Guus Bax

Guus Bax, NMI (Dutch), IMI (international) and Juripax (online) Certified Mediator

I was born in Utrecht in 1955, the third child in a family with five children. I had two older brothers who were bigger and stronger than me. I in turn was bigger and stronger than my two younger sisters – only to discover that size and strength works in quite a different way with girls. My brothers hadn’t taught me that. Out of sheer necessity, I learned to mediate at an early age.

Studies

I studied Social Work at the Haarlem College of Higher Education. Not because I wanted to become a welfare officer but I was fascinated why people act like they do. This was not some scientific fascination, but rather a practical interest: I want to develop a better understanding and reaction of others and myself, not only about a person’s realm of thoughts, the psychology, but also about people’s behaviour in groups (sociology) and the way they interact with each other. As a police officer and intelligence detective that was relevant.

I then proceeded to study Management, Organisation Theory and Policy at the Rijnmond College of Higher Education. I had meanwhile acquired a management position at the Social and Employment Services of the City of Rotterdam and I wanted to take care of my 50 co-workers in a serious manner. I struggled with the problem of how to bring together the individual’s interests with those of the organisation.

I studied also Higher Education at the Academy of Public Government social welfare, education and social affairs. I wanted to broaden my world, become an expert and be assigned to various fields op policymaking.

Leiden College of Higher Education was the place where I took my mediation training. I keep up to date by permanent education and a method called Intervisie. I achieved NMI (Netherlands Mediation Institute) certification in 2007 and was unconditionally admitted as Court Mediator at the Leeuwarden Court of Justice. I am registered with the Legal Aid Council and I can be assigned for legal aid cases (see costs and invoicing). I was the second in the Netherlands to achieve the status of Internationally Certified Mediator, by the International Mediation Institute, in May 2009.

Employments

I’ve worked with the Police and Social Service of the City of Rotterdam for 20 years, and then a short while for the town council with a small town in the province of Groningen. For about 7 years I worked as an interim manager and policy advisor for an outsourcing agency. I’ve become highly experienced in dealing with conflicts. Apart from my work as an independent Mediator. To remain in my government network I’m part-time still working as a policymaker and conflict advisor with a town council.

Voluntary

Also in my role as union executive and representative, as well as member of the works council, I’ve seen the diversity in opinions and point of view in a given situation. I have had several different management functions in my Church’s organisation. I’ve also been an active member of the parent’s council, and a governing member of Balans (a society of parents who have children with autism, adhd, ppd-nos), where I learned in practice how to solve problems in many different ways.

Passions

My greatest passion is Formula 1 car-racing. Running is my active sport. Ballroom dancing, brewing beer and reading are my hobbies. I regard myself as solo-religious.