Becoming a CEDR Mediator

Applications are now closed and will reopen in 2026.

CEDR accreditation is the first step toward becoming a CEDR Panel Mediator. We're always looking for talented, CEDR-accredited mediators to join us, whether through our Mediator Development Programme for early-career practitioners or our established Mediator Panel.

This page outlines the requirements and application process to help you understand what we're looking for and how to apply during our annual review.

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Who It's For

The Mediator Development Programme is designed for CEDR-accredited mediators who are building their experience and want tailored support to develop their practice.

Requirements

To be considered for the Mediator Development Programme, you must meet these minimum requirements:

CEDR Accreditation: Successfully completed either the CEDR Commercial Mediator Skills Training or the CEDR Employment and Workplace Mediator Skills Training.
Mediation Experience: Conducted or observed at least 2 mediations and undertaken at least 6 hours of mediation-specific CPD every 12 months (Civil Mediation Council requirement).
Insurance: Professional Indemnity Insurance of at least £1M.

More information on the CEDR Mediator Development Programme can be found here.

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Requirements

To be considered for the Panel, you must meet these minimum requirements:

CEDR Accreditation: Successfully completed either the CEDR Commercial Mediator Skills Training or the CEDR Employment and Workplace Mediator Skills Training.
Mediation Experience: Conducted or observed at least 10-20 mediations (depending on type of experience) and undertaken at least 6 hours of mediation-specific CPD every 12 months (Civil Mediation Council requirement).

Insurance: Professional Indemnity Insurance of at least £1M.

Our Commitment to Diversity

It's crucial that our mediators represent the parties they serve. We're committed to developing diversity within our panel, with a goal to have our panel representative of the general population in terms of age, gender, and ethnicity. We want to ensure our clients can select from a diverse, experienced group of mediators.

Applications are now closed and will reopen in 2026.

Step 1: Submit Your Application

Apply using the form with an accompanying CV by 4 August 2025. Before applying, ensure you meet the requirements set out above for either the Mediator Development Programme or the Panel.

Step 2: Review Process

All applications are reviewed by the Mediator Development Manager and the Director of Commercial Disputes. We assess mediation experience and panel suitability based on current client needs.

Step 3: Interview Invitations

Invitations for interview are extended to a select number of successful candidates no later than 21 August 2025.

Step 4: Final Decisions

Invitations to join either the Panel or the Mediator Development Programme are extended to successful candidates no later than 6 October 2025.

Step 5: Onboarding

Accepted mediators go through an onboarding process which includes a mentored first mediation to ensure you're fully prepared for CEDR work.

Note: Applications received after 4 August 2025 will be considered for the 2026 Panel application process.

Stage 1: Intake

We review CEDR-accredited mediators, identify Panel and market needs, and meet with shortlisted candidates to understand their experience and goals.

Stage 2: Observership

The Mediator Development Manager will meet with each candidate to gauge their level of experience.

You'll need to:

Observe at least one CEDR mediation
If you have no previous mediation experience, undertake at least two other external observerships
Commit to continuous professional development, including mediation CPD hours
Establish your presence in the ADR field through active participation in the mediation community

During this stage, you'll be oriented on activities to help you establish yourself as an active member of the mediation community.

Stage 3: Early Experience

Following the observership stage, you'll engage proactively in mediations or conciliations to build your practical experience. When conducting CEDR cases, you'll be mentored and supported by experienced CEDR mediators.

This may include:

Undertaking conciliations
Participating in a monitoring programme
Conducting commercial mediations with mentorship

Stage 4: Formal Invitation

Once you've progressed through the programme, the Mediator Development Manager will report back to the Director of Commercial Disputes and the CEO. If your report is approved by the committee, you'll receive a formal invitation to join the Panel, along with a shadowing and mentoring programme and full onboarding process.

Ready to Apply?

If you're a CEDR-accredited mediator ready to take the next step in your career, we want to hear from you. Review the requirements above, prepare your application, and get ready to join a panel of mediators trusted by organisations across sectors to handle their most important disputes.

Applications reopen in 2026.

Mediation Works - Even for Complex or High-Stakes Commercial Disputes

The power of mediation isn’t just in reaching agreement, it’s in helping people feel heard, regain control, and resolve even the most difficult disputes.

These real examples show how our commercial mediation services have helped individuals and organisations avoid litigation, reputational damage, and leadership breakdown.