Mediator Academy

How to Choose a Mediation Training
‍in the UK

Choosing a mediation training programme in the UK can be a bit like choosing a financial advisor. It’s a significant and important decision to get right because it could make a difference years from now. Finding impartial information about different options available is also not that easy.

Apart from buying a home, the second biggest investment anyone will make in their lifetime is education.

The vast majority of good quality classroom-based mediation training is pretty expensive, and you won’t get much change out of £5,000 once you add up all the additional travel, hotel and other associated costs.

So in this article I'll set out the key criteria you should have at the front of your mind when choosing an organisation for your mediator skills training so that you can make an informed decision about which programme to attend. I'll also use this article to tell you a bit more about the different programmes that we offer and how we distinguish ourselves from other education providers.

If you'd like to discover whether you've got the skills, experience and mindset to make it as a mediator then download our Mediation Training EBook and see if you'll cut it as a professional mediator.

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Not all Accredited Mediation Training is Created Equal

Mediation training providers come and go and even those that stick around offer what, on the surface, seem to be homogenous products. They'll typically advertise a 40 hour training, spread over five days with a role play assessment and some form of accreditation. Their curriculums generally cover the same content and focus largely on process and skills. What's often missing or least isn't covered in sufficient depth is the theory of conflict, dispute resolution and mediation.

Accreditation and Certification

At present, in most countries, mediation training and practice is unregulated or self-regulated. It's important therefore that you choose a course that comes with full accreditation from a recognised mediation body. By doing this means that not only will there be oversight and quality control of the course and those teaching it but it will also guarantee that your qualification will be recognised when you head out into the world to resolve disputes.

Some accredited training courses also give you access to membership of a professional body, which may give you access to panels for gaining practical work experience, professional development and other benefits.

Choosing a Training Organisation

Now let’s get more specific and look at the training providers themselves. As I mentioned earlier, mediation training courses come and go. It is important you go armed with valid information, so you get the best return on your investment. Here are five things you should look for in a training programme:

This programme brings together the best of online and face to face learning for a unique educational experience leading to the gold standard in international mediation certification.

1. Format of the Training

Times have changed. You no longer need to take a week out of your busy working life to attend a mediation training. Some now offer online and blended programmes, where a portion of the study is done online. Theory and law may be taught online but you'll need turn up in person to learn the skills required to mediate disputes and take part in the numerous exercises and role plays often incorporated into the in-person teaching.

Select a provider that has a model that works for you. Make sure you can commit to the learning time required to get the most from your training.

2. Commercial or Workplace Mediation?

It's important to consider the area you wish to practice in. For example are you interested in resolving workplace disputes and working with organisations and their employees on interpersonal conflict? Perhaps you are more interested in commercial mediation and helping businesses resolve legal and commercial disputes. There are also many other forms of mediation, so it's worth giving this some thought to ensure you pick the right training for you.

3. Experienced Faculty and Trainers

You may be surprised to learn that some mediation trainers are not practising mediators and some have never actually carried out a mediation. Equally some trainers might be very good practising mediators but have no knowledge of how to teach. Make sure your provider uses experienced practitioner-trainers, who have the real-life experience of resolving disputes and the key skills required to bring that knowledge to you in an engaging way.

4. Skill Practice and Theory

Mediation is not something you can practice according to a checklist or formula. Different circumstances require different skills and no two disputes are the same so it is crucial that you are taught the theoretical scaffolding for your practical skills. Conflict analysis, human behaviour and legal frameworks all form part of this.

5. Duration and Cost

Most courses follow a 40 hour model of training which has always been the case and accrediting bodies tend to advocate for this asa minimum requirement. Our accredited course is different, as we'll outline below. Costs can also vary quite significantly with the most expensive 40-hour training provided by the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR) costing £6,300 to the cheapest around £1,200 (for online) by a number of providers. These costs don't include any travel and accommodation on top - which can also add up.

Like most things in life you'll find that you get what you pay for.

6. Training, Guidance and Support

It is important that your skills training, and assessment preparation, is delivered with individualised, focused and supportive feedback. This is difficult to achieve in larger groups. Ideally, there should be no more than six students to every trainer / coach to enable the coach to encourage you through challenging exercises and address any concerns that might arise.

7. Appropriate Accreditation

If you go through the rigours of mediation training you want something to show for it, and a way to reassure your future clients that they will get excellent service. This is why independent accreditation is essential in the - as yet - unregulated mediation market. Be wary of training providers who offer their own accreditation. By definition, there will be no independent oversight of their procedures, practices or standards. Choose a provider that is accredited by a body that is no-for-profit and only engaged in maintaining standards. This gives security to your clients and ensures you have recourse if the training provider does not deliver on what they promise.

Why Choose Mediator Academy?

Now that you've got some idea of what a mediation training programme involves I thought I'd set out what makes our programme unique (and the best) but of course don't just take my word for it, read some of the testimonials below and remember to do your own research.

About Our Mediation Training

Our training offers several unique benefits that set us apart in the market.

The course is led by experienced practitioners who ensure that you will gain the knowledge and practical experience to give you the skills and confidence top take on your first mediation. They bring real-world insights into the classroom, enriching the learning experience with practical examples and success stories.
You'll also gain dual-accreditation as our programmes have been approved by the International Mediation Institute (IMI) and also the Civil Mediation Council (CMC).
You'll learn the theory that underpins conflict, disputes and mediation. You'll also cultivate the key skills required of any mediator whether you end up resolving civil, commercial or workplace disputes, the skills learnt will equip you for any context.
Not only will you practice skills as you mediate disputes throughout a week long intensive course but you'll also get to study the theory and watch what happens in a dispute through our cinema-quality simulations that form part of your online curriculum. You'll study this part in your own time.

Training Details

Our Mediation Training programme is structured to provide a thorough understanding of mediation from the moment a client gets in contact with you to the moment the reach agreement, shake hands and sign the mediation settlement agreement.

Here's a detailed look at what our training entails:

Duration, Cost, and Format

Duration:

The first two classes are conducted over Zoom and during these sessions you'll meet your fellow learners, the faculty and start to learn all about the pre-mediation phase of the process - which always take place over the phone or Zoom. You'll also start your online course to build the foundational knowledge you'll need to get ready for the intensive weeklong in-person workshop. The online course is split into modules to make it easy for you to study before and after the intensive workshop.

Cost:

Our programmes are competitively priced and you'll find more information about all our mediation courses alongside the latest pricing on our website.

Format:

All our accredited options combine the online with face to face learning, however if you are interested in a short introductory course before investing thousands in a an intensive training then we also provide shorter online mediation courses that provide you with a very comprehensive insight into life as a mediator and the skills and knowledge required to work in this field. All our online courses are interactive and immersive

What You Will Learn

You will learn the theory, process, practice and essential skills to become work with and resolve conflict. Some of the key concepts and skills our outlined below.

Practical skills and Theoretical Knowledge

When you learn mediation you will learn advanced communication techniques. You'll learn active listening, how to draw out important information that the parties themselves may be unaware of. You'll learn negotiation skills and techniques and how to assist parties to overcome deadlock. You'll learn how to handle strong emotional reactions and how to empathise with parties that are struggling to move forward in the process. You'll learn all about confidentiality and what it means to be impartial. You'll also develop a deeper understanding of what drives parties into conflict in the first place and why they get stuck.

Real-Life Case Studies and Role-Playing Exercises

To ensure you are well-prepared for real-world mediation scenarios, our training includes numerous case studies and role-playing exercises. These practical components allow you to apply what you've learned in a safe environment, where you'll be supported and coached by experienced mediators. This is often one of the best parts of the training because you'll be mediating real disputes.

Testimonials and Success Storiess

To ensure you are well-prepared for real-world mediation scenarios, our training includes numerous case studies and role-playing exercises. These practical components allow you to apply what you've learned in a controlled environment, gaining valuable experience that will be directly applicable in your professional practice.

"I found the course really tough but extremely rewarding and beneficial for my role in the Bank. Apart from becoming an IMI accredited mediator, which was really important to me, I got really helpful insights into my verbal and non-verbal communication style which are already making an impact at work.
I would highly recommend this course not just for people who want to pursue a career in mediation but for anyone who works in HR."

- David Coleman

Head of Group Industrial Relations

Bank of Ireland

"After 30 years as an attorney it was high time I moved from the adversarial process and, given my international experience, I felt opening myself to the EU, through Ireland, would be a nice career balance. The course included an intensive, and in-person, expertly guided workshop in Dublin. The instructors were top-tier, the expectations high and my classmates proved to be as smart as they were convivial. In sum, the experience has been everything I hoped it would be.."

- Richard Newton

Employment Attorney

Southeast U.S.

"From beginning to end, the commercial mediation training was meticulously planned by the training faculty, ensuring a comprehensive learning journey. The in-person training was challenging and engaging and I wholeheartedly recommend this course. Meeting Michael Peart at the end was very inspiring. "

- Janice Irvine

HR & Mediation Practitioner

Leaning In

"It was achievable, this is a course you can actually do and finish it. The training was absolutely first class."

- Peter Lennon

Litigation & Dispute Resolution Partner

RDJ

"I would highly recommend this programme to anyone looking to developing a practice not only as a mediator but as a practitioner advising parties who are attending mediation. It gives you a real insight into the process and what the people around the mediation table are thinking. ."

- Deirdre Ní Fhloinn PhD

Barrister

Bar of Ireland

"Having had some experience of mediation as a solicitor, I wanted to find out more about the process and was interested in being able to act as a mediator. Two colleagues who are mediators banished any doubts and so I signed up. The class size was perfect and the content was interesting. A mixture of role plays with interesting case studies kept everyone involved and interested. Aled and Sabine were great teachers and brought a great energy to the room each day. As well as being educational it was great fun. I would highly recommend it to anyone who has an interest in mediation."

- Donogh McGowen

Solicitor

"I completed this course in August 2023 and I have to say that the delivery and course content was exceptional. Aled & Sabine delivered professionalism and demanded it. The days and evenings were long and challenging, punctuated with essential (and calorific) breaks. Exactly as a properly run mediation should be.
I am confident that I now have the skill set and understanding of the mediation process to take on even the most challenging of cases. If you want to be the best commercial mediator you can be then I highly recommend you study with Mediator Academy."

- June Stapleton Burke BL

Barrister

Bar of Ireland

"This course will challenge you, some of the skills you learn are counter intuitive and each day was an eye opener. Through the expert guidance of the Mediator Academy teaching faculty, you will over the course of this intensive week, develop the knowledge and skills to build the platform needed to undertake the role of commercial mediator.

This was one of the best courses I've attended."

- Larry Ennis

Mediator, Solicitor

Ennis Solicitors

"I've worked in litigation most of my professional life and I was looking for a career change. The course was seriously great. It gives you a practical insight into what you might expect in real life mediation. The course was engaging and was supplemented by theory and all backed up by top practitioners who know what they're talking about. I'd highly recommend this course."

- Marcin Szulc

Mediator, Solicitor

Principal, Rostra Solicitors

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications do you need to be a mediator in the UK?

To become a qualified mediator in the UK, you'll need to complete an accredited mediation training programme. Additional qualifications may vary depending on the specific field of mediation you wish to enter, for example if you intend to work with families, vulnerable adults or in the Special Educational Needs sector - additional credentials will be required.

Is mediation training worth it?

Yes, ask any mediator and they'll tell you how rewarding it can be to practice. Regardless of whether you end up becoming a professional mediator, many people regard mediation training as a way of learning essential skills in human interaction that will stand you well in life. As it increases in popularity more demand will come for trained professional mediators and we are already witnessing this growth in the UK.

How long does it take to train as a mediator?

Training to become a mediator usually takes about 5-days of face-to-face learning in addition to independent study of up to 30 hours. You'll also need to continue your studies as you practice because mediation requires a lot of what is called reflective practice - so you are always learning!

Are mediators in demand in the UK?

Yes, mediators are in demand in the UK across various sectors, including workplace mediation, commercial disputes, and family mediation. There have been a number of significant regulatory changes in the UK that have driven demand for skilled mediators through the roof and this will continue to grow as it becomes the default way people and companies resolve disputes.