This opening module introduces the foundations of mediation and places the mediator’s role in context. Learners will explore why disputes arise, what mediation is, how it differs from other forms of dispute resolution, and how mediation has developed over time. The module also introduces key legal principles and case law relevant to mediation practice, helping learners understand both the practical and professional framework within which mediators operate.
The Mediator’s Toolkit develops the core practical skills mediators need before they begin managing the mediation process itself. This module explores how culture, psychology, negotiation behaviour, communication styles and questioning techniques can influence both conflict and resolution. Learners will also consider the importance of preparation, ground rules and process management, giving them a practical foundation for working with parties effectively, safely and professionally.
Running the Mediation focuses on the practical stages of the mediation day. This module takes learners through opening the mediation, exploring the issues with the parties, using private sessions appropriately, maintaining confidentiality, supporting negotiation, managing deadlock and bringing the mediation towards a clear conclusion. It is designed to help learners understand how the mediator guides the process while allowing the parties to remain responsible for the outcome.
Advanced Practice and Professional Standards focuses on some of the more demanding aspects of mediation practice. This module explores the role of advocates in mediation, how mediators can manage difficult behaviours or challenging party dynamics, and the ethical standards that underpin credible and professional mediation. The module also brings the programme together by helping learners reflect on the mediator’s role, the skills developed throughout the course, and how to apply those skills with confidence, fairness and procedural discipline.
This optional module explores how artificial intelligence may affect mediation practice and how mediators can use AI safely, ethically and professionally. It considers where AI may assist with preparation, organisation, drafting, option generation and communication, while also examining the risks around confidentiality, data protection, bias, false confidence, hallucinated information, imbalance between parties and over-reliance on technology.
The module emphasises that AI may assist the mediator, but it must not become the mediator. Learners are encouraged to think critically about when AI use is appropriate, what safeguards are needed, how AI use should be disclosed or managed, and why professional judgement, impartiality, confidentiality and trust remain central to the mediation process.
This section will contain course documents and slides from each day of the course.