What is the Civil Mediation Council?

Set up in the early 2000’s, the Civil Mediation Council (CMC) was established to become a voice for both civil and commercial mediation in the United Kingdom and in 2017 the Professional Mediators Association (PMA) was incorporated into the CMC.  The PMA was set up to be a recognised body that set standards for mediation practitioners.  This included the training of mediators, their continuous professional development and provide a voice and promote mediation.  However, after the CMC was being consistently seen by government and the market in general as being the body that was representing civil, commercial and workplace mediation, it was felt that combining the two was the most appropriate thing to do.

Registration

The CMC now offers a registration scheme whereby mediators have to demonstrate their professional status and a comprehensive complaints system that provides the public with greater confidence in their selection of mediator as there is a rigorous structure in place for if things go wrong whilst also knowing that they have trained under an accredited scheme and have kept up to date through Continuous Professional Development.  The CMC also liaises with government, the Civil Justice Council, different mediation organisations, employers and other stakeholders to promote mediation as an effective means of conflict resolution and further address issues of concern within the mediation process.  It acts to keep members of the CMC abreast of developments in mediation, the mediation process and its place in the settling of arguments in a constructive, non-confrontational manner outside of the legal system.

Looking for mediators

For members of the public looking to find a mediator, the CMC offers a register of member mediators who are accredited by them and have undergone approved mediation training.  The CMC does not register mediators for family or community mediation but does register mediators for both Civil/Commercial mediation and Workplace mediation.  Civil and commercial mediators offer mediation in the areas of contracts, housing, employment, small claims, personal injury, professional negligence and any other claim that might otherwise be taken to the County, Administrative or High Court in England and Wales.  Workplace mediators mediate in areas of ongoing relationships in the workplace not employment which relates to when an employee has already left the workplace.

SEND (Special Educational Needs & Disability) Mediation

Most recently the CMC has also set up a specialist register for SEND mediation. Both the College of Mediators and the CMC have worked together to produce training and practice standards in England and Wales for Special Educational Needs and Disability.  SEND mediation can help parents, young people and local authorities to reach agreements regarding young peoples with special educational needs and disabilities and the subsequent arrangements put into place for them.