Welcome to the Spring Edition of Resolution

By Rebecca Bryant, CEO

As I take a moment to reflect on our recent National ASB Conference which took place on 26 February, a key part of our Resolve 30 celebration, I have found myself reflecting not only on the organisation’s journey, but on my own. When I first stepped into the world of community safety and ASB, I was struck by the same truth that continues to guide me today: real change happens when people work together with purpose, compassion and determination. That belief has shaped every stage of my career, and it is the foundation on which Resolve has built three decades of national leadership.

Resolve’s story has always been one of collaboration. What began thirty years ago as a small collective of practitioners determined to improve responses to ASB has grown into a national voice for community safety and a place where housing providers, local authorities, police forces, community partners and frontline teams come together to share learning, challenge practice and drive progress. Our work has evolved alongside the communities we serve: from early conversations about neighbourhood nuisance to today’s far more complex landscape of vulnerability, exploitation, partnership working and heightened regulatory expectations.

Throughout that journey, one thing has remained constant: the commitment of the people in this sector. I have had the privilege of working alongside practitioners whose dedication is unwavering, leaders who are unafraid to push for better, and partners who understand that community safety is never the responsibility of one agency alone. Resolve has always been at its strongest when it acts as a bridge when it connects people, amplifies good practice and champions the values that underpin effective ASB work.

This year’s Resolve National ASB Conference captured that spirit more powerfully than ever. I was proud to open the morning programme with a keynote reflecting on the sector’s evolving landscape and on Resolve’s own 30‑year journey to becoming a national voice for community safety. I was equally proud to see the day begin with such energy under the leadership of Jacque Allen, CEO of Your Housing Group, whose warm and engaging introduction set the tone for a day rooted in resilience, partnership and shared purpose.

Resolve was proud to welcome Angela Holden from the Regulator of Social Housing, whose timely regulatory update provided clarity at a moment when the sector needs it most. I was proud to hear Councillor Ryan Priest and Chief Constable Andy Prophet deliver powerful keynote addresses that brought frontline realities into sharp focus reminding us all that leadership, partnership and shared responsibility remain the foundations of effective ASB work.

I was proud, too, of the depth and quality of our breakout sessions and the lively panel discussion that followed. Delegates engaged in thoughtful, honest conversations about the challenges ahead, the opportunities emerging and the practical steps needed to strengthen local responses. The appetite for learning, collaboration and innovation was unmistakable.

This year’s conference was more than a gathering as it was a moment of collective reflection and renewed commitment. For 30 years, Resolve has championed partnership, professionalism and community‑focused action on ASB. Seeing so many leaders and practitioners come together to share learning, challenge thinking and celebrate progress showed just how strong this sector is. Our journey has always been collaborative, and it will continue to be so as we look to the future.

Celebrating excellence at the ASB Awards 2026

The conference was followed by the annual ASB Awards ceremony which is a highlight of the Resolve calendar and a chance to recognise the individuals, teams and partnerships making a tangible difference in communities across the country.

This year’s awards were particularly special, aligning with the Resolve 30 milestone and shining a light on the dedication, innovation and compassion that underpin effective ASB practice. Winners and finalists represented the very best of the sector: from frontline officers and caseworkers to strategic leaders, community partners and multi‑agency teams delivering real impact on the ground.

The ceremony celebrated not only achievements but also the values that have shaped Resolve’s work over three decades: collaboration, professionalism, and a relentless focus on improving outcomes for victims and communities.

The Awards recognise something deeper than achievement alone. They honour the compassion, professionalism and resilience that define ASB practitioners and people who step into complex, emotionally charged situations every day and work with determination to protect victims, support communities and drive long‑term change. From frontline officers responding to high‑risk cases, to strategic leaders shaping innovative local approaches, this year’s finalists demonstrated the breadth and depth of talent across the UK.

Each category reflected the evolving landscape of ASB: the growing importance of partnership working, the need for trauma‑informed practice, the value of early intervention, and the critical role of strong local leadership. The judging panel noted the exceptional standard of submissions this year, with many entries showcasing creative problem‑solving, data‑driven approaches and powerful examples of multi‑agency collaboration.

I would like to say that to me the ASB Awards are a reminder of the extraordinary work happening every day across our sector. Behind every case, every intervention and every partnership is a practitioner who cares deeply about the safety and wellbeing of their community. These awards celebrate not just success, but the spirit of service that defines our profession.

