Become A
Mediator

Become a mediator, in my last article I wrote about why I became a mediator, as I get several enquiries to join Effective Dispute Solutions mediation panel from newly qualified, veteran mediators and those wishing to enter the mediation profession prior to undertaking a qualification, I thought it might be useful to explain the main issues to consider before considering to become a mediator.

Firstly consider why you want to become a mediator, there may well be several reasons fuelling your desire, is it to add to your existing skill set whereby the mediation skills you acquire can be transferred and used in other areas of your work and or personal life?

Do you want to make a career out of being a fulltime mediator, or just want an additional income to go with the day job?

Whatever your reasons one needs to be practical, firstly not everyone is suited to being a mediator, key core skills such as being an effective communicator, listener, having patience being emphatic as well as having the ability to be independent and being able to observe confidentiality are all prerequisites.

If you possess the above skills then consider what type of mediation you wish to practice and how your previous and existing experience would assist you to undertake your preferred route.

The main types of mediation practiced today in the United Kingdom are commercial, workplace, family and community mediation, therefore to become a commercial mediator you would need to undertake a commercial mediation training course, qualification.

Several mediation services providers deliver such courses throughout the year, depending upon your budget, availability and what accreditation you wish to have on your CV will no doubt determine who you wish to undertake your mediator training through.

The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators run a very effective and internationally renowned commercial mediation training course which is scheduled to next take place in October 2014 and is actually delivered by one our own mediators Jane Walmsley, further details including costs, exact dates and the accreditation criteria can be found on the Chartered Institutes of Arbitrators website.

Finally what type of fees can you expect to charge once you qualify as a mediator? Typically mediators earn anywhere between £500 – £5,000 per mediation for one day, the fee you can charge will depend upon your experience, reputation, expertise, how long you have been mediating and type of clients you attract.