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

The Foundation Programme is 8 days in length. It covers the process and principles of mediation, and develops the skills of participants to mediate in a range of family disputes. It is therefore suitable for people wishing to train as mediators assisting people through separation and divorce, or other professionals working with families in crisis or conflict situations. The course is best undertaken where participants can access opportunities to build their experience in utilising the skills and knowledge taught on the course i.e. through a placement with a mediation provider or within conflictual situations that may regularly present themselves in their working lives.

Entry on to the Programme can be through several routes:

• As an individual via a local mediation service in the process of recruiting new mediators
• As an individual via an approach to Key Mediation who may then be able to offer assistance in finding a placement
• As an in house staff team within an organisation, recognising a need to develop their skill set around mediating family disputes

In all circumstances there is a required selection process which is designed to test the candidates' aptitude to mediation. There will also be an element of assessment within the course which tests a basic understanding of the principles and process of mediation as well as the core skills required to mediate.

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.

There is also an element of self study on this course which incorporates directed reading, reflection on the taught material and which further tests understanding gained through the taught days.

After completion of the 8 day programme, successful participants will be in a position to undertake supervised practice with a co-worker. A minimum of 10 hours must be undertaken to gain a Certificate of Completion. This is in line with the requirements of the College of Mediators and will allow people to join as Members.

The Advanced Skills Course is a 3 day programme to be completed after a period of practice. It is highly recommended that participants of the Foundation Programme go on to undertake this course, which will allow them to develop skills in more complex situations while drawing on the experience they have already gained. The third day will orientate people towards the completion of a portfolio which will allow them to be qualified as Recognised Members of the College (NB this is a requirement for those wishing to work in publicly funded separation and divorce disputes)

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. In some circumstance Key Mediation will also be able to fulfil this role for an extra charge.

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 College of 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