The Interpersonal Mediation Practitioner's Certificate | Mediator Training Course

About the course

The aim of this five-day course is to get you to the point of being confident and competent to practise all types of interpersonal mediation, and to get you to the point of Accredited Mediator status.

At the conclusion of the course, you will be able to:

Understand the underpinning principles of interpersonal mediation
How mediation compares with other forms of dispute resolution. Why and how mediation works: putting people and their needs at the heart of the process.
Understand how people's behaviours can impact upon conflict
What makes people behave the way they do when they are in conflict and how this will influence what we do as mediators. Getting people’s buy-in.
Understand the structure of the mediation process
The steps and stages of our structured mediation model, and the purpose and structure of each stage. What can go wrong and dealing with the unexpected.
Understand the particular role of the mediator
The mediator’s role, how this differs from other roles, and the importance of impartiality and confidentiality. Where mediation fits in with other processes.
Understand the skills required for effective mediation
You will mediate simulated cases alongside fellow learners and receive detailed feedback. Having a go at one of our specially-chosen case examples.
Reflect upon your practice and consider your own development
Your strengths and areas for improvement as mediators, and how you will specifically apply your new skills and knowledge in the future.

The Interpersonal Mediation Practitioner's Certificate covers everything you need to know to become a professional mediator.

This includes:

The psychology of conflict
What makes people behave the way they do when in conflict and how this will influence what we do as mediators.
The principles of mediation
How mediation compares with other ways of resolving disputes and how to choose what sorts of situations should be mediated. How and why mediation works.
Managing the mediation process
The steps and stages of our structured seven-stage mediation model and the purpose of each stage. Dealing with resistance, disruption, and unexpected obstacles during the mediation sessions.
Key mediation skills
Practising on simulated cases and receiving live feedback from your tutor. Learning key skills such as reframing, reflection, and active listening.
Diversity competence
Acknowledging that diversity of some sort exists among all participants and that only through acknowledgement can we achieve the best kind of resolution
Taking your practice forward
Your strengths and areas for improvement, and factoring these into a personal development plan. Conforming to best practice and adhering to UK Mediation’s Code of Conduct.

Our trainers have a wealth of practical mediation experience and are able to adapt the course content to the make-up of the particular group.

All of our courses are live interactive events run by a practising mediator who is an expert in the field.

We use a range of methods to deliver the course, including:

Custom-made video clips
Lecture and live discussion
Group exercises
Practice sessions with simulated case material
Real-life case studies

The course is delivered face-to-face at one of our training venues, where we can use custom-made video material, run small-group exercises, and take part in some case simulations.

You are assessed through both a practical on-course skills assessment, as well as a post-course written assessment following the training. You are given four weeks post-course to complete the written assessment, which we advise takes 8-12 hours of private study time.

What our learners say

"A superb course! Very good course materials provided which I will definitely use in the future. The practice sessions were a good opportunity to have a go at the skills learnt and to receive personalised feedback."

Drue Hammond McDonalds

"I really enjoyed the course. It was a safe place for practice which brought the mediation theory to life. Pace and balance of teaching and practice were perfect for me too."

Debby Hyde Mars Incorporated

"Very good, I can't wait to get started! I will use the skills throughout the rest of my role at work."

Jane Thrale John Lewis

"A really positive learning experience supported by a great trainer!"

Jana Sparks Network Rail

"I found the case simulations really useful as they helped me to understand how to adapt my behaviour in various conflict situations. The trainer was excellent too!"

Nicola Porter Nuffield Health

"I found the course to be challenging and intensive in a very positive way. Each roleplay session offered a unique and different opportunity for learning - thank you!"

Maureen Tallis Baxi Heating

"A really informative course with lots of great practical tips. All delivered by a tutor who kept me engaged throughout - thanks!"

Craig Puncher Royal Albert Hall

"There was a very good mix of theory and practical work too, with the role plays being particularly useful. Overall, the whole learning experience was both enjoyable and beneficial!"

