NFM is a unique provider of family mediation. Family mediation started in the voluntary sector almost 30 years ago. The code of practice and the specific training needs to become a family mediator were devised and developed by NFM and have since been adopted and used by other mediation providers.

A cornerstone of NFM’s success is its commitment to professional standards and delivery of professional services. Our priority is to the training of highly skilled practitioners who deliver a high quality service for the benefit of families affected by relationship breakdown.

NFM training will give you a comprehensive and inclusive set of skills and knowledge to work in this field that is unrivalled and unmatched by any other training currently on the market today.

We are the specialists in our field.

The trainers have been selected and recruited by NFM in an open recruitment process. They are practising mediators who have been carefully selected because of their significant experience, professional backgrounds, and proven track records in delivering excellent quality training.

Their backgrounds include Teaching, Managing, Legal Professions, Social Work, and others. The trainers also work as a team to ensure the training course and materials incorporate new practice developments and initiatives. In this way we are confident that the services provided are fit for purpose and focussed on client need. Two trainers are assigned to each course to ensure that you have excellent access to help and advice where you need it.

Family mediation is challenging work requiring particular personal qualities, contextual knowledge, practical experience and a range of professional skills.

Mediators come from a wide variety of backgrounds. There is a minimum entry level of education to degree or diploma or equivalent or 5 years work experience in a similar or related field.

Completing the Family Mediation Training is the first step towards becoming qualified as a Family Mediator. Mediation skills taught on the NFM training course are useful to anyone working with families, couples, parents or with any family relationship.

Some professionals use mediation training to enhance their skill sets. If, however, you wish to work as a professional family mediator, there are additional requirements.

Before becoming a recognised qualified family mediator a trainee will be required to undertake mediation practice working with a professional practice consultant and/or co-mediator in accordance with the FMC Code of Practice for family mediators.

To work with clients who qualify for public funding (legal aid), you will need to complete a portfolio, demonstrating your skills as a mediator, identifying key elements of your practice as it relates to core mediation skills. This will include providing casework material. If you are working with an NFM family mediation service, you will be expected to achieve competence assessment.

NFM Family Mediation Training requires candidates to demonstrate on application that they have a high level of intellectual critical analysis thinking and have the ability to relate theory to practice.

Candidates will need to demonstrate that they meet the “essential” criteria set out on the person specification included in the application pack. Formal qualifications and prior relevant experience are also considered with excellent literacy and numeric skills being a core essential.

By the end of the course, we will be looking for particular skills and abilities, such as the ability to address clients in a non-judgmental and respectful manner, to listen well and to help clients develop options without imposing your own views.

The course is delivered in three modules each of three days over a three/four month period with the expectation that course work is completed in the interim.

The Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Mediation

• the principles of mediation
• the stages of mediation
• how to assess suitability
• domestic abuse screening
• safeguarding (child protection) issues

Module 2: Mediating Children’s Issues

• mediating children’s issues with parents
• writing up agreements
• the legal context
• the emotional aspects of separation and divorce
• the children’s perspective
• the parents’ perspectives

Module 3: Mediating Legal and Financial Issues

• mediating finance and property matters
• relevant statutes and case law
• welfare benefits
• developing options for settlement
• preparation and presentation of financial schedules
• preparation and presentation of final documents including memorandum of understanding
• power imbalances
• working with impasse

To become a fully qualified family mediator all three modules must be completed. For candidates wishing to work only with children’s issues however, modules 1 and 2 can be completed.

The course is delivered in a range of formats, e.g. Work completed as a whole group, as individuals, in pairs, in groups etc. All elements of the training are supported by written handouts that support the self study work schedule to consolidate learning.

Presentation of the information by the trainers also uses a range of styles and techniques to aid learning. You will be expected to take part in group work with a trainer observing for the assessment procedure. These are not exam conditions they are aimed at facilitating learning and the trainer will help you if you have difficulty.

Between each module, you will be required to complete tasks and assignments, some of which will be for assessment purposes. This will include reading set articles and commenting on them, reflecting on your own values/prejudices and how they might impact upon practice and any preparatory reading needed for the next module.

Self study work is to be submitted prior to the start of the next module. Your certificate of completion will not be issued if the assignments are not completed and assessed. It is expected that assignments will take you no more than 3-4 hours self study time between each module, totalling 10-12 hours.

You will receive a Certificate of Recommendation provided you have satisfactorily completed all 3 modules (this will mean reaching the required standard when assessed) and include assessment of the self directed study units.

If you have only registered for modules 1 and 2 and reached the required standard, you will receive a Certificate of Recommendation for work with Children’s Issues. You will also receive a detailed assessment of your particular skills, strengths and areas to develop.

The assessment criteria will be explained in detail at the beginning of the course.

The aim of the course is to help you achieve certification. If you meet the entry requirements, and once engaged in the course demonstrate commitment and willingness to learn as well as completing the required self study work. It is likely you will reach the standard needed to pass the course. The trainers are there to work with you to develop your skills, identify areas you are struggling with and help you when you don’t understand something.

Becoming a good mediator takes knowledge, understanding and, above all, skill. The training programme is designed to help you and teach you the required level of skill to proceed to practice. We expect mistakes but we also expect substantial progress where we can see a trainee is improving until they meet the criteria.

We will give you constant feedback so you will know how you are progressing and any areas that may need additional attention. Your assessment document will detail in what way you did not reach the required standard for assessment and where appropriate, the options you may have in order to improve.

There will be assessment during the course through self-study work as well as assessment during observation and co-worked practice. Following training there is a readiness to practice procedure followed by competence assessment portfolio completion.

If you have completed the child only family mediation training with an approved body of the FMC, you might want to add the financial element to your skills and would only need to pass module 3. If you wish to work on legally aided cases, you would also need to upgrade your level of recognition.

Your experience is always valuable. We often have new trainees coming to us from related fields and they bring knowledge and skills which we encourage them to use and share. If, however, you are looking for the NFM certificate to say you have passed the required standard to work as a mediator, you will need to complete the full Family Mediation Training course. You may choose to do Modules 1 and 2 or to do all 3 depending on whether you plan to work with children or to include finance and property too.

Because NFM is offering you a set minimum standard, this requires assessment of your skills and knowledge and provided you meet the standard, you will pass the course. This standard is accepted by the Family Mediation Council and by the Legal Services Commission and will enable you to progress in the field.

It is not practical to review all other training offered worldwide to make exceptions.

Whilst undertaking the training it is not a requirement to engage the services of a PPC as the course is assessed on your participation and completion to a satisfactory standard the self study units by the trainers.

If you are planning to become a qualified mediator after successful completion of the course, you will need a PPC to supervise your practice and casework to help you progress towards accredited mediator status.

Once in practice there are standard requirements for the number of hours of supervision you are required to undertake including continuing professional development points required each year. If you are attached to a mediation service, a PPC will be appointed.

Please talk to your service about any supervision you will receive. If you are not attached to a service, you can approach a PPC and enter into a contract with them separately. An information pack is available for your PPC. Please contact us once you have engaged a PPC.

The total cost for all nine days is £2000.

If you decide to register for modules 1 and 2 only, the cost is £1,500 and for just one module (e.g. as a refresher course or for previously trained child only mediators) it is £750.

Mediation training is accessible to people of different backgrounds and socio-economic groups in order to reflect our client group. As a registered charity, our pricing structure is designed to cover our costs whilst providing the best skills and knowledge base from which to develop a career as a mediator.

Our courses are delivered three times each year.

Typical locations are: London, Birmingham and York.

If you have any further queries, please contact us