InterMediation

ACCREDITED CONVERSION TO WORKPLACE MEDIATION - Mediation Centre, University of Hertfordshire School of Law, Hatfield, Herts AL10 9EU

Introduction

Once confined to specialised fields, mediation is now becoming more widely known, and used in a wide range of situations. Because of this, new opportunities are arising for established mediators to apply their approach, skills and knowledge.

The aim of this conversion course is to prepare already accredited commercial/civil, family or community mediators to understand, manage and lead mediation processes in the workplace.  It uses a range of techniques and approaches to help you update and broaden your mediation model and approach so that you can feel confident to use your skills more extensively.

This course is delivered by Designs on Conflict in collaboration with Intermediation, and it is part of a comprehensive offer of courses that can be accessed through our own course calendar or provided to organisations in-house. Our courses include an accredited 6 day training in ‘Workplace Mediation and Conflict Resolution’ for new mediators, ‘Telephone mediation skills’, ’Cross Cultural mediation and conflict resolution', and 'Advanced Communication Skills’. 

As this is a conversion course, participants must have existing core knowledge of mediation. The course is therefore only available to mediators who have completed a recognised accredited programme with a mediation training provider, whether in commercial/civil, family or community mediation. It is an entry requirement to send a copy of your mediator qualification when you book your place. 

Aims and learning outcomes

By the end of the course, the participants will be able to:

·        Identify and understand the nature and causes of conflict in the workplace

·        Understand the context in which workplace conflict develops

·        Recognise the process of conflict escalation, its symptoms and the different strategies applied at different levels

·        Explore and apply key mediation principles to the workplace context

·        Compare different types of mediation models

·        Consider the relationship between power, prejudice and culture and how it affects conflict and mediation

·        Reflect on how one’s own stereotypes and prejudices might affect our ability to mediate

·        Develop self-awareness of both strengths and areas for development as a mediator

·        Lead and manage all stages of the mediation process

Open College Network (OCN) accreditation

This Conversion to Workplace Mediation course is fully accredited by the Open College Network (OCN), at Level 3 (equivalent to an Advanced Diploma) offering two units with a total of 6 credits.  Unlike some mediation training, this is not just certificated by the provider but is   formally assessed and recognised  - so you can gain a top level, nationally recognised qualification, and with it the confidence of your clients that you are competent to address their  workplace conflicts.

Course details and assessment process

The assessment process with the OCN is strict and follows specific guidelines, including internal and external verifiers of the quality of the work. Each learning outcome has specific assessment  criteria, and a summary of these will be sent to  participants one week before the beginning of the course. Assessment will include and combine written work, use of previous experience, reflective logs, practical demonstrations and group discussion, which would be equivalent to the 60 hours of learning time required to attain 6 credits.

Pre-course work:a questionnaire about your self-assessed skills and your application of mediation principles in your practice will be sent to you two weeks before the commencement of the course, and should be sent back a week before the beginning of the course at the latest.

Classroom delivery: the face-to-face part of this course is delivered over three days – one weekend and the following Saturday, so that you don’t have to take time off from work. Generally, the course will begin at 9am with tea and coffee for a 9.30am start, and will finish at 5.30pm. Your attendance to the full three days is compulsory to achieve this accreditation.

Group discussions: individual participation in the group discussions will be considered part of the assessment process.

Simulations: real-life simulations and observed skills practice will take placeduring the course, with feedback and coaching to prepare you for day threewhen formally assessed role plays will take place.

Personal study and reflection: self-reflective forms will be filled at the end of every day, and an evidence portfolio, including written assignments, will need to be gathered. Participants will have two weeks after the course is finished to finalise their portfolio.

This is a challenging course and in the event that participants do not achieve full accreditation, aFoundation Skills certificate will be awarded to those who complete all assignments and attendance requirements.  An opportunity for re-assessment may also be offered.

Trainers

The Conversion to Workplace Mediation course is delivered by professional trainers, coaches and mediators with a diverse range of experience in commercial/civil, family and community mediation to fully support you in updating and broadening your current mediation model and approach.

Participant’s numbers

The maximum number of participants is limited to 12, reflecting our commitment to top quality training. 

Fees

The fees for this course are £1395 + VAT, which include the OCN registration accreditation.

2011 and Provisional 2012 Dates

November 2011 Saturday 12^th, Sunday 13^th and Saturday 19^th November

January/February 2012 Saturday 28^th, Sunday 29^th January and Saturday 4^th February