Frequently asked questions about our training courses

What qualifications and experience do I need to become a mediator?
No formal qualifications or experience are required. Having said this, practising mediation without the adequate frameworks or full understanding of the subject can often hinder the process, making the dispute more difficult to resolve.

Can you help me get work or work experience?
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer work experience and we can’t help you get work, but we advise that people start looking to gain experience at the earliest opportunity. There are several points of contact that may be helpful in your search:
• Exploit the contacts you already have within your existing organisation
• Approach large organisations
• Offer your services to public & private sector companies on a voluntary basis
• Speak to local authority organisations
• Community mediation practices
• Chamber of Commerce

What does the Interpersonal/Commercial Mediation Practitioner’s Certificate enable me to do?
The Interpersonal Mediation Practitioner’s Certificate will allow you to mediate on interpersonal conflicts such as; neighbourhood, family and workplace disputes. If you qualify as a commercial mediator, you are eligible to undertake cases which involve monetary or contractual disputes. Both are nationally recognised qualifications, accredited by The Open College Network, The Bar Council (commercial only) and The Law Society.

Can I put that I’m an Accredited Mediator after my name?
No, as it is the course that is accredited and not the person. You can however, explain to clients that you have taken a nationally recognised qualification in mediation that is accredited by The Law Society, The Bar Council (commercial) and The Open College Network. Once you have completed the relevant training course, you can join the UK Register of Mediators, which allows you to call yourself a UKRM registered mediator.

What progression options are available to me after training?
It is entirely up to you. You can take the training as far as you like, and there are plenty of options available. The first thing that we would advise all learners to do is to get some experience. Other options available are:
• Professional Practice in Mediation – the next developmental step for those who have completed an accredited training course in mediation
• One of our popular conversion courses – a nationally accredited qualification for those already trained as mediators who wish to transfer their skills into another field
• Case Supervision (can be done in-house) – this offers the opportunity for one of our trained mediators to come and discuss cases with individuals and swap ideas
• UKRM (Associate membership)

Do I need any qualifications to attend your courses?
We do not ask for any specific qualifications. All that we ask is that you have a basic understanding of what mediation is, how it can be used and what you intend to do with the qualification.

What sorts of people attend your courses?
We have a wide range of people that have attended our courses. The courses are designed for anyone that wants to resolve interpersonal or commercial conflicts, although most of our delegates come from the following backgrounds:
• HR Managers
• Solicitors and law professionals
• Local Authorities
• The Armed Forces
• Practitioners from a wide range of health and social sectors
• People wanting to work on a freelance basis

Am I able to pay in instalments?
Yes we are able to arrange payment in instalments if this is required. As long as the full payment is received prior to the course start date. We also accept payments via credit cards, debit cards, cheque or direct (BACS) payment.

How do I become a member of your panel?
The panel is made up of 24 members who are based across the UK. Candidates must have a minimum of 2 years experience in mediation and be at least an associate member of the UKRM. Entry onto the panel is made via an interview process and successful candidates will receive 4 - 5 mediation cases a year. However, there is a waiting list to join the panel and membership onto the panel is not guaranteed.

I’m a trained mediator & looking at starting up my own service, what fees do you charge your customers?
There is no set fee required to charge customers, it is up to you to decide how much or little you charge depending on the complexity of the case you’re mediating and the experience which you have. To give a rough guide we charge approximately £800 for an interpersonal case which is spilt between the parties. 90% of interpersonal disputes are resolved within one day.

How can I set up a mediation service in my company?
Please refer to the “Setting up an in-house mediation service” page.

What is the difference between the Interpersonal Mediation Practitioner’s Certificate and the Counsellors & Psychotherapists course?
The Counsellor’s & Psychotherapists course is led by our company director – Mike Talbot who is a UKCP & Gestalt registered psychotherapist and has over 10 years experience in the field of mediation. This course goes into a little more depth and focuses more on the skills, knowledge and experience gained already by Counsellor’s & Psychotherapists. The main course content and assessment criteria are the same as the standard Interpersonal Mediation Practitioner’s Certificate.

Is accommodation included in the price?
The cost of our courses covers training, handouts, registration and certification with the OCN, as well as ongoing support. Unfortunately, it does not include accommodation or travel.

How am I assessed?
The accredited courses encompass a 32 hour, 4 day training block with about 8 hours private study time to complete the portfolio. Learners are assessed by a variety of participative exercises including lectures, group discussions, role-plays and case studies which in turn helps to develop your mediation skills. Your knowledge and understanding is assessed through a portfolio, which you need to submit 4 weeks after the course. Throughout the entire process, support is available from the tutor, who is also accessible should any portfolio re-submission be required.

How many mediators have you trained?
The demand for mediation is on the increase as it is constantly being introduced into new sectors. We have trained approximately 3,000 mediators over the past 10 years.

What is your DVD?
The DVD shows a typical workplace dispute and how a manger can assess when a mediator is required. It also provides people with an awareness of what mediation is and how it can be used in the workplace. The DVD is supplied with a set of thorough notes which include discussion points when working through it.

What is the UKRM?
The UKRM is an independent, non-profit making organisation with a Standards Board made up of mediation professionals. It allows any freelance mediators or in-house services to apply for “Registered Mediator” status. Any prospective employer, solicitor or organisation seeking an external mediator, will be able to see that they have met an externally validated set of standards and can prove that they are competent and safe mediators.