Website URL : http://www.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=2003

Certificate in Internal Workplace Mediation

Conflict at work is a costly business

It can happen in any workplace. Differences between individuals at work can lead to grievances, absences and loss of valuable employees. Mediation helps people who don't see eye to eye to sort out their differences as quickly as possible and so minimise distress and cost. That's why many organisations are setting up their own mediation schemes and training their employees to mediate in workplace disputes between individuals.

Many of those organisations turn to Acas for help. Our specialist advisers have worked with a large number of well-known customers helping them to develop mediation schemes that meet their needs and to train their employees in mediation skills.

The Certificate in Internal Workplace Mediation (CIWM) has been developed by Acas in response to this demand. It draws on that experience to provide a course we believe provides the key to successful mediating.

Course content

This five-day course gives employees and managers the mediation skills and strategies they need to successfully mediate in their own workplace. It equips candidates with the skills, behaviours and knowledge needed to be an effective workplace mediator and manage the mediation process.

After completing the course they will:

understand the nature of workplace conflict
be able to identify when internal workplace mediation is appropriate
have the skills and behaviours needed to be an effective mediator
know the mediation model and the key tasks of each stage
be able to manage the mediation process effectively and confidently
know how to evaluate their own performance and that of others

Course structure

The course contains five units delivered over five days. These can be fitted in at times to suit your organisation's needs. We use two trainers, three on day five, and limit trainee numbers to 12 on each course to allow maximum individual attention. Trainees will be assessed via written and practical work to ensure they have reached the standards required to gain the certificate.

They will receive plenty of support from our expert team of trainers and assessors.

Unit 1: Understanding conflict and mediation in the workplace
Unit 2: Introducing the parties to mediation
Unit 3: Moving through the mediation process
Unit 4: Skills and strategies for managing the mediation process
Unit 5: Practicing mediation skills

The course can also be delivered in-house and tailored to your organisation's needs.

Visit our list of CIWM courses in your area

The award

The CIWM is accredited by OCR, one of the main awarding bodies in the UK. This means that you can be sure the qualification your employees gain meets a national standard and that the delivery of the course and assessment of trainees is externally verified and quality assured by OCR. This course also attracts 29 hours of accreditation for the Law Society Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme.

Please note that this course is not suitable for trainees who plan to work as freelance mediators outside of their own workplace as Acas is unable to provide the continuing professional development, support and quality control that is necessary.

Next steps

See what CIWM courses are being held in your area

For more information on the CIWM, or to discuss how Acas can help your organisation set up a mediation scheme, please contact your local Acas office. Find your local office here > Regional offices and national teams.

VAT is not payable as it is a vocational qualification. The price includes course materials, lunch and refreshments but does not include overnight accommodation or meals. You will need to arrange these separately. Contact the appropriate office for information about local hotels.

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