Mediation joint statement, February 2016
February 2016
Representatives of Co-workers and families from Botton, Delrow and the Grange Camphill communities (the claimants) have just had the third mediation meeting with CVT representatives, and have produced the following statement for publication:
"The Camphill Village Trust and claimants from the Botton, Delrow and The Grange communities came back together in London as planned to review the mediation agreement reached in July 2015.
Following a day of honest and frank discussion real progress was made towards achieving the shared aims of the original Settlement Agreement although significant challenges remain.
The talks at the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution in London acknowledged that further work was needed to further strengthen and rebuild trust.
Key points of agreement included:
- An independent chair will be sought to support the work of a refocused Delrow Family Reference Group over the coming months and improve communications between CVT and families.
- The appointment of three team leaders who will live and work at Delrow was welcomed.
- Caroline Tomlinson, a well-respected care sector advisor, will continue to support the development of a Shared Lives scheme at Botton. This has made tangible progress and enters an important next phase by involving the independent Shared Lives provider Avalon, North Yorkshire County Council and CQC.
- The charity will share its plans to recruit additional Guest Volunteers within these three communities and will welcome feedback from families
- The Charity re-confirmed that there were no present plans to sell any properties at Botton, Delrow and The Grange
It was agreed that more time is needed to build on the present momentum. All the parties will come together again in approximately three months when it is hoped that sufficient progress will have been made to bring this mediated process to a positive conclusion.
Once again, both the claimants and charity are grateful for the support that people have shown during this important process, and appeal for their continued cooperation and understanding.
Sent on behalf of the Camphill Village Trust and the Claimants