Neighbourhood Stories
Community Accord
Community Accord is one of the largest mediation services in the UK; delivering a comprehensive range of services to suit the needs of the growing number of customers within the private and public sector.
Community Accord is based in the highly diverse Bradford District, and was established in 2003 as a response to the 2001 riots in the city. Their core objective is to support individuals and communities dealing with difference and change, so that the positive potential of people’s different points of view can be fully exploited. They offer dispute resolution services, and a range of training courses covering essential and advanced mediation and negotiation skills.
Originally set up as a project through Bradford Metropolitan Borough Council, Community Accord went independent as a not-for-profit company in April this year; giving them the best possible conditions for growth and allowing them to expand their services to a wider market.
As a result of their rapid expansion, Community Accord indentified a real need for some administrative support. Key Fund Yorkshire has provided a £7,000 grant and a £14,000 loan to support with the salary costs of a part time administrator. The Key Fund growth package will also help towards the purchase of display stands, marketing materials and attendance at two national conferences to help promote their services.
