Day 1: Setting the Scene

• What is mediation: The principles and practise of a mediation specifically in relation to traditional dispute resolution
• Overview of the mediation process: Learning the 5 stage mediation process 
• The Joint meeting
• Early stages of caucus (Setting the scene)
• Rapport Building

Day 2: Exploring and the Middle Stages

• Middle stages of caucus (Exploring)
• Active listening and communication skills
• Mediation Ethics

Day 3: Concluding the Mediation

• Late stages of caucus (Negotiating)
• Concluding the mediation: The types of agreements available and the benefits of each.

Day 4: Putting it all together 

• Free Practice: Taking a mediation the whole way through
• Mock Assessment
• Registering and working as a mediator
• Practical Assessment (4 day courses only): Externally assessed 

Day 5: Assessment (Only applicable to 5 day courses)

• Practical Assessment: Externally assessed

Module 1: What is mediation

• The History of Mediation: Tracing the development of mediation as a form of ADR in history and recent case law. 
• Why mediate: Looking at the benefits and dis-benefits to clients from mediation
• What is mediation: The principles and practise of a mediation specifically in relation to traditional dispute resolution
• The types of mediation: Covering the differences between faciliative, evaluative, med-arb and transformative mediation.

Module 2: The mediation process

• Overview of the mediation process: Learning the 5 stage mediation process 
• The Joint meeting
• Early stages of caucus (Setting the scene)
• Middle stages of caucus (Exploring)
• Late stages of caucus (Negotiating)
• Concluding the mediation: The types of agreements available and the benefits of each.

Module 3: Communication and practical skills

• Rapport Building: Communication skills to build trust and rapport with clients and so able us to set the scene to resolving the dispute 
• Information gathering: Communication skills to explore possible solutions to the dispute
• Managing deadlock: Techniques to aid parties move past entrenchment and psychological deadlock

Module 4: Theory of negotiation and barriers to settlement

• Theory of negotiation: and the techniques and skills used in reaching positive outcomes
• Restoring Relationships: and helping to rebuild positive working relationships between parties
• Parties view of litigation risk: and the reasons why parties may not always accurately estimate the strengths of their respective cases 
• Handling our own bias: and how we can ensure that our own views of what should happen do not impact on the parties

Module 5: Mediation ethics

• Compliance with the proceeds of crime act
• Ensuring fair procedures
• Terminating sessions: and when this is necessary
• Putting ethics into practice 

Module 6: Assessments 

• Theory Examination: Delivered as a 45 question MCQ exam

Whilst there are no formal entry requirements to study on this course we would strongly recommened the following;

• 3 A-levels grade c & above
• Undergraduate degree with a 2:2 or higher (or a currently enrolled student on an equivelent course)

There is no need to have studied law prior to enrolment on our course

There is a direct divide between mediators who work in a self-employed role providing mediation services and those who are employed as full time mediators with service providers and in firms directly such as the NHS and others.

As an employed mediator pay varies but our full time mediators salarlys start at £32,000 per annum

As a self employed mediator we have panel members who work part time receiving a similar income to that above, up to some of our members who receive in excess of £100,000 per year after tax.

Expected types of work

Mediation is a fast growing discipline. On completion you will be able to work as a civil mediator, the range of work in this field is huge. Civil mediators undertake sessions in many different settings ranging from workplace disputes to clinical negligence.

As a provider, our bread and butter is commercial disputes such as contract issues that are either in court or will be litigated in the alternative. Our work however is extensive and covers very specialised areas such as Court of Protection mediation and the SEND mediation service we provide to Local Authorities across the UK.

As a Civil and Commercial Mediator there are many potential ways to practice. Often delegates will mediate as part of their current firm, or undertake workplace mediations between colleagues. Others will join a panel, or multiple panels and secure work that way; some will go into business as a solo practitioner and many have made very good livings from this.

As with all business earnings are based on many variables such as marketing and level of work undertaken. However there is a demand for mediation currently and there are over 10,000 independent mediation sessions carried out per year outside of contracted services.

However you choose to undertake your career in mediation, you will find it an enjoyable and rewarding career. Mediation is one of the few roles where you can go home knowing that not only have you earned a decent living, but that you have made a positive difference in parties lives.

National Dispute Resolution are always here to assist at every stage of your career.