We offer a quality training course in Mediation Skills developed by Mediation UK and accredited through the National Open College Network.

The training is designed to enable participants to become practising mediators in the community (if all four units are undertaken) but units 1,2 & 3 will provide vital skills to people dealing with disputes at work, particularly personnel or welfare officers, those dealing with customer care, school staff, youth workers and many others.

UNIT ONE

Interpersonal Communication within the Mediation Process

UNIT TWO

Initial meeting with mediation clients

UNIT THREE

Mediation session between parties (face to face)

UNIT FOUR

Learning development and practice within the Mediation service

Units 1,2 and 3 are suitable for all those wishing to use mediation skills within their work practice.

Unit 4 is only available to those wishing to become practising Mediators within a recognised mediation service.

Units 1,2 & 3 cannot be taken separately and must be taken in order. Unit 4 can only be taken after completion of units 1,2 & 3 and while working within a mediation service.

Units 1,2 and 3 will usually be offered in 12 six hour sessions, one day per week.

The course itself is offered free to anyone committing to volunteer with our service, however there is a non-refundable charge of £35 for OCN accreditation payable at the start of the course.

Those wishing to access the mediation training for personal or professional development can do so for a very reasonable £550 which includes all materials, tea and coffee, assessment, moderation and certification. Free support is also provided for learners when completing their learning outcomes.

Concession are available for voluntary organisations and community groups on request.

The training is delivered by skilled trainers who are also experienced and practising Mediators.

Small groups, no more than 16 per group. Ensuring practice opportunities and observed role plays for each participant.

Sessions are focused on specific skills, techniques processes and knowledge

Assessment for accreditation is ongoing though observations and completion of written homework

The course includes personal assessment time to support individual learning

In the final role play, non-delegates taking on the roles of disputants, to ensure appropriate challenge levels

After completing the 12 week course there will be the opportunity to co-mediate real cases with an experienced mediator.

What will the training give you?

The training will enable you to:

• Understand conflict and reactions to it
• Understand how mediation works
• Work constructively with those in conflict
• Improve interpersonal communication skills
• Maintain impartiality
• Manage the mediation process
• Support the making of realistic mediated agreements

In addition, participants will :

• Learn to recognise and manage their own prejudices and assumptions
• Understand how cultural differences affect conflict
• Be able to address power imbalance

• ‘I go home after each session feeling I have learned so much.’ (Teacher)
• ‘The course has been wonderful, there is so much more to mediation than I ever realized.’ (Housing Officer)
• ‘I now have a much better understanding of how others feel.’ (Youth Worker)
• ‘This course has affected how I deal with conflict in my own life.’ (Local Resident)
• ‘I came home at the end of the day feeling (again!) that I had learned an enormous amount. Thank you.’ (Degree Student)
• ‘What an eye opener! I won’t shy away from difficult situations the way I used to.’ (Local Resident)