I have recently just finished training 36 people at a leading London Council into becoming mediators.
It is quite satisfying to see a number of people develop the skills which will enable them to become in-house mediators within their organisation.
The goal is simple. By the staff being trained up they will deal with a number of grievances and hopefully lead to a positive resolution and save Employment Tribunal costs.
The course was 2 days and obtains supportive feedback from delegates.
What are some of the issues the would be mediators faced?
They tend to think of solutions too soon. As a mediator you need to identify what the parties really want. The training helps the parties be patient and not impose their will on the parties.
They can appear biased in favour of one party. Mediation training encourgages delegates to avoid making value judgments.
If the rapport wiih parties fades, they need to develop the skills to identify the ways to get the mediation back on track.
They need to think carefully how they will be considered by the disputing parties. Even the most subtle detail can have an impact on the parties to a conflict such as one's apearance and how you address a party. The key is recognising this and doing something.
Justin Patten, Mediator Trainer