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

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

• Understand the causes and the nature of conflict at work – recognizing the symptoms and expressions of dysfunctional conflict along with its underlying causes and effects.
• Transform dysfunctional and destructive conflict into functional and co-operative dialog.
• Compare and contrast the various conflict management strategies available to organizations 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.
• Recognize 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.
• Recognize 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 dialog.
• Enhance parties communication skills and develop core competencies in active listening, including the use of questioning, reframing, funneling, mirroring and summarizing.
• 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.

Numerous learning and teaching methods are used during the course and participants develop their knowledge through group discussions, case studies and participation in role-plays.

Peer-based evaluation and learning feature heavily throughout the course and this is supported by the course facilitator’s extensive and detailed assessment of learner’s progress. Independent learning and reflection, which takes place outside course hours, will also be assessed.

Participants gain expertise in mediation, negotiation, problem-solving and facilitation whilst developing the skills and competencies to work as mediators within their own organizations 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 refresher training or webinar for all delegates after 3-6 months
• 50% off their first year’s membership to The Institute of Organisational Dynamics, an exclusive think-tank for the people and culture profession.

Essentials of Mediation™ is assessed by the completion of a portfolio, equivalent to 30 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 organization regulated by Ofqual and the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA). Delegates will also receive the TCM Accredited Mediator status.