Mediation Northern Ireland has been named Social Enterprise of the Year 2025 at the Social Enterprise Northern Ireland Awards, a recognition of its growing role in transforming conflict into opportunity across workplaces and communities.
The award comes at a pivotal moment for the organisation, which has spent recent years shifting from traditional charity funding towards a sustainable social enterprise model. That transition, now widely recognised across the sector, has allowed Mediation NI to scale its impact while reducing dependency on grants — demonstrating that social purpose and financial sustainability can coexist.
£7.04 of social value for every £1 invested
According to recent analysis, the organisation’s work now generates an impressive Social Return on Investment (SROI) of £7.04 for every £1 invested. The figure reflects a wide range of benefits — from improved mental health and staff wellbeing in the workplace, to stronger community relationships and reduced demand on public services.
“We’ve proven that when people are supported to resolve conflict early, everyone benefits,” said Bobby Marno, Business Development Director at Mediation NI. “It saves organisations money, it improves culture, and it strengthens communities. But more importantly, it changes how people relate to one another — that’s the real return.”
A call for new 2026 partnerships
Following the award win, Mediation NI is looking ahead to 2026 with plans to expand its network of partners across the public, private, and voluntary sectors. The organisation is particularly interested in working with employers and community bodies seeking to deliver measurable social impact through collaboration.
Its core services include workplace conflict resolution, accredited training for managers, and community dialogue projects that make a proven difference — each designed to reduce disputes, enhance communication, and foster resilient relationships.
“This isn’t about a single award — it’s about momentum,” Marno added. “Northern Ireland has some of the most skilled, passionate people working in conflict transformation. We want to connect that expertise with organisations who genuinely want to invest in social impact and in the people who drive it.”
Why it matters
The cost of unresolved conflict in UK workplaces is estimated at over £28.5 billion per year, according to ACAS — with lost productivity, absenteeism, and formal grievance processes accounting for much of that figure. Mediation NI’s approach provides an alternative: proactive, preventative, and people-centred.
At community level, its dialogue and reconciliation projects continue to rebuild trust in areas affected by division and inequality. These projects often provide neutral ground for people to listen, share, and rebuild connections — a model that has become increasingly relevant amid rising social tension and polarisation.
Looking forward
As the organisation prepares to enter its next phase, its message is simple: partnership works. Whether through commissioning workplace programmes, co-delivering training, or co-designing community projects, Mediation NI is inviting others to join a growing movement focused on positive, measurable change.
Organisations interested in partnership opportunities can contact bobby@mediationni.org or visit www.mediationni.org.