Carys Parry The Conservative Party

"Great training course. The materials, tone, and pace were all really good. Consideration was given to different learning styles and abilities and I feel very grateful to have experienced this course."

Rebecca Baker Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs

"A very well-paced course. The role play enabled me to put the theory into practice, which was fun and an excellent way for me to learn. The instructor was very patient and articulate too."

Shelley Smith The Royal Navy

"The content was excellent and the one-to-one interface with the trainer was great. The best parts were the numerous roleplay scenarios that gave me valuable hand-on experience."

Roseann Mucheru United Nations

"The trainer was extremely knowledgeable and they used some very effective teaching methods to enable our learning. Very consistent training and support was also always available if needed."

Rabea Soofi Organisation for Security & Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)

"The trainer had an excellent presentation style - they were supportive, inclusive, and encouraged self-reflection. I feel that the course has equipped me to act as an interpersonal mediator."

Caroline Watts NSPCC

"The course provided great support with real-time constructive feedback. The trainer was flexible, supportive and knowledgeable, and thoroughly encouraged group participation. Thank you!"

Joanne Budden Marie Stopes International

"The best course I've ever done - thank you so much! The trainer made the learning so easy and I'm now raring to go! I can't fault their teaching style and there was nothing I didn't like about the course or how it was delivered. A very satisfied customer!"

Gifty Arthur Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

"A superb course, which exceeded my expectations. The pace of learning was perfect and I feel like the learning outcomes are now embedded in my practice."

Reneé McCulloch Great Ormond Street Hospital

"A fabulous course! The trainer was an inspiration, making the course enjoyable, thought provoking, and relevant. An overall enjoyable experience and I have gained great knowledge and skills."

Sara Wood University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust

"The trainer was fantastic - clearly an expert and also so kind and supportive. It is rare to experience a course including an assessment which is so grounded in adult learning principles. It was a true learning experience."

Lydia Lofton NHS Elect

"A lovely and relaxed training programme. The trainer had sound knowledge and experience with mediation, and I now feel confident to apply the skills in my workplace."

Luke Nebbett South East Coast Ambulance Service

"The trainer was very friendly and encouraging throughout, and explained the concepts of the seven-stage process well. I thoroughly enjoyed the course and hope to use my new skills as soon as possible."

Amanda Brown Avon Fire & Rescue Service

"Very happy with the training. The course was very thorough but paced well so that you didn't feel overloaded with information. The trainer was also excellent - very knowledge, approachable, and personable."

Sarah Hollingsworth The Open University

"Brilliant - it's been a great week! The course content, trainer and venue were all great and I feel 100% confident to start to practice mediation with the skills I have learnt."

Angie Mugadza Royal Central School of Speech and Drama

"The training was very good! I feel confident to take forward the skills I have developed and would definitely recommend this course to colleagues."

Alex Hopkins Durham University

"An extremely positive learning environment. The trainer ensured that all roleplay sessions were geared to the needs of the participants and relevant."

Sharon Rice Surrey County Council

"I found the course intense but also extremely satisfying. I have learnt so much about the process and myself. The trainer was superb - incredibly professional, knowledgeable, and supportive."

Teresa Watson Tendring District Council

"An extremely interesting course. I have learnt an enormous amount, not only about mediation, but good insight into human traits and behaviours."

Martine King Sanctuary Supported Living

Book your place

Discounts

We offer a 10% discount for any ONE of the following reasons:

Charity Funded by a UK Registered Charity
NHS Funded by an NHS Trust
Group Booking 3+ learners from the same organisation

Discounts will be applied at the next step.
Discounts cannot be used in conjunction with the ELCAS scheme.

What's included

5 days of face-to-face training (Monday-Friday, 9-5)
Professional training pack
Lunch and refreshments throughout the week
Lifetime post-course support
External accreditation with AIM Qualifications
International recognition with the International Mediation Institute

Start now...

