Introduction to Mediation
The skills and techniques of alternative dispute resolution
Overview
Mediation is now recognised as a serious and highly cost effective means of resolving a range of disputes. It is being used more and more for addressing conflicts in the workplace, within and between communities, within the public services sector, and between private individuals.
The availability of mediation services for homeless or potentially homeless people in the UK is currently patchy but is likely to increase as part of national and local initiatives to prevent homelessness.
Mediation is the most effective means of resolving disputes where:-
• Confidentiality needs to be maintained
• Costs need to be kept in check
• A rapid resolution is preferred
• Ongoing relationships are important
• A win-win resolution is required
• Negotiation is preferred to litigation
Course Content
This two-day course is an introduction to mediation, and gives a flavour of what mediation is, how it can work and where it might usefully be applied. The training will be particularly useful for people in a variety of roles whose work may require them to address and manage conflict.
Course Content Includes
• The nature of conflict and peoples responses to it
• Positions and interests
• Win-win situations
• The role of the mediator
• The difference between mediation and other forms of conflict resolution
• Remaining impartial
• What mediation can and cannot do
• The skills of active listening
• Prejudice and stereotyping in disputing behaviour
Progression Routes
While the course doesn’t provide competence to practise as a mediator it will provide a thorough grounding and introduction to the first elements of the more formal accredited mediator training and is a good starting point.