University Mediation Education

Why ADR Group and Mediation?

ADR Group is the oldest provider of mediation services and training in Europe and has an active panel of 300 mediators across the United Kingdom. This programme draws on their enormous depth of knowledge and experience to bring you the best in mediation education.  ADR Group’s educational programmes are practically orientated and focussed on equipping you with the skills you need to perform well at mediation - either as a representative or as a mediator – and leads to ADR Group Accredited Mediator Status.

Mediation is one of the fastest growing areas of legal practise.  Nearly every major law firm and most smaller ones have opened specialist mediation divisions to reflect the fact that mediation has become the preferred mechanism for settling civil, business, workplace and employment disputes in the UK, the Commonwealth and internationally.

Clients are increasingly conscious of the cost benefits of mediation and expect their lawyers to offer it as a viable alternative to traditional litigation. Law firms are actively recruiting people who can offer mediation and mediation advocacy skills.

How does the educational programme work?

The educational programmes are skills based and intensely practical with over 70% of your time spent in hands-on observed mediation sessions.  The programme is presented by highly experienced tutors and mediation practitioners who give comprehensive feedback and guidance throughout. 

The personal learning format provides a rich and stimulating environment with plenty of opportunities to interact with the course trainers and fellow candidates.  Case study mediation exercises, group discussions and de-briefing sessions enable you to practise the skills you have learned.  We create a thought-provoking and challenging educational environment and the tutors are available throughout the programme to discuss any aspect of the course or practical difficulties that emerge with you.

Who is the programme accredited by?

ADR Group’s educational programmes are accredited by the Solicitors’ Regulation Authority, the Law Society of England and Wales, the General Council of the Bar and the Civil Mediation Council.  The Accredited Mediator Training Programme and its overall assessment will be externally moderated by ADR Group’s Professional Standards Committee.

How is this programme assessed?
You will be assessed against skills, competencies and behavioural models in video recorded role-play mediation at the end of the programme. 
 
You will also be required to produce an assessed written assignment (which should take you between 6-8 hours) demonstrating your thorough theoretical and practical understanding of the mediation techniques you have learned.
 
This is a full professional qualification and standards are exacting.  Pass rates are usually in the 75-85% range. The course fee includes an opportunity to re-sit the assessment in a year’s time, if necessary. The second time pass rate rises typically to about 90%.

Course Feedback

“I believe my experience on the ADR Group course was directly relevant to my being offered training contracts with two top firms.”   Nikki  

“Excellent, very interesting, practical and also rewarding to be able to reach an agreement at the end of negotiations.”  Sarah

“The course ...exceeded expectations in that it was made particularly relevant to the group as future solicitors. The emphasis placed on mediation advocacy as well as mediation from the mediator’s perspective made it more relevant to the group.”  Claire

“The course was invaluable, it helped me develop my advocacy and ability to handle clients, it also had an immeasurably positive effect on my negotiating skills. The training also allows you to develop the confidence to critique the facts of a case and how to identify potential solutions to disputes.”  Nicola

“The course unquestionably exceeded my expectations. The content, structure and delivery were exceptional. In particular, the opportunity to repeatedly practice the skills being imparted ensured rapid development for all participants. Dispute Resolution is enshrined in the Civil Procedure Rules; it is a growth area and knowledge and experience of it, in the form of mediation, a great advantage. I believe it gives a lawyer an ‘x-factor’.”  Thomas