Meet the London Mediation Service Team
London Mediation Service is part of Mediate UK – the UK’s largest private family mediation provider. Our London team combines accredited family mediators, non-practising solicitors and specialist case managers who focus solely on helping families reach safe, fair agreements without unnecessary court hearings.
All our mediators are registered with the Family Mediation Council and follow its Code of Practice. Many are also members of Resolution and the Family Mediators Association.
About London Mediation Service
London Mediation Service is the dedicated London arm of Mediate UK. Founded in 2011, Mediate UK has grown into the UK’s largest private family mediation service, working exclusively under the laws of England and Wales. We help separating couples and families agree arrangements for children, property and finances through child-focused, voluntary and confidential mediation.
Our work has been recognised nationally for service quality and innovation. Mediate UK has received multiple UK Business Awards for customer service and several BizX awards, including recognition for best service-based business and company culture. We’re also proud to be a registered provider under the Government’s £500 Family Mediation Voucher scheme.
Leadership Team
Our leadership team oversees service quality, regulation and client experience across London and nationwide.
Belinda Atkins
Managing Director
Belinda leads Mediate UK and London Mediation Service, overseeing our national team of mediators and client support specialists. With a background in running service-based businesses and a strong focus on client experience, she has helped grow Mediate UK into a multi award-winning family mediation service.
Chris Yaffes
Lead Mediator – London Mediation Service
Chris is a non-practising family solicitor and highly experienced family mediator. Originally from South Africa, he practised family and criminal law before completing a master's degree in international relations. Chris now focuses exclusively on helping separating couples reach dignified, workable agreements.
Jess Knauf
Director of Client Strategy
Jess leads client strategy and service design across Mediate UK, ensuring every stage of the mediation journey is clear and supportive. She oversees training, quality assurance and client engagement throughout the organisation.
Our London Mediators
All London Mediation Service mediators are registered with the Family Mediation Council and follow its professional standards.
Rachel Poole
Accredited Family Mediator & PPC
Rachel is an accredited family mediator and Professional Practice Consultant. She has many years of experience supporting families through complex financial and parenting arrangements.
Hannah Shapey
Accredited Family Mediator
Hannah is an accredited family mediator with a background in education and family support. She is known for her structured, child-focused methodology.
Kate Miller
Accredited Family Mediator
Kate is an accredited mediator with experience across both legal and therapeutic family support. She guides clients through communication challenges and financial agreements.
Neil Sykes
Accredited Family Mediator
Neil is an accredited mediator with many years supporting families through change, with particular skill in moving clients from entrenched positions to workable plans.
Mitchell Robertson
WTA Mediator
Mitchell is a mediator working towards accreditation, supporting clients through financial disclosure and co-parenting discussions.
Penny Hogan
WTA Mediator
Penny combines family mediation training with a background in counselling, helping clients manage emotions around separation.
Why Families Choose London Mediation Service
Choosing a mediator is an important decision. These are some of the reasons clients, professionals and the courts regularly refer to London Mediation Service and Mediate UK:
- Part of Mediate UK, the UK’s largest private family mediation service with branches across England and Wales.
- Multi award-winning, including UK Business Awards and BizX Awards.
- Over 90% agreement rate in mediation.*
- 4.8 / 5 average rating from verified client reviews.
- All mediators registered with the Family Mediation Council.
- Registered provider under the Government’s £500 Mediation Voucher Scheme.
*Agreement rate and review data taken from Mediate UK’s internal statistics and independent review platforms.
Talk to Our Mediation Team
If you’re considering family mediation in London and would like to check whether it’s suitable for your situation, we offer a free 15-minute consultation with a member of our team.
Read Our Press Release about launching London Mediation Service as our London hub for Mediate UK
We Now Offer Legal Aid
If you are eligible for legal aid, all of your mediation could be completely free. And if the other person is not eligible, they still receive their MIAM and first joint mediation session free of charge.