Total cost

£ + VAT

Course FAQs

We understand that you may have some queries about the course’s content, the resulting qualification, or about how the training is delivered. We’ve gathered together some of the most Frequently Asked Questions and have answered them below.

Please get in touch if you have any questions we might have missed and one of our experts will be more than happy to help.

How can I compare mediation training courses?

Investing in mediation training is something you probably only do once, and you want to get it right. Therefore, you need to make sure that the training provider is externally-accredited, has some form of quality assurance in place, and that they offer progression routes.

Our IMPC course is externally accredited by AIM Qualifications, is formally recognised by the International Mediation Institute (IMI), and has achieved the highest level of quality assurance on the market (the ISO-9001). We also offer a range of additional training options for those who are trained mediators.

Is the course affiliated with a professional body?

The course is formally recognised as a Certified Mediator Training Program (CMTP) by the International Mediation Institute (IMI), an organisation that aligns closely with our aims and professional ethos.

For our learners, this means that they have the choice to become ‘IMI Qualified Mediators’ upon successful completion of their training. Their qualification is therefore recognised globally and not just in the UK.

Why can't this course be done online?

First, you need the live observation and feedback from the tutor – a practising mediator – in order to develop your skills to the required level. Secondly, the accreditation requires that you demonstrate your skills and competence to the tutor, and third, we believe that interactional skills need to be taught and developed face-to-face.

Are there any prerequisites to attending the course?

No. We welcome a wide variety of delegates on to the course, ranging from those who are experienced in mediation but who don’t have the formal qualification, all the way through to those undergoing a complete career change.

Our training takes you right from the very start – the psychology behind why we get into conflict – and our trainers are experts in getting groups on to the same page.

What are the timings and duration of the course?

All of our accredited courses run from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Delegates must attend for all 40 hours in order to achieve the qualification, as outlined by AIM Qualifications.

How is the course assessed?

Learners are assessed through both a practical skills assessment and a post-course written assessment.

The practical assessment takes place towards the end of the week. The trainer will observe your newfound mediation skills in a role play scenario and provide live feedback if required.

The written assessment is then sent to you once you have completed the training. This takes the form of four essay-style questions, covering topics from the course and inviting you to come up with your own personal development plan. Each answer must be a minimum of 1,000 words (4,000 words in total) and we provide four weeks for you to complete the assessment. We advise that it typically takes 8-12 hours of private study time.

Learners must complete both assessments to the required standard in order to achieve the qualification.

Will I be a qualified mediator after completing the course?

Absolutely! Our qualifications set the standard in mediation training!

You will be an Accredited Mediator, holding a highly-regarded Level Four qualification, which is externally accredited by AIM Qualifications and quality assured by The British Assessment Bureau. You will be ready to go straight out and start getting your first mediation cases!

What kinds of mediation will I be able to practise?

This course will qualify you to be able to mediate all types of interpersonal disputes: workplace, neighbourhood, tenancy, family relationship, medical, and complaint cases.

The course does not cover couple separation or commercial disputes as these both require some degree of legal knowledge. And as we are not trained lawyers, we try to stay away from these areas!

Will I go on to a register or panel after I complete the course?

Thanks to our partnership with the International Mediation Institute (IMI), you will have the option to be put on to a register of ‘IMI Qualified Mediators’. This will be at a cost of €75 per year, paid for by the learner.

This membership will give you access to tools for your professional development, as well as giving you a way to verify the standard and quality of your completed training. Your listing will also give visitors to the IMI website a way to search for and contact you directly.

Do you offer support after I become a mediator?

We do. And, while we can’t go out and find cases for you, we do have a dedicated team who are on-hand and ready to provide advice and support as and when you need it.

Once you are qualified, we also provide access to the IMPC Learner Zone, an exclusive members-only area of our website. Here, you will be able to revisit training materials from your course, download all of the forms and templates that you will need for your practice, and log requests for support.