As Resolve continues its Resolve 30 anniversary year, the ASB Awards felt especially significant, marking a moment to honour the people who have shaped the sector’s progress and those who will lead it into the future.

The Resolve 30 review

By Harrison Box, Resolve

As part of our Resolve 30 anniversary year, we have taken the opportunity to reflect on how anti‑social behaviour (ASB) policy, practice and public expectation have evolved since Resolve was first established. Over three decades, the landscape has shifted dramatically - shaped by political priorities, legislative reform, social change and the growing professionalisation of the community safety sector. This review looks back at that journey, examines the pressures facing practitioners today, and considers the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Community safety has undergone profound transformation in recent years. Rising demand, stretched public services and increasingly complex drivers of ASB, from vulnerability and exploitation to environmental decline and digital‑enabled behaviours, have reshaped the environment in which practitioners operate. While significant progress has been made in partnership working, victim‑centred approaches and professional standards, the scale and complexity of ASB today means the mandate for Resolve has never been clearer.

This review traces the evolution of ASB as a defining policy concern in British public life. From the landmark legislative framework introduced under New Labour, through the reforms of the coalition years, to the post‑Brexit and post‑pandemic administrations, ASB has remained a consistent political priority. The report explores the emergence of the community safety practitioner, the growing operational role of social housing providers, and the sector’s ongoing efforts to balance enforcement, prevention and support.

Our analysis is underpinned by data from our annual YouGov survey and wider sources including the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Together, these datasets reveal a nuanced and shifting picture: certain forms of ASB remain persistent and visible, while others have quietly receded from public and political consciousness. The evidence points to a continuing public mandate for robust ASB legislation, alongside a need for more integrated, trauma‑informed and place‑based responses.

ASB has featured prominently in the priorities of every government since the late 1990s, but the diagnosis of the problem and the solutions proposed have varied significantly. The current administration has signalled a renewed focus on community safety, taking office in the wake of heightened public concern following widespread disorder. Recent legislative activity reflects this urgency, and Resolve has engaged extensively with policymakers to ensure the sector’s voice is heard. We have responded to all major consultations and will continue to represent our members with clarity, evidence and determination.

Our current policy priorities include, but are not limited to:

• Crime and Policing Bill
• Victims and Courts Bill
• Renter’s Rights Act
• Sentencing Act 2026
• Mental Health Bill
• Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill
• Tobacco and Vapes Bill

Reflecting on Resolve’s journey, Rebecca Bryant, our Chief Executive, noted, “Resolve was founded on a simple belief: that communities are stronger, safer and more resilient when agencies work together with purpose and professionalism. Thirty years on, that belief remains at the heart of everything we do. This review is not just a look back as it is a call to action for the future of ASB policy and practice.”

If you would like to read the full review please click here and scroll down to the download option.

Looking back at ASB Awareness Week 2025

By Chris Irons, Resolve

As we look ahead to ASB Awareness Week 2026, running from 29 June to 5 July, the sector is already gathering momentum. One of the enduring strengths of ASB Awareness Week is the way it mobilises organisations across the UK, and 2025 was a powerful reminder of what co-ordinated action can achieve.

Last year’s campaign saw members deliver bold, creative and community‑focused initiatives. Origin Housing’s Words Matter campaign sparked thoughtful conversations about the language used in ASB reporting. At the Parliamentary Launch, Barnet Council showcased trauma‑informed partnership working, while Your Housing Group’s Jacque Allen highlighted the importance of consumer standards and community safety.

Policing partners played a major role too. Hertfordshire Police delivered workshops on early intervention, Cambridgeshire Constabulary expanded youth engagement through the Heritage Cadet Challenge, and Tendring District Council formalised a new agreement with Historic England and Essex Police to protect heritage sites.

Housing providers continued to lead from the front. PA Housing ran a week of community drop‑ins, Plymouth Community Homes coordinated resident‑led safety activity, and A2Dominion strengthened early‑intervention work with local policing teams. Elsewhere, Tower Hamlets Homes, MK City Council, Transport for West Midlands and Historic England all delivered high‑impact initiatives that brought communities together and strengthened local resilience.

Together, these contributions reflect the creativity, dedication and partnership that define Resolve’s membership. ASB Awareness Week 2025 was stronger because of them and their leadership continues to shape the national conversation on community safety. We are now moving into the planning stage for what this important week long campaign will look like in 2026. As part of that we are looking at the most effective way to bring you the right partners for this week long community safety journey and also drawing upon the expertise that we have through so many frontline practitioners.

