Train as a mediator

Family mediator foundation training programme

Why train with the Family Mediators’ Association?

The FMA are the longest established mediation training providers in the independent sector. In 2012 the FMA celebrated its 24th year. We have delivered mediation training to in excess of 2500 professionals, from legal and therapeutic professions, and are at the forefront of development and excellence in a wide range of conflict resolution training.

With such a wealth of experience, we are uniquely placed to offer the very best in family mediation training and can offer a completely updated family mediator foundation training programme – complying with Law Society and Family Mediation Council (FMC) competence standards and incorporating the Legal Service Commissions’ Preparation for Practice.

Family mediation is challenging work requiring a commitment to the development of professional skills and practice, an ability to reflect upon and enter into critical analysis of performance and an ability to produce professional documents to tight timescales. Family Mediation requires personable, articulate and assertive individuals who have good listening skills and practical experience of working with individuals and couples.

Programme Objectives:

• Understanding of the theory and practice of family mediation
• Introducing conflict management strategies and family dynamics with particular emphasis on the effects of separation and divorce on both adults and children
• Introducing key skills and techniques for family mediation. Understanding of key legal, capital & finance and legislative issues for family mediation
• Developing listening, probing and evaluation skills. Incorporating non-verbal communication and developing options and addressing impasse
• Considering the influences of extended family, associates, kinship, tribes and incorporating anti-discriminatory practice and equal opportunities
• Incorporating the above to provide trainees with the skills and training they need to begin working as a professional family mediator for private clients

FMA Family Training Faculty:

All members of our Family Training Faculty are highly experienced professional mediators and leaders in the field of family mediation training.

Training is usually carried out at convenient locations across the country. The course can also be delivered on an in-house basis, subject to minimum numbers.

Programme Overview:

In order to minimise time out of a busy schedule, this intensive and interactive course covers 52 hours and is set over three separate modules. Unfortunately it is not possible to select modules from different courses and you will therefore be required to be available for all of the days of the course you select.

Preparation for Practice

Trainees wishing to go on to be assessed as competent to undertake publicly funded mediation are given the opportunity to undertake an optional session during the course – Preparation for Practice – registration on this scheme entitles the trainee to immediately begin putting together their APC Practice Portfolio.

Successful completion of the course leads to a nationally recognised qualification and is a requirement of anyone wishing to offer publicly funded mediation.

Quality Standards:

This course is accredited by the Law Society of England and Wales, the Bar Council and Family Mediation Council and has been designed to comply with the proposed European standards on mediation.

Continuing Professional Development:

This course carries 52 CPD hours