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.
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 programme. 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 UK 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 Uk 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
Cost:
Format:
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
Real-Life Case Studies and Role-Playing Exercises
Testimonials and Success Storiess
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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!
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.