So, don't forget to visit our dedicated resource area on our homepage to stay up-to-date and to be the first to hear about what we have planned.

ASEL - proud to be Resolve conference sponsors

ASEL focus

At ASEL, we are committed to creating safer, more confident communities across the UK and that mission aligns directly with the values and purpose at the heart of Resolve. Anti‑social behaviour is no longer a single‑sector challenge; it affects retailers, housing providers, frontline colleagues and local neighbourhoods in equal measure. Sponsoring the Resolve National ASB Conference was a natural step for us, because it brings together the very people who are shaping the national response to these issues.

Across the country, ASB is placing increasing pressure on those who work, live and serve in our communities. Whether it is intimidation at store entrances, escalating neighbour disputes or the growing complexity of out‑of‑hours incidents, the impact is real and deeply felt. Key areas of our work through Step Up, DNA: Darker Nights Action and our iWitness service are built on the belief that no one should have to work, live or shop in fear. Our programmes combine intelligence‑led insight with visible presence and strong partnership working, helping organisations move from reactive responses to proactive prevention.

We were honoured to be the sponsor of Resolve's conference provides a rare and vital space where practitioners, policymakers and partners can come together to share learning, challenge thinking and build the collaborative solutions the UK urgently needs. We chose to sponsor this year’s event because we believe in the power of partnership and because the sector deserves a platform that reflects the seriousness, professionalism and innovation required to tackle ASB today. ASEL is proud to stand alongside Resolve in driving forward a modern, evidence‑led approach to community safety.

To explore the full range of ASEL's solutions please visit their homepage.

REACT - our leading digital partner at the conference

 By Ben Hunt, REACT 

For REACT, a key part of the Case Management Solutions Group Ltd, sponsoring the Practitioner of the Year Award at Resolve’s National ASB Conference felt like a natural fit as these people are at the very heart of community safety. REACT exists to make frontline work smarter and more connected, providing solutions that matter. Supporting the UK’s leading ASB conference was a natural extension of that mission.

The National ASB Conference brings together practitioners, housing providers, police forces, local authorities and community partners who are working every day to keep people safe. These are the professionals React was built for. Their insight, pressure points and lived experience shape the evolution of the REACT case management platform, and their dedication is what drives the company’s ongoing investment in digital innovation.

For CMS Group Limited and our leading REACT service, sponsoring the Practitioner of the Year Award felt especially meaningful. This category celebrates individuals who go above and beyond and the people who hold complex cases, support vulnerable residents, navigate risk, and build trust where it’s needed most. Their work is demanding and often unseen, and absolutely vital. Recognising their contribution aligns perfectly with REACT’s belief that technology should empower practitioners, not replace their judgement or relationships.

 To learn more about implementing modern ASB reporting and case management solutions in your organisation, visit cmsg.uk.com, or contact Ben Hunt at ben.hunt@cmsg.uk.com.

The real foundations - why trust matters in managing ASB

By Ikram El-Ahmadi, Devonshires Solicitors LLP

Trust in social housing has long extended beyond the physical condition of buildings. When we initially think about foundations in a property, we often envisage bricks and cement, but the real foundations are less visible. They are built on trust, which is grown and nurtured through the landlord and tenant relationship. Undoubtedly, structural safety is imperative, however trust goes beyond physical structure.

The evolution of the Landlord-Tenant relationship has developed over the years. Historically, landlords were seen as rent collectors and property managers, with little-to-no communication with tenants. Today, this definition couldn’t be further from the truth. Landlords are not simply providers of homes, but gatekeepers of communities and safety. In 2026, landlords operate in a sector shaped by regulation,  which has positively moved towards one focused on transparency. Legislation such as the Social Housing Regulation Act 2023 and  the Building Safety Act 2022, have reinforced this shift as they place emphasis on safety and regulation, to ensure protection of residents and accountability of landlords.

In my view, the greatest shift occurred during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 where the sector witnessed a disturbing increase in reports of anti-social behaviour (“ASB”) and domestic abuse. Landlords therefore adapted, under unprecedented circumstances, in order to ensure the wellbeing of residents. The adaptation is mainly in a shift from a policy-driven, transactional model to one that increasingly recognises the human context in which anti-social behaviour housing services are delivered.

