Mediator skills training

This is a five-day programme of comprehensive tuition in effective dispute resolution where participants are trained in the skills required for effective mediation of commercial disputes and assessed for CEDR Accreditation, internationally recognised as the standard of excellence.

The programme is offered as an 'open course' throughout the year [click here for dates] and as an 'in-company' basis subject to a minimum group of 15. We have also developed a number of partnering models to work with in-country organisations to deliver the course in other jurisdictions.

CEDR is accredited by the Civil Mediation Council and fulfils the Council’s set standards of training, CPD, and administration and is endorsed by other respected bodies.

What you will learn
Under the expert guidance of leading mediator trainers you will learn how to:

• settle disputes effectively - in days rather than months saving vital management time
• add value to commercial disputes - by finding commercial solutions to commercial problems
• manage the mediation process and facilitate advanced negotiation
• advise others on the features and uses of other effective dispute resolution techniques
• transform the way you communicate

Who should attend?
The programme provides a foundation for anyone seeking to understand mediation or practice as a mediator. The skills form part of an essential management tool-kit for:

• anyone with responsibility for resolving disputes
• managers and executives in the commercial, public and voluntary sectors
• lawyers, accountants and professional advisers
• HR managers, trainers, union representatives and policy advisers
• complaints handlers and customer services representatives
• healthcare and education professionals
• service providers wanting to develop dispute resolution systems.

Comments from previous participants have included:
"This was the most intensive and rewarding training experience I have ever participated in."

"Excellent training in mediator skills by experienced mediators who are top class trainers. Excellent course which provides active participation coupled with top experts in their field."

"The CEDR course is the Rolls Royce of mediation skills training."

"These skills should enchance people's performance in all areas of their work."

The trainers
CEDR's Training Faculty is comprised of over 30 professionals and offers a unique combination of legal and business backgrounds. All faculty members are practicing mediators with considerable experience.

Programme content
Equipping participants with a broad perspective on conflict management, the programme focuses specifically on the mediation process and the skills required. It includes:

• a review of dispute resolution methods
• a comparison of negotiation, arbitration and mediation
• instruction and practice in mediation skills including the structure and phases of mediation and the necessary communication skills
• assessment of participants' mediation skills

Days 1 and 2
By alternating the methods of demonstration and practice we take delegates through the phases of training from the first day of the course. Skills and process are looked at and tried in practical exercises. Case studies, based on actual mediations, are used throughout and participants will experience the role of mediator, adviser and mediation party.

Day 3
This is a 'practice day' of shared learning in preparation for the assessed days. The whole day is devoted to a single detailed case study and participants practise the skills required at each stage of a mediation. The training faculty coach small groups of participants through the case study and provide personal feedback. The mediation sessions are interspersed with group discussions covering the key issues faced by the mediator.

Days 4 and 5 (assessed days)
Each participant mediates one simulated case on each day. A faculty member observes each session and assesses performance against a set of competencies. Individual feedback, group learning and discussion continue alongside this assessment.

Written assignments
Each delegate is required to complete three written assignments for a deadline two weeks after the end of the course.

Two of these will be assessed:

• A written settlement agreement; this is based on the case study undertaken on day three of the course. You are welcome to use the CEDR Model Settlement Agreement as a skeleton for this assignment.
• A written self-assessment of your mediation skills; this is in relation to the strengths you bring to mediation and the areas you feel you need to work on.

The third assignment is to write a brief action plan about how you wish to take mediation forward in your career. By completing this assignment we have found that delegates are able to put their plans into action and also give CEDR the opportunity to support delegates where appropriate.

CEDR Accreditation
Accreditation is based on the assessments of Days 4 and 5. Participants must also complete a three-part written assignment within two weeks of completing the programme.

The Certificate of Accreditation is awarded to participants who demonstrate the required level of competence to achieve the status of CEDR Accredited Mediator. It is a highly challenging course, but approximately 70 per cent of participants achieve accreditation. The Foundation Course in Mediation Skills Certificate is awarded to acknowledge the participation of those who do not achieve accreditation, and an opportunity to be reassessed may be available for some participants.

CEDR Accreditation is recognised by a number of professional bodies, for example, it satisfies the Law Society's training standards for civil and commercial mediation.

Prerequisites
The Mediator Skills Training course relies heavily on interactive teaching methodology. This demands an extremely high level of competence in spoken English and English language comprehension from delegates, including the ability to understand regional accents. As the accreditation assessments are practical spoken assessments, delegates should be aware that insufficient English language capabilities can affect their chances of accreditation.

There are no other prerequisites other than a willingness to engage in shared learning through role-plays and interactive exercises. Substantive knowledge of law is not required.

Preparation
Participants will need to prepare thoroughly for this demanding programme and a minimum of 16 hours pre-reading should be anticipated. The Mediator Handbook, case studies and role-play instructions are despatched one month in advance and maximum benefit can only be achieved if all participants are familiar with these key materials.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Attendance accrues 16 hours Law Society CPD and 33 Bar Council CPD hours.

The cost
Our open courses are run in two formats. For costs for these courses go to our Mediator skills dates page.

For in-company training the cost is from £3,240 + VAT per participant although this varies according to group size and specific requirements. Please contact us for further details.

CEDR operates a Bursary Policy for these courses [please click the link to view the policy in PDF format].

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