Workplace Mediation Practitioner

This highly interactive programme, developed and delivered by the authors of 'Managing Conflict at Work', aims to provide delegates with the knowledge, techniques and skill necessary to mediate a ‘productive peace’ between two parties who are in disagreement. Successful completion qualifies delegates with an OCN/LR accredited Workplace Mediation certificate (a pre-requisite for membership of several professional mediator associations).

Mediation requires deep skills of empathy, facilitation, listening and negotiation, amongst others. Additionally, mediators must be aware of the professional boundaries and sensitive contexts in which they operate, be aware of the responsibilities they carry and the pitfalls and challenges that they may encounter, and be equipped with the knowledge to approach mediation in an appropriate manner.

To address this need, the programme covers wide-ranging topics, including:
~ Mediation principles and values
~ Contexts for mediation, causes of conflict
~ The process of mediation
~ The mediator as a communicator
~ Co-mediation
~ Stakeholder positions, interests and needs
~ A framework for approaching mediation
~ Managing the mediation process
~ Handling challenging behaviour and conversation
~ Problem solving: theory and practice
~ Mediation practice: techniques and applications
~ Recognising and diffusing sensitivities and emotion
~ Breaking impasse
~ Self-management, self-development and resilience.

The programme is aimed at anyone who intends to act as a mediator in an escalated workplace dispute. It is particularly suited to HR practitioners, coaches, facilitators, legal associates and experienced line managers.

In addition to comprehensive delegate's notes and an assessor's feedback, participants receive a copy of the recommended course text, ‘Managing Conflict at Work’, as well as a Toolset CD-ROM including a wide range of Problem Solving Techniques and Mediation Templates.

Learning approach

The course is highly interactive in approach, involving a wide mix of demonstration and syndicate exercises, including extensive reference to a range of adapted real-life case studies. Varied teaching methods are used to suit different learner styles, with formal classwork complemented with assessed activities and one-to-one feedback.

Trainers

The course is taught by highly experienced mediators and trainers, all of whom are specialists in their fields and are members of the International Conflict Management Forum (ICMF). Our facilitators include or are often supported by well known thought leaders, popular conference speakers and authors.

Courseware enhanced from the core syllabus was developed in association with Jackie Keddy/Keddy Consultants, specialist providers of coaching consultancy and training. A former Detective Chief Inspector and Senior HR Grievance Investigator and Mediator with the London Metropolitan Police, Jackie is co-author of Managing Conflict at Work and Managing Coaching at Work (both published by Kogan Page), was named ‘Person of the Year’ by readers of Coaching at Work magazine, awarded ‘Outstanding Contribution to Business’ by the Association for Coaching and led the UK’s first public sector not-for-profit organisation to achieve the EMCC’s European Quality Award.

Prerequisites for delegates

No prior knowledge or experience of mediation is needed - the course will take complete newcomers from a ‘blank page’.

Assessment requirements

The course involves candidate assessment, including a mix of written and observed role-play exercises. Alternative assessed activities are available for individuals who have particular needs that would otherwise disadvantage them from participation. The assessed tasks are designed to ensure a comprehensive grasp of the programme’s subject matter and competency to practice as a mediator.

Programme Prospectus

To view or download the programme prospectus, please click here.

Further information

To find out about our next scheduled programme or for more information, please email info@thejanuspartnership.com or call us on +44(0)20 7870 1080.