ASB covers a wide variety of conduct, stretching from noise nuisance to sexual harassment and tenants are often affected mentally, physically and/or emotionally. The modern landlord-tenant relationship is more collaborative than ever, but landlords have ensured that this partnership does not dilute accountability as they continue to be present for tenants in times of need. Traumatic events often lead to difficulty in communication and tenants may hesitate to report out of fear of retaliation. This is where trust forms the foundation. Tenants must feel assured that their landlord will act reasonably and effectively, all the while keeping proportionality at the heart of decision making and balancing complex legal frameworks with tenant’s vulnerabilities, support needs and the wider community context all intertwined. Landlords can continue to build trust by engaging with tenants regularly to understand what is needed by the community, or by inviting tenants to send in suggestions or host in-person engagement sessions to have a better grasp on what is needed within communities. In doing so, landlords can take note of what is requested by tenants and actioning the same, as actions often speak louder than words.

Fast forward six years from the pandemic, landlords have invested resources across the sector, to train staff and follow procedure. Research and evidence shows that policies work, however without trust, they rarely deliver lasting change. How landlords first respond in moments of fear, sets the tone for the outcome to follow. Therefore, the real foundation remains in practising understanding, as trust can either be built, or eroded, depending on how landlords interact and manage difficult circumstances. 

For any further information regarding this piece you can contact Ikram by clicking here.

“Then and Now” - looking at the key tools and powers to tackle ASB over the life of Resolve ASB, what has changed and common issues that are still prevalent today

By Kirsty Varley, msb Solicitors

The road to tackling ASB has not always been smooth. Over the last 30 years, a number of different competing factors have affected the tools and powers available to tackle ASB and below is a snapshot of some of them, yet some challenges remain the same.

Changes…..1998

This brought the much-heralded Crime and Disorder Act. This was a flagship piece of the then new Labour Government legislation and introduced the ASBO (s1), ASBOs on conviction (s1C), and the Power to Disclose Information to tackle crime and ASB (S115) (more on this later). Subsequent legislation has repealed, amended and replaced much of these and their successors have sought to do similar work. ASBOs have always been relatively controversial as breach of an ASBO was a criminal offence. There was much argument about the ability for breach of a civil order to expose a person to criminal sanctions until the case of R (McCann) v Manchester in 2002. This was a House of Lords case that decided that, while the ASBO was a civil remedy which meant that rules around the admissibility of evidence did not apply, the “heightened civil standard” which is the standard required to prove contempt in the civil courts, and therefore the criminal standard, would apply.

Changes…..2003

Around 30 years ago the Housing Act 1996 was a key piece of legislation and when it was amended by the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 this refined the ASBI (ASB injunction), and outlined the power seek an injunction to tackle ASB (s153A), the injunction against unlawful use of premises (s153B), the ability to seek a power of arrest or exclusion (s153C) and the specific injunction to restrain breaches of tenancy (s153D). These powers were used effectively until a change of government in 2010.

Changes….. 2014

12 years ago saw the arrival of the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014 with the Coalition Government in 2010. This rang the death knell for the ASBO and the ASBI and instead brought in a new Civil Injunction. The wording was very similar to the previous ASBIs and crucially Parliament stated that the standard of proof required for a civil injunction was the civil standard (s1(1)(2) – satisfied on the balance of probabilities). The difference here being that breach was a contempt of court and not a criminal offence – though it is a mandatory ground for possession.

Changes…. 2025

A new Labour government saw another commitment to tackle ASB with the Crime and Policing Bill 2025. There are number of key parts to this legislation – not least the introduction of the new Respect Order (amending the existing ASBCPA to allow the court the choice of whether to grant an injunction or Respect order), and the reintroduction of the idea of criminality being the result of breach (of Respect order only) and the prospect of up to 2 years imprisonment on breach. Parliament has still stipulated that the evidential standard for a Respect order is the civil one, and so we await to see challenges in the court when the Act comes into force.

A common thread

The 4 pieces of legislation over the last 30 years show that ASB and community safety are still highly relevant issues, and as important today as they were then. ASB evolves over time and looks different now from the way that it manifested 30 years ago, and yet some issues are constant. The need for strong, collaborative and effective partnership working between all partner agencies is key, and crucially, s115 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 is still in force. That allows partner agencies to share information that would not be otherwise permitted to share to tackle asb and crime and disorder. It is something that I advise on regularly and yet it has had limited impact in the way it is used. I was heartened when I attended Resolve ASB’s launch of ASB awareness week in Parliament last June and saw that the third of their Four Asks for government was a single, national information sharing agreement. This would only reinforce the law as it stands but would, I believe, give partner agencies the confidence to share information legitimately. If this is done, we might finally crack the enigma and get to the heart and root causes of ASB.

To get in touch with Kirsty Varley, Social Housing Partner, please click here.

Building trust and resolving harm - 30 years of learning, listening and leading in community safety

By Catherine Craven, Capsticks LLP

Registered Providers and Local Authorities have a vital responsibility in keeping communities safe — not only as part of their day-to-day management duties, but as a legal requirement. Over the past 12 years working in the housing sector, I’ve seen significant change in both practice and approach. Rapid technological advancement is not only helping to prevent harm, but also strengthening how legal cases are built, evidenced and resolved.

A change in practice and approach:

In the past, legal cases relied heavily on paper-based methods: residents completing diary sheets and landlords and lawyers managing large hard-copy files. Today, this has largely been replaced by structured digital case files that bring together emails, text messages, call logs and police incident numbers. This more integrated way of working creates stronger applications for civil injunctions and possession proceedings.

There has also been a cultural shift. Residents are increasingly empowered and encouraged to play an active role in gathering evidence. Noise nuisance remains one of the most common forms of ASB in social housing. Previously, residents often had to wait for noise-monitoring or surveillance equipment to be installed — delays that slowed down cases. Now, smart phones allow residents to record incidents themselves, providing timely and usable evidence.

Clear video footage included in injunction applications or possession proceedings can support witness evidence and strengthen the credibility of complaints. Cases that once faltered due to reluctant witnesses or conflicting accounts now benefit from timestamped recordings that provide objective corroboration. This complements witness attendance at court and helps demonstrate that the evidence meets the required burden of proof.

The legal system has evolved too. Courts now routinely facilitate remote attendance via secure video platforms. What began as an emergency pandemic response is now an established feature of the system. Remote hearings improve accessibility and allow vulnerable witnesses to give evidence without needing to attend court in person.

Digital case management systems also allow legal teams to upload bundles electronically. Judges can review large volumes of material more efficiently, including CCTV footage or noise recordings. This can enhance judicial understanding of the lived impact of ASB, enabling more informed and proportionate decisions, and helping urgent ASB cases progress without delay where courts have the facilities.

Looking ahead: the future of community safety:

The use of security doorbell cameras can act as a deterrent to anti-social behaviour and crime, while also providing valuable evidence for legal cases. As Artificial Intelligence develops, features such as facial recognition alerts within doorbell cameras may enhance evidence-gathering further. However, this must be carefully balanced with personal privacy and data protection laws.

With the continued advancement of AI, we are likely to see more predictive data used in community safety — such as incident-tracking systems to identify repeated breaches of tenancy agreements, and real-time data sharing between agencies.

By providing clearer evidence, improving access to justice and empowering communities, we can hope to achieve more efficient and effective protection of the public. Regardless of how practices evolve, one fundamental principle remains unchanged: legal intervention must always be evidence-based and proportionate.

If you would like to know more please contact Catherine Craven, Principal Associate, Capsticks LLP by clicking here.

Celebrating 30 Years of Resolve: How Technology Is Transforming the Future of ASB Management

By Charles Pasfield, Director of Product Management for Social Housing at MRI Software

As Resolve marks its 30-year anniversary, it’s a vital moment to reflect on how far the community safety and anti-social behaviour (ASB) sector has come, and how technology continues to reshape what is possible. Congratulations to Resolve on three decades of leadership, advocacy, and support for those working to help provide safer communities.

Over the past 30 years, ASB has evolved from being perceived primarily as neighbour disputes to the sector correctly seeing the issues as a complex, multi-layered challenge that intersects with mental health, safeguarding, vulnerability, and serious community risk. From noise complaints and lifestyle clashes to domestic abuse and criminal exploitation, the responsibilities placed on community safety and housing professionals have never been greater.

At the same time, expectations from residents have increased. They rightly want to be heard, protected, and supported swiftly and transparently. New legislation, including anticipated Respect Orders and enhanced enforcement powers, places further responsibility on housing providers to be responsive, accurate, and accountable. These shifts demand a new approach – not just revised policies or procedures, but a reimagining of how ASB is recorded, investigated, managed, and resolved.

Technology has been a defining force in that transformation. Where teams once relied on spreadsheets, paper files and disconnected databases, today’s systems enable smarter, more integrated and insight-led approaches. One of the biggest barriers to effective ASB management remains fragmentation between housing providers, local authorities, police, and support agencies. Breaking down these silos is essential.

Collaborations between technology providers, such as MRI Software’s partnership with RHE Global, are helping to bridge these gaps. By integrating Safer Communities with The Noise App, housing organisations will gain a joined-up view of residents, properties, and case histories. This enables faster decision-making, improved risk identification, and more coordinated support.

MRI’s Safer Communities solution has been shaped by the realities of officers, delivering mobile-enabled tools such as voice-to-text case notes, built-in workflows, evidence portals, legal tracking, and hotspot mapping. These are not just features, but practical solutions driven by lived experience.

The introduction of AI is accelerating this progress further. From summarising case notes to identifying high-risk indicators hidden in diaries or audio files, AI is helping teams act sooner, reduce risk, and spend more time supporting people.

But technology alone is not the answer. The real transformation happens when innovation is combined with collaboration, trust, and shared purpose – principles that Resolve has championed for 30 years.

As we look to the coming year and the next decade, the goal continues to be not just a robust and professional response to ASB, but to “resolve” and prevent harm and build safer, stronger communities.

Congratulations again to Resolve on this milestone. The future of community safety has never been more connected, proactive, or important.

For more information on the full range of MRI services please click here.

Building trust in divided spaces - lessons from 27 Years of neighbourhood mediation

By Smile Mediation

Since 1998, Smile Mediation has been working at the heart of community conflict, helping neighbours, tenants and housing providers navigate some of their most difficult moments. Over 27 years, we've learned that resolving harm isn't just about fixing disputes. It's about rebuilding trust, restoring dialogue and empowering people to move forward together.

The Shift Towards Conflict Coaching

In recent years, we've seen a significant shift in how people access our services. Three years ago, around 20% of our referrals were for conflict coaching. Today, that figure has jumped to 50%. Housing providers and community safety teams are recognising that not every conflict needs or is ready for traditional mediation. Sometimes, one party needs support to manage the situation on their own terms first.

We're also seeing more referrals from retired living schemes, where proximity and changing expectations can create tension. Long-standing residents sometimes struggle when new neighbours arrive, disputes over communal space, cooking odours or smokers moving in to a previously non-smoking household are common. More people living closely together often means less tolerance and higher expectations.

Trust Isn't Always Where You Think It Is

One of the most important lessons we've learned is this: the main relationship breakdown often isn't between neighbours it's between tenants and their housing provider or local authority.

Tenants frequently misunderstand the process or remit of their housing provider. They expect faster answers than can realistically be provided, or they lose trust when a familiar worker changes. Sometimes, they simply don't believe the system has their best interests at heart. When mediators sit down with both parties individually, they often discover that frustration with the housing provider is the common ground between neighbours. In these cases, our mediators may suggest bringing the housing provider's representative into the mediation as a party and when that happens, it's transformative.

Why Joint Mediation Works

We're often asked why we don't offer shuttle mediation other than as a last resort. The answer is simple: it doesn't deliver the same outcomes. In shuttle mediation, parties can't see the impact of their words or actions on each other. There's no opportunity for humanisation, no chance to read tone or body language and mediators risk becoming messengers rather than facilitators.

That's why we focus on individual initial meetings first with no obligation to go further. In these sessions, mediators work their magic: listening without judgment, reframing situations, helping people see the other person's humanity and giving them back a sense of control. More often than we expect, people shift from "I'll never speak to them" to agreeing to a joint meeting.

And joint meetings change everything. Parties can work creatively together, come up with their own solutions and achieve win-win outcomes - not compromises. A simple example: both neighbours might be happy to park a meter further away. Nobody loses. Nobody compromises. Everyone wins.

Sometimes, parties don't even make it to a joint meeting; they arrange to have a coffee themselves or one puts chocolates through the letterbox with an apology. That's when you know trust is being rebuilt.

The Power of the Volunteer Model

At the heart of Smile's work are our 90 volunteer mediators across the UK. Volunteers are in this because they genuinely want to help, not just reach agreement, but see people thrive. They bring people-focused energy, a growing toolkit built through experience and reflection and a belief in the power of dialogue.

In an era of housing pressures, social fragmentation and stretched public services, that human connection is more vital than ever.

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate 30 years of Resolve, we're hopeful. Hopeful that more people and organisations will believe in the magic of mediation. Hopeful that trust can be rebuilt, even in the most divided spaces. And hopeful that, with the right support, communities can find their way back to peace.