Key Mediation delivers Foundation Training to meet the standards and requirements of the UK College of Family Mediators and the European Family Mediation Forum

The Programme is designed to be undertaken in conjunction with practice experience with a family mediation service provider. Entry on to the Programme may be through recruitment via a local mediation service or via an individual approach to Key Mediation who may then be able to offer assistance in finding a placement. In both circumstances there is a required selection process which is designed to test the candidates' aptitude to mediation.

The programme is modular in its approach in order to allow participants the opportunity to practice and develop skills alongside participation in the taught course and to build links between theory and practice. It combines delivery of theoretical material and relevant knowledge with skills development through structured role play in a 'safe' setting. The analysis and assessment of skills and strategies begins at an early stage in the course and combines self evaluation with observation by trainers and feedback from peers. This is managed in a constructive and non threatening way in order to maximise learning.

As well as access to practice opportunities participants are required to have an approved Professional Practice Consultant who will work with them and offer supervisory support. This, together with the support offered by Key Mediation in structured feedback meetings during and after the Programme, ensures that trainees are able to make their learning experience as effective as possible. The feedback meetings are a tri-partite contact between the trainer, trainee and practice consultant. They give the opportunity to monitor progress, pick up any difficulties, identify targets and take feedback the quality of training. They also assist in the identification of next steps towards Assessment as a Competent Mediator after the initial training is complete.

Key Mediation is committed to delivering quality training which is thorough and well prepared, up to date, responsive to trainees needs, usable and enjoyable. Our aim is to equip participants with the basic skills and knowledge to become effective mediators who can work within the requirements of the UK College of Family Mediators and the Mediation Quality Mark. We believe in the delivery of training using a range of methods in order to accommodate different learning styles. The training will include specialist input; experiential training through simulated exercise and demonstration; audio-visual material; reading and written work. 

Key Mediation adopts an inclusive approach to those wish to access mediation training and this is reflected in the delivery of training, as well as in the content Throughout the course participants are encouraged to adopt a similar person centred approach in their work as mediators.