The Interpersonal Mediation Practitioner's Certificate | In-House Mediator Qualification

Train your groups and teams with our in-house mediation qualification.

Train your delegates as mediators with the Interpersonal Mediation Practitioner’s Certificate (IMPC), the market-leading 40-hour professional mediator qualification.

One reason for the popularity of the course is that all of our trainers are themselves practising mediators, who pass on their mediation skills through a number of exercises, lectures, group discussions, lively dispute simulations and real case studies. We emphasise learning-by-doing in order to build up your delegates’ competence and confidence as mediators.

Our qualification sits at Level 4 on Ofqual’s ‘Register of Regulated Qualifications’, alongside A Levels and Degrees, and is the highest level of mediator training currently available. The course is also formally recognised as a ‘Certified Mediator Training Program’ by the International Mediation Institute (IMI), meaning that your qualification is recognised worldwide and not just in the UK.

We currently have two options for how the course can be delivered:

a 5-day face-to-face course
or a 6-day blended course (3 days online + 3 days face-to-face)

About the course

The aim of this 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 your location, or in a blended format, where we can use custom-made video material, run small-group exercises, and take part in some case simulations.

What our learners say

"The training was very well prepared and tailored for our needs. The trainer was excellent in leading the group through the course in a way that built on the knowledge and skills learned, whilst continuous practice also made it tangible."

Joanna Glab European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (ECDC)

"The trainer was very experienced and had an outstanding knowledge of mediation and conflict resolution. Their input in the course was very helpful and of great value."

Patricia Maes Innovative Health Initiative (IHI)

"The level of commitment and knowledge from the trainer has, not only made the experience enjoyable, but has provided me with the tools needed to succeed as a mediator."

Steven Hall Northern Ireland Civil Service

"A very enjoyable course with a good mixture of theory and practical exercises, and it was great to have the opportunity to practice using role play. The trainer was very personable and knowledgeable too!"

Samantha Riley Pirelli Tyres

"The role plays were invaluable as an opportunity to practice, and I really appreciated the trainer and peer-to-peer feedback. The trainer was very knowledgeable and made us all feel really comfortable in asking questions."

Jessica Leister Leeds Building Society

"A great experience! The role plays were extremely useful and the theory coincided well with the practical work. We were able to clearly see the development throughout the week."

Nicole Brannan Well Pharmacy

"A really good training course with a great trainer who made me feel at ease and provided support and feedback throughout the course. The video clips were really helpful too."

Tania Hall Barnardo's

"The trainer was amazing and oozed confidence - they were happy to answer any questions and really took the time to break things down for us. I have learned so much that I can use in my personal life as well as my work."

Philippa Nancoo Depaul UK

"An excellent course with a fantastic trainer! The most useful aspect was the practical role play to implement the theoretical knowledge, which helped me gain confidence and a thorough understanding of mediation."

Sarah Cook British Dental Association

"The course was well structured and I found it useful to go through each stage of mediation at a time. It was also a safe environment in which to practice the wide variety of scenarios and gain feedback from others."

Yvonne Draper Health Education England

"This was the best and most intensive course I have been on for a long time. The sessions were helped by the trainer’s huge wealth of knowledge and experience as they could give actual relevant examples."

Felicity Ashworth Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust

"I really enjoyed the course. The trainer was very knowledgeable, explained things really clearly, and answered all of the group's questions. The role plays throughout the week have helped to embed the mediation process and have given me great confidence to take on mediation cases."

Marie Latreche University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust

"I found the course so useful, especially the structured role plays which embedded the process. The trainers kept the sessions upbeat and gave feedback that was beneficial. It was also great working with different people, and seeing and learning from different styles. I would highly recommend this course."

Collette McLoughlin Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

"The training was set at the right pace to accommodate everyone's training needs, and it was all very informative and useful. The trainer was supportive throughout and gave constructive feedback for development."

Jerldine Pryce Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

"A really well delivered course. The training materials were really easy to use and well laid out. The trainer had a great approach to delivering the training and was really approachable, helpful, and reassuring."

John Eames West Midlands Ambulance Service

"A very professional and well-pitched delivery that recognised the group's existing skills and experience. The case scenarios were very realistic with a balance between those that were specific to our role, as well as those that presented a challenge due to their different circumstances."

John Chambers Cumbria Constabulary

"The training has been excellent - probably the best I have ever been on. It has been such a practical experience and the skills I have gained will be so useful. Can't think of anything that I would improve."

Matthew Jones Leicestershire Police

"A truly excellent course. The trainer was very knowledgeable and created a learning environment that supported the participants to learn at their own pace. The 'role of mediator' was modelled throughout the week, which added to the experience and allowed me to pick up lots of new techniques."

Tracy Ellis University of Liverpool

"The trainer was very engaging and included some fun activities to aid our learning and understanding of mediation. The pace was just right and there was a lot of opportunities to practise our skills and prepare for the assessment. One of the best courses I've attended!"

Carol Walker Durham University

"This course was more than I ever expected! I've learnt so much about myself and people in general, which I wasn't expecting and feel like I've been given the knowledge of how to be a mediator. Facilitated excellently."

Jacqueline Hudson University of Leeds

"The course was extremely useful. It has made me consider how I resolve workplace disputes and I will use the new skills learned in future situations."

Chris Walker Teesside University

"This is one of the best training sessions I have been on in a long time. The trainer was excellent! The role playing was great for ensuring learning outcomes, the material was brilliant, and the overall facilitation was faultless!"

Stephanie Hanson Islington Council

"The training was very comprehensive, and the discussions, methods, and practice sessions were excellent. The trainer gave space to all the participants to practise, and gave positive and constructive feedback when needed."

Cristina Marquez Tower Hamlets Council

"An excellent course - I really learnt a lot and feel like I'm finishing the course understanding the process of mediation and the skills needed to be a mediator. The tutor was excellent too!"

Allison Becket Derbyshire County Council

"An amazing course! The trainer was excellent and everything was very useful. It was brilliant to learn about re-framing and how to put things in a different perspective."

Angela Unwin Newark and Sherwood District Council

"Excellent! Five stars throughout! The trainer was knowledgeable, supportive, and encouraging throughout, and the training videos were extremely useful to give a basis on how it's done. Top class!"

John Williams Places for People

"The trainer was extremely supportive throughout. The methods of training were measured and at a good pace for all to understand. We were given the opportunity to summarise and reflect on each stage and, overall, it was an excellent week."

Wendy Pickering Connexus

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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. You can contact our team here.

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 entirely 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 who have no experience with conflict resolution.

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?

This course is typically delivered over five days, face-to-face, and usually Monday-Friday, 9-5. However, we can be flexible to clients' needs and split the course into two blocks (2 + 3).

We also offer a blended version, which is naturally split into two blocks (3 days online + 3 days face-to-face).

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 on the final day of the training. 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!

Do you offer support after I become a mediator?

We do. We 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.