This rigorous 5-day course is delivered by the Society of Mediators and follows the required Civil Mediation Council and CIArb-recognised 40-hour mix of practical workshops, interactive teaching and practical case studies, during which attendees take various active roles including as mediator.
27 to 31 January 2025
In person, Middle Temple
See all alternative dates and locations for mediation courses
About the course
This course is delivered by the Society of Mediators.
What the session covers
AM: practical lectures, interactive teaching and ethics
PM: demonstration, practical skills, and case studies
Homework: two hours reading, preparation, and reflective analysis
AM: practical lectures, ethics, POCA and case studies
PM: practical skills, body language, case studies
Homework: two hours reading, preparation, and reflective analysis
AM: practical lectures, fraud, violence, and case studies
PM: practical skills, contractual issues, crime, case studies
Homework: two hours reading, preparation, and reflective analysis
AM: final skills practical, assessment briefs, assessed mediations
PM: assessed mediations, examination brief, consolidation
Evening: two hours of open book course examination
AM: examination debrief, assessed mediations
PM: the next steps - working as a mediator, personal debriefs, awards
What you'll gain from the training
- The ability to safely conduct a civil and commercial mediation
- A full toolkit of mediation skills recognised internationally
- Higher-level negotiation skills, knowledge, and insights
- The opportunity to practice these skills under close coaching
- Full Foundation Training ahead of any later specialisation
- Access to long-term mentoring and ethical guidance and support
- Certification as a Society of Mediators recognised mediator
- Accreditation as a Civil Mediation Council civil and commercial mediator
- Recognition by the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators
- Recognition by the Bar Council as having passed its approved course
- Personal feedback and development advice from skilled course tutors
- 40 hours of relevant CPD
Contact us with any questions about the safety measures that have been put in place.
Prices
- Standard: £1700
- Bar Representation Fee member: £1530
This course is provided by the Society of Mediators and is VAT exempt, the above fees are the final cost.
Book
Before you book
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CPD
40 hours
Assessment and examination
As this course is the pathway to accreditation and is also recognised by the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, every delegate will be assessed and examined. The open-book examination is independently marked. Barristers will also be subject to continual assessment, including a final assessment mediation undertaken by independent experienced assessors who have not taught on that course.
In the event of the required standard not being met, barristers will be invited back for further work and assessment at no additional cost. Generally, at least 90% of barristers pass the course on the first occasion.
Following the training, attendees are required to consider the following final steps when becoming a CMC accredited mediator:
Mediation pupillage/observations
Before conducting their own mediations, attendees should (to obtain CMC accreditation) undertake three observations ("mediation pupillage"). This is an essential part of preparing to practise as a mediator in CMC-recognised panels or in publicly funded work.
One observation may be of a professional demonstration put on by a recognised training provider such as the Society of Mediators, Hunt ADR or the Centre for Peaceful Solutions.
The other two (or all three) observations ideally should be conducted by shadowing a qualified mediator. Barristers may also meet the requirement by attending two mediations at the invitation of one of the parties and being a 'fly on the wall' provided they observe the work of the mediator in the open (plenary) session and that party's private (caucus) sessions. Barristers do not meet the requirement when they are themselves instructed to represent that party as their focus will be on their client.
Some organisations assist with observations: the Society of Mediators will endeavour to provide its alumni with their third observation at no cost. Local community groups may also welcome trainees as assistant mediators. Details are given on the course. Some organisations provide a paid service - for example www.clerksroom.com/mediation, but generally observations are free.
Insurance
Under Bar Mutual rules, practising barrister members are automatically covered for acting as Mediators if they wish. They should declare the fact to Bar Mutual. Members who act as Mediators but do not wish to have this cover should not declare their income from such activities in the Renewal Form. Alternative insurance providers will be discussed during the training.
Registration
Please view recommendations below:
CPD
Civil Mediation Council (CMC) CPD guidance - the Bar Council offers courses in conjunction with the Society of Mediators which count towards the general CPD requirement for barristers. Other providers are available.
Policy framework and ongoing support
The Society of Mediators provides course attendees with standard mediation agreements and sample complaints, and other policies which are normal part of mediation professional work. Attendees will also be able to access a bespoke confidential helpline and email service which allows you to consult an experienced mediator in the event of difficulties or ethical challenges. You will also be introduced to the peer mentoring system designed to meet the CMC's future proposed standards.
Paperless training packs
To minimise environmental impact and the amount of paper you have to carry with you, Bar Council training packs are paperless. As a delegate you will receive the materials you need for the training by email in advance, which you can access on your laptop or tablet or print in advace if required.
Throughout the training, there will be references to various Bar Council guidance or external documents which are included as a hyperlink within the attendee workbook.
Book your place 'Foundation mediation training'