proportionate, and allows the board to resolve the issue and return to the charity's purpose.
How ProMediate can help
We work with boards, executives, members and funders, and are used to constitutional documents, governing instruments and the particular sensitivities of a volunteer board.
Outcomes often include agreed governance changes, clarified roles and delegations, a resolution of the contractual point, and, where necessary, a dignified departure. We keep the focus on what the organisation needs to function.
Why choose ProMediate?
An experienced panel
Barristers, solicitors and senior professionals who have mediated across the full range of commercial, civil and workplace disputes.
CMC Registered Provider
ProMediate is a Civil Mediation Council Registered Mediation Provider, working to recognised professional and complaints standards.
Nationwide coverage
We arrange mediations throughout England and Wales, at a venue convenient to the parties or at our own arranged rooms.
Online and face to face
Full online mediation on Teams or Zoom, hybrid sessions and traditional in-person days — whichever suits the dispute.
Flexible appointments
Evening, weekend and short-notice appointments are available, and most mediations can be arranged within two to three weeks.
Confidential throughout
The process is private and without prejudice. Nothing said in the mediation can be used later if the matter does not settle.
Commercial and pragmatic
We focus on outcomes that work in practice — payment terms, future arrangements and clean settlements — not on winning arguments.
Frequently asked questions
- Should the Charity Commission be told?
- That is a matter for the trustees and their advisers. Mediation is often the step that avoids a serious incident report becoming necessary.
- Can beneficiaries or members take part?
- Where the dispute affects them directly, representation can be arranged. We agree the format in advance.
- Is mediation affordable for a small charity?
- Our fees are fixed and quoted in advance, and we will suggest a proportionate format — including a shorter online session — for smaller matters.
Request a mediation
Request a mediation, ask for a quotation or speak to our team about this dispute. Tell us briefly what has happened and we will suggest suitable mediators, available dates and a fixed fee — usually within one working day.