PMS AGM – Another Celebration of All Things Restorative

This year’s Portsmouth Mediation Service Annual General Meeting was more than an AGM—it was a celebration of 30 years of helping people navigate conflict, repair relationships, and build stronger communities across Portsmouth.

Held once again in the magnificent surroundings of the iconic Square Tower, the event brought together volunteers, partners, supporters, and friends to reflect on three decades of restorative work and look ahead to an exciting future.

A highlight of the evening was an inspiring keynote address from our special guest, Sue Oatley. Drawing on her own experience of growing up in a military family, Sue shared how one simple change in perspective—from asking “What’s wrong with them?” to “What happened to them?”—transformed the way she understood others. Her moving and thought-provoking story captured the very essence of restorative practice: replacing judgement with curiosity, creating opportunities for empathy, and helping people feel seen, heard, and understood.

Afterwards their was a very special atmosphere in the room as everyone chatted over the fine food & fizz!

We have had great feedback from many of our guests, here is some of what they said.

“Thanks Portsmouth Mediation Service for an excellent AGM and huge gratitude to Sue Oatley (was Knight) for the most extraordinarily brilliant keynote that I’ve heard in years’”

“It was a privilege to attend the Portsmouth Mediation Service Annual General Meeting earlier this week and to be in a room filled with so many passionate people who are committed to building stronger, more connected communities”

“Thanks again for your kind invitation last night. It was a lovely event as always with very inspirational speakers. You should be so proud of your organisation”

“Tonight I attended Portsmouth Mediation Service’s AGM, and it was a fantastic evening celebrating the positive impact of their work”