Delegate Testimonial - RICS Mediation Training

Are you considering the RICS Mediation Training Programme? Hear from recent delegate Nawal Sridi as she shares her experience and key takeaways from completing the programme.

“I am an independent advisor and mediator with more than 20 years of international experience in major infrastructure and construction projects across Europe, the Middle East and North America.

My practice focuses on commercial and contract strategy, collaborative business relationships, claims prevention, dispute avoidance and mediation, helping organisations and project teams navigate complexity, transform tensions and build more aligned and sustainable working relationships.

After many years managing complex contractual issues, negotiations and claims, I wanted to develop mediation as a natural extension of my practice. The RICS Mediation Training gave me a robust framework, practical tools and, importantly, the confidence to start practising as a mediator. The realistic role plays and direct feedback from experienced trainers were particularly valuable.

The training has also strengthened my broader advisory work. I now integrate mediation techniques into commercial negotiations and emerging project tensions, helping parties move from tension to clarity, alignment and action before positions become entrenched.

What I particularly value about mediation is its ability to provide a deeper understanding of the dispute and the interests behind each party’s position, while preserving important commercial relationships. Rather than focusing solely on who is right or wrong, mediation creates the conditions for constructive dialogue and solutions that are both commercially realistic and more durable because they are built by the parties themselves.

I believe this course is equally valuable for professionals who do not intend to become mediators. For project directors, commercial and contract managers, engineers and other project professionals, mediation skills provide practical tools to navigate difficult conversations, prevent disagreements from escalating into claims, preserve commercial relationships and achieve more sustainable outcomes.

For me, the programme has created a powerful connection between commercial strategy, collaborative relationships, dispute avoidance and mediation, ultimately supporting better commercial outcomes and more sustainable project performance.”