Traditionally, Essentials of Mediation has always been delivered face to face. However, we are now also able to offer this as a blended learning course which includes a mix of online training and an assessment centre. Open courses are delivered via The TCM Academy in London and we also run courses across the UK. We are also able to deliver this course onsite at your own location. This works well for groups of 6 delegates or more.

Online courses are delivered via Zoom. Our TCM trainers are dedicated to delivering engaging sessions and maximizing delegate input, maintaining the same agenda regardless of whether the training courses are conducted online or in-person. 

Essentials of Mediation™ runs over three days, and is module one of our five-day flagship National Certificate in Workplace Mediation course.

The Essentials of Mediation programme structure is set out below:

• Module 1: Introductions and objectives
• Module 2: The nature of conflict
• Module 3: Overview of mediation
• Module 4: The anatomy of a FAIR mediation
• Module 5: Securing a commitment to mediate
• Module 6: The first meeting
• Module 7: First meeting practice
• Module 8: The second meeting
• Module 9: Non-violent communication
• Module 10: Reframing
• Module 11: Second meeting practice
• Module 12: The joint meeting
• Module 13: Overcoming impasse
• Module 14: Dealing with strong emotions
• Module 15: Managing the exchange
• Module 16: Problem-solving
• Module 17: The final agreement
• Module 18: Joint meeting practice

The expert tutors at TCM help delegates to develop the following skills and strategies:

• Understand the causes and the nature of conflict at work – recognising the symptoms and expressions of dysfunctional conflict along with its underlying causes and effects.
• Transform dysfunctional and destructive conflict into functional and co-operative dialogue.
• Compare and contrast the various conflict management strategies available to organisations and understand their own personal conflict management styles.
• Understand the FAIR Mediation Model™ including its underlying principles, processes and practical applications.
• Understand the various stages of FAIR Mediation™ and demonstrate competency in managing the process in a safe and controlled manner.
• Understand the standards of practice which mediators must adhere to before, during and after mediation.
• Recognise and develop strategies for overcoming impasse and potential blocks and barriers to the mediation process and be confident in securing a commitment to mediation from the parties.
• Recognise the role and value of positive psychology, emotional intelligence and principled negation within the FAIR Mediation Process.
• Consider the relationship between conflict, power, prejudice and discrimination; define the role of the mediator in developing a fair and safe environment for positive dialogue.
• Enhance parties communication skills and develop core competencies in active listening, including the use of questioning, reframing, funnelling, mirroring and summarising.
• Develop vital problem-solving skills and understand the importance of engaging the parties in joint problem solving to assist them to achieve a mutually acceptable resolution.
• Understand the role of the mediator in crafting the Resolution Action Plan (RAP) and understanding how to test the agreement to ensure that it will be resilient, and that the parties have the confidence to handle future challenges or issues when they arise.

TCM trainers are experts at creating a safe, empowering, and challenging training environment for both online and in-person delivery. We aim to make the environment interactive and impactful, closely aligned with the learning objectives set for each session. A range of teaching and learning methods are used throughout the course, including reflective practice, group discussions, case studies, role-plays, and practical exercises that deepen understanding and reinforce skills.

Peer-based evaluation and learning feature prominently, supported by the course facilitator’s comprehensive assessments of each learner’s progress. Independent learning and reflective activities outside of course hours are also assessed, encouraging participants to integrate what they’ve learned.

Through the program, participants build expertise in mediation, negotiation, problem-solving, and facilitation. They develop the skills and competencies necessary to work as mediators within their organisations or as external mediation consultants.

Upon completion of Essentials of Mediation™, participants will have developed a highly effective framework enabling them to work as a TCM Accredited Mediator.

TCM delivers extensive support for delegates on before, during and after the course concludes.

• Open College Network (OCN) accreditation fees.
• The unique online TCM Delegate Zone™ which includes useful toolkits, check sheets, videos, papers and other resources for delegates.
• Free copy of the Workplace Mediators Handbook™ for all delegates.
• One to one coaching for delegates during the course and once the course concludes, and support via the TCM delegate helpline as required.
• Free Refresh, Review and Reassure session for all delegates after 3-6 months
• 10% off their first year’s membership to The People and Culture Association, an exclusive think-tank for the people and culture profession.
• Lifetime aftercare and support for all delegates with TCM’s unique mediator helpline – The Mediator Helpline™.

Essentials of Mediation™ is assessed by the completion of a portfolio, equivalent to 25-31 hours of reflective study. Participants are supported to complete all aspects of the course by our expert facilitators

This course is accredited by the Open College Network (OCN) and is delivered by the UK’s top resolution experts. The OCN undertake rigorous external verification of the course to ensure it is delivered to the highest of standards. Following any feedback we receive, the course is reviewed and developed to ensure that it is relevant and applicable to today’s rapidly changing workplace. OCN London is a national qualification awarding organisation regulated by Ofqual and the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA). Delegates will also receive the TCM Accredited Mediator status.