Family Mediation
Training
• Can anyone be a family mediator?
• What does the training involve?
• How can I train to be a family mediator with Relationships Scotland?
• Is there a local family mediation service in my area?
• Are there career opportunities in family mediation?
• What other mediation training opportunities are there?
• What other training does Relationships Scotland provide?
Can anyone be a family mediator?
The local family mediation services select their trainee mediators from a wide range of individuals representing a variety of professional backgrounds. The selection criteria are based on relevant experience in work with families and aptitude for mediation, which includes personal qualities and skills.
What does the training involve?
The family mediation training provided by Relationships Scotland is a combination of self-study, participation in training events and mentored co-mediation practice. Topics covered include: mediation theory and practice, conflict management, children’s needs and the legal framework. Participants attend 8 days of training over 4 weekends before being assessed to begin a minimum of 6 hours of mediation practice under the guidance of an experienced mediator. The course takes 12 to 18 months to complete.
As the local family mediation service covers the cost of the training fees, mediators are expected to work with them for at least two years after training. .
How can I train to be a family mediator with Relationships Scotland?
Contact your local family mediation service, affiliated to Relationships Scotland. Relationships Scotland provides training for trainee family mediators who are recruited and selected by the local family mediation services and who will go on to work for these local services following training and assessment.
Is there a local family mediation service in my area?
There are local family mediation services in every region of Scotland. Please check the Find Us page to see where your nearest one is. You need to contact the service directly to find out if and when they are recruiting new mediators.
Are there career opportunities in family mediation?
There is not a large enough supply of family mediation work to provide full time employment at the moment. Family mediators mostly work on a sessional or part time basis. Some work on a voluntary basis.
What other mediation training opportunities are there?
You may be interested in neighbourhood mediation, sometimes known as community mediation. This service is provided in Scotland by SACRO. If you have a current practising certificate with the Law Society of Scotland and experience in Scottish family law you may be able to apply to CALM for training as a mediator.
What other training does Relationships Scotland provide?
Check out the other pages on our website to find out about training in child contact centre work, and relationship counselling.
Our training team can provide a range of training in mediation and related areas, such as conflict management, interpersonal skills, family systems and supervision. Relationships Scotland welcomes requests for customised training from organisations and groups.
