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Mediation is a confidential and flexible process in which a neutral third party, called the mediator, facilitates discussions between two parties to a dispute to assist then in reaching an agreement that works for them both. The mediator does not make decisions or give advice, but brings a range of skills and life experience to the table.
Mediation is a popular option for resolving a range of disputes. Commercial mediation is used by business owners, companies and organisations, workplace mediation by employees and employers in employment disputes.
Family mediation is an increasingly popular option for couples when the family relationship breaks down. The main difference between practice as a mediator and other roles within the legal system is that the mediator does not give legal advice, or evaluate the parties arguments. They do not impose a decision or tell the parties what to do. They will facilitate the negotiations and support the parties in reaching their own agreements.
In order to be a mediator, you must undertake a specialised training course and assessment to demonstrate that you have the ability to manage the mediation process and mediate a range of different situations. There are also some basic educational requirements which are pre-requisites to a training programme which vary depending on the training provider and accreditation. Some organisations, for example, may require a university degree.
A good mediator will have a range of different skills, including active listening skills, empathy, communication skills, knowledge of conflict resolution, a basic knowledge of legal procedures and, ideally, some life experience.
Training programmes are not regulated by the State in the UK, so there are a number of different accrediting bodies that have different accreditation and registration requirements. Mediation courses can be conducted in-person or online, and range from 4-5 days to much longer, if the training forms part of a broader programme like a university degree.
Mediator Academy offers a range of mediation courses, in-person and online. Our dedicated team make learning the skills required fun, and ensure that participants leave with a solid knowledge base and excellent skills. With Mediator Academy you can become a certified mediator via our shorter, blended courses, or get a Masters in Law in Dispute resolution.
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To become certified, one must complete an accredited training course. A range of different providers are accredited by different bodies to provide the training and assessment. This training is experiential and features role play and other exercises to practice key skills like excellent communication, managing conflict, negotiation skills and listening skills.
Participants will then have to pass the necessary assessments, usually a written and a practice assessment, and ideally gain practical experience through supervised mediations with an experienced mediator. Certification ensures mediators meet professional standards set by the relevant bodies, and that they are recognised by employers and clients.
There are different certifying bodies for different types of mediators. The Civil Mediation Council (CMC) has oversight of practising mediators working in civil and commercial disputes. Once a mediator has passed their assessment, they can join the CMC and gain CMC registered status. If someone is a family mediator, they can register with the Family Mediation Council.
There are a range of career opportunities for qualified mediators. These can be in organisations, both private and government, or in independent practice. In the UK, mediators can also work in Chambers, which can make sourcing work easier. Once you have completed your training programme and registered with the relevant body, you will have the ability to apply for mediation jobs, or start your own services.
As mediation expands in the UK, organisations like government departments and large public bodies more often employ mediators or retain a list of registered mediators.
Qualified mediators can work in various settings, including in commercial disputes, workplace, family, and community mediation. They may be employed by law firms, corporations, government agencies, or work as independent practitioners. They may also use their skills in other professional settings such as human resource management or social work, for example. Not everyone who does a mediation course ends up working only as a mediator, they may also provide these services in other contexts and jobs.
In the UK, mediators have strong job prospects, with potential salaries varying based on experience and specialisation. Job stability is enhanced by the growing recognition of mediation as a cost-effective alternative to litigation. As it is likely that mediation will continue to develop rapidly, more opportunities will become available in the future in a range of different services.
Those with a law degree are well suited to mediation as they bring an understanding of the legal system and the legal framework around dispute resolution. Law graduates can pursue specialised mediation training, both as a distinct career path, and as continuing professional development to enhance their legal practice.
Law graduates who wish to deepen their knowledge of the mediation process and skills also have the option of undertaking postgraduate studies, which will usually include the theory and practice of mediation plus skills training.
Non-law graduates can also pursue mediation by leveraging skills from other fields such as business, healthcare, social work, or human resources. Many people from different professional backgrounds take on mediation as a second career.
The experience and knowledge that people from non-law professions bring to mediation can be extremely useful. People who work in the social work and social care area, for example, will have active listening skills from their original training, and be used to the interpersonal nature of the work involved. The skills they learn can support their existing work, or lead to new avenues.
The most important advice for aspiring mediators is to select the best course for them, which focuses on the area they wish to work in and puts an emphasis on practical teaching, which will give them the chance to develop their skills. After that, if they wish to provide services independently, it is important to network and connect with as many different people as possible, including other mediators.
Many people take on mediation as a second career, so might have some established professional networks which they can draw on.
Here's a video with one of the UK's most experienced mediator, listen to Bill Wood KC as he describes the role of the mediator.
It is also important to be aware that if you want to practice as a family mediator, there is additional training that has to be done beyond the initial course. These courses include learning how to support couples and children going through separation, drafting family agreements and learning how to establish trust in what is often a high-conflict environment.
In the UK, the daily work of a mediator can look very different depending on the sector in which the mediator is working. An accredited family mediator, for example, will work with couples and often their children, and might have on ongoing relationship with their clients as they work out the terms of their divorce.
A commercial mediation, on the other hand, may only have a few mediation sessions with the parties, but these might go on into the evening until agreement is reached. It is also possible that an accredited mediator will work with other mediators in a co-mediation arrangement.
Mediator Academy have a range of courses available to choose from, so whether you are a complete novice and want to get a general introduction to mediation or perhaps you're already qualified and want to deepen your expertise by taking a Masters programme, look no further.
For a full list of Mediator Academy's mediation courses visit the website for the latest courses in your area.
On conclusion, to become an accredited mediator in the UK, you should first take a foundation course to gain essential mediation skills. You can then progress to full accreditation by undertaking an interactive, role play-based course and do an assessment which will enable you to join a professional association like the CMC. Depending on what area you want to practice in, you may also need to take another, more specialised course, in family mediation for example.
It is also a great idea to connect with different mediation services to see if you can get some time shadowing one of their members and see them manage the process and use their skills in real mediation sessions.
It is important to find the best course for you, with an active and dynamic approach to teaching and the required level of hours. The skills learnt in training will be invaluable for you even outside a mediation career, and the training course will help you make new connections and grow your network.
Training in mediation will offer you a wide range of opportunities, whether that is in your existing career or starting a new journey. With the support of the right training team and a course that is right for you, you will be able to make the best of the ever growing range of opportunities that are emerging in this exciting field.
Take the First Step to a Rewarding Mediation Career – Enrol Today
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