Polly brings a wealth of experience to Engage Coaching, with a background in education and a deep commitment to conflict resolution and communication. She began her career teaching children and young people permanently excluded from mainstream schools, many of whom faced complex emotional and behavioural challenges. This role required exceptional empathy, respect, and advanced communication skills, particularly in managing high-conflict situations. During this time, Polly trained in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Techniques, Restorative Approaches, and became formally accredited in Alternative Dispute Resolution, qualifying as a Mediator in 2007.
Since then, Polly has worked extensively as a mediator in community, workplace, and special educational needs and disability (SEND) contexts. She has delivered mediation-focused training across the private, public, and voluntary sectors and has served as a Peer Mediator teacher in schools. Her recent work with the Civil Mediation Council and the College of Mediators includes co-developing and delivering advanced training for mediators working in the SEND field. Polly has successfully mediated numerous complex disputes involving bullying, harassment, and entrenched employee relations issues, helping parties move beyond grievance and disciplinary measures toward constructive solutions.
Polly is deeply passionate about mediation and coaching, viewing it as an empowering process that fosters cohesive problem-solving, positive communication, and mutual understanding. Known for her professional yet warm and engaging approach, she is highly regarded for her commitment to fairness and neutrality.
Dedicated to promoting social inclusion, Polly is also a published children’s author, having written and illustrated two stories exploring themes of diversity, self-esteem, and conflict resolution.
Polly lives in Hertfordshire with her husband, two daughters, and their lively little dog, spending as much time outdoors